13th

13th

Year: 2016

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Ava DuVernay

CrimeDocumentary

In Ava DuVernay's gripping documentary 13th, the filmmaker lays bare the dark underbelly of America's prison system. By examining the 13th Amendment's crucial second clause, which allows for punishment through forced labor, DuVernay reveals how mass incarceration evolved from a flawed amendment to a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen 13th yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – 13th (2016)
Explore the full timeline and setting of 13th (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1865 - present

The movie spans from the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865 to contemporary times. It emphasizes how the loophole within the amendment has affected generations of marginalized individuals. Significant historical events, such as the rise of incarceration rates during Nixon's campaign for 'Law & Order,' are also explored, showcasing a timeline of systemic oppression.

Location

United States

The documentary takes place across the United States, addressing various urban settings where systemic issues and incarceration rates are notably high. The film highlights the historical significance of cities affected by Jim Crow laws and the ongoing impact of the Prison/Industrial Complex. These locations serve as a backdrop for the analysis of race and justice in America.

🇺🇸 USA 🏙️ Urban 🏞️ Historical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30

Major Themes – 13th (2016)
Explore the central themes of 13th (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a central theme of the documentary as it critiques the U.S. legal system's historical and ongoing injustices towards people of color. It reveals how the 13th Amendment has been manipulated to perpetuate forced labor and systemic oppression. The film calls for a reexamination and reconstruction of the justice system to address deep-rooted inequities.

🔗 Oppression

Oppression is vividly depicted through the historical context provided in the documentary. The film discusses how modern societal issues, including drug busts and mass incarceration, are direct descendants of past injustices like slavery and segregation. It argues that the prevailing systems of control have evolved but remain deeply entrenched.

📜 History

History plays a pivotal role in this documentary, which uses archival footage and interviews to illuminate the past injustices faced by people of color in America. The film highlights significant moments in history, from the Civil War to the present, illustrating how historical policies have shaped the contemporary landscape of racial inequality.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30