Evolution of a Criminal

Gr 9 Up—Darius Clark Monroe, filmmaker and former criminal, delves into his past to uncover how and why he, at 16, committed a crime and how it impacted him and his family. His documentary is a stark reminder that our past follows us into the future and that you can't always take back your actions. It covers many aspects of Monroe's life, from his early teenage years outside of Houston, TX, to the day that he and two friends robbed a bank, as well as his trial and sentencing. Several years later, Monroe returned to his neighborhood and interviewed his family members, close friends, and mentors. His film is a study of poverty, desperation, and repentance, and it shows the importance of believing in the future and having the courage and conviction to change. Teens who see the tearful emotion of Darius's mother and grandmother might think twice before they make such an unlawful choice. The film has dramatic footage, a gripping story, and honest, raw dialogue and will be revelatory for students already interested in law.