Incredibly moving documentary, the outrage of the family can (rightfully) be felt througout the entire film. Beautifly shot. Still, it leaves a lot to be desired and is confusing at times - the story of her brother helping the DA who got shot is someting that needed a lot more time, going more into the event(s) that led up to the killing of William etc. Some parts are just confusing - what would be different if she had told her brother of her orientation, it took me a bit to understand it was his diary she was reading (for a moment there I though it was hers). I would definitely want to see and hear more (perhaps in several episodes) about him, perhaps hear from a someone serving on the jury (if possible) etc. If the entire point of it was to humanize the vicitim and carry on the memory of him, it has been achieved. But I cannot shake the feeling that there was a lot more that could be said.

'Strong Island' clearly divides people. I don't think it's as bad as some make out, but rather a touchingly honest and reflective account of how a family unravelled in the aftermath of a tragedy. References are made to the racism of the incident and possible implications in the investigation. I don't know enough about the case, and I don't think the intention of Yance Ford was to take it apart and contest it, although there were references to flaws in the justice system. The mother's account of the covert racism in the courts was quite powerful but in my opinion didn't 'fit' with the overall message of the film.

Rather, Ford's account of her brother's killing and the events following it focuses on human-level tragedy rather than criminal justice (lack of) and social motives ... the phone scenes are jaw-dropping, actually, see the film for yourself ...