REVIEW - THE HOUSE I LIVE IN

A lesson in the form of a film. But what a worthwhile lesson! Eugene Jarecki skillfully assembles a panoply of information on America's 'War on Drugs' into a cohesive, convincing argument that is so vehement and so extensive that it lays waste to the very concept of this so-called war. This is one of those maddening examples of a case so undeniably fair, simple and sensible, and also undeniable in its plain facts, that it might erase all faith you have in politicians, or even the political system. At least the justice system. Jarecki doesn't even attempt to provide reason for the other side of the debate - there is no reason there, only thoughtless, cavalier political rhetoric and cowardice, and racism. Are these points which need to be made? Is this information not generally well-known already? Maybe, although to observe the facts laid out with precision and in full historical context is to become wholly aware of how dire the situation is, and Jarecki achieves this with an appreciation of the strength of basic filmmaking techniques. A good documentary will remind you of how powerful the medium of film can be when treated appropriately. He meanders somewhat, and it begins to feel as though the film could go on for several hours, never settling on any specific story, until Jarecki arrives at his destination - a blanket rhetoric for the opposition, disturbing, all-encompassing, prophetic. You may scoff, but would you then scoff at your own irresponsibility? Because there is no happy ending proposed here, only further, and increasing, pain.