13th

13th

Year: 2016

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Ava DuVernay

CrimeDocumentary

Ava DuVernay’s powerful documentary explores the history of racial inequality in the American justice system. Focusing on the 13th Amendment and its loophole allowing for involuntary servitude, the film examines how this legal framework has contributed to the mass incarceration of African Americans. Through historical footage and interviews, it reveals the evolution of this system and its impact on communities, exposing its complex relationship with race, politics, and profit.

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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

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Urgent documentaries exposing systemic injustice like 13th

Films that methodically expose a deeply rooted societal problem with righteous anger.Explore movies like 13th that pull back the curtain on deeply embedded societal flaws. If you were gripped by the methodical and shocking exposé of the prison system, you'll find similar powerful documentaries here tackling political corruption, environmental crises, and other forms of systemic oppression.

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Narrative Summary

Films in this thread typically present a clear, well-researched thesis, often in a linear or chronological fashion. They use a combination of historical footage, data, and expert interviews to trace the origins and evolution of a problem, culminating in a compelling argument that demands audience awareness and, often, action.

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Sobering historical analysis films with heavy emotional impact like 13th

Stories that connect past injustices to present realities with unflinching clarity.Find movies similar to 13th that trace a line from historical events to contemporary issues. If you appreciated the film's analytical journey through American history to explain mass incarceration, you'll discover other gripping stories that connect past injustices to present-day struggles with a similar sobering feel.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves tracing cause and effect across decades or centuries. These stories often use a historical lens to reframe a current problem, showing how policies, ideologies, and events from the past have directly shaped systemic inequalities and social dynamics of today. The journey is one of grim realization.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their analytical approach to history and their focus on its heavy, often tragic, legacy. They share a dark tone, a steady pace suited for processing complex information, and a high emotional intensity born from confronting the scale of historical suffering and its modern-day echoes.

Unlock the Full Story of 13th

Don't stop at just watching — explore 13th in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 13th is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

13th Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 13th, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

13th Summary

13th Timeline

Track the full timeline of 13th with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

13th Timeline

13th Spoiler-Free Summary

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13th Spoiler-Free Summary

More About 13th

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 13th: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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