When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006–2007) User Reviews

A moving requiem, not an autopsy

[Ric-7 · 9/10 · 23 August 2006]

A requiem is a service intended to express the emotions and beliefs of the survivors at the death of a loved one. A requiem is not an autopsy to determine the cause of death, and if Spike Lee intended a requiem, I think he has succeeded. Criticism that this film is not analytical and precise is actually a complaint that this was not an autopsy--but none was intended.

One day a documentary may be made which closely follows the chronology of the storm and the failure of the levees. A documentary may more closely focus on the devastation of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and the equally shameful failure of government to deal with the problem there. A documentary may be made which focuses on how daily life has changed for those of us who survived. I don't think Spike Lee intended to cover all of those points. The points he did address were very well presented.

The film is outstanding at communicating the grief, suffering and frustrations of the persons shown in the film. It is a very moving expression of emotion and belief, which is the purpose of a requiem.

I don't think the lack of government response is simply and solely attributable to racism, but that may be because I am white. In the film, that opinion was frequently expressed, but I also note that there were also some opinions expressed about the levees being intentionally dynamited. I think Spike Lee undercut the impact of his major premise by including a rumor that seems similar to the myths of Bigfoot or Elvis being alive.

I think the gross government ineptitude, inertia and political games are all well-documented, and the bottom line is that those persons who were financially able to take care of themselves fared better than those who were not--it's a matter of class and wealth, and not so much a matter of race.

In yesterday's news, it was noted that Congress earlier appropriated $17 billion to build new houses in the affected areas, and that as of this date (August 22, 2006), not a single house has been built with that money in either Louisiana or Mississippi.

Having lived the storm myself!

[johnni-dycus · 7/10 · 5 October 2006]

After seeing this movie, I feel completely betrayed by the United States government and the government of Louisiana. I am from a town right outside of New Orleans (on the Northshore of Lake Pontchatrain) and my town endured much devastation and many people lost their lives. I think that this movie is a great opportunity for Spike Lee to show everyone in the United States that Hurricane Katrina still haunts the lives that it affected 1 year ago, including myself. Many people do not understand the magnitude of this storm and until you smell it, see it in person, and live it YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND. To see the vice president fishing, and Rice shopping in New York just days after the devastation is very unwelcoming but sometimes I believe that at one point, there was nothing that could be done because this country was not ready for a hurricane like this and they never did expect it. But indeed, this movie can give a person a slim sense of what we endured. THe graphics were horrible and very graphic but they were a good touch as to visual understanding of the situation. Many rumors are still circulating about this storm but in my opinion, they will never really get to the end of it. The storm is over and there is no turning back time so pointing fingers is a waste of time. I believe the government needs to focus on the future and the rebuilding process of New Orleans and the other areas who were severely devastated. I give this movie 2 thumbs up because having witnessed the devastation first hand I believe Spike Lee did an extraordinary job to create a documentary that covers all aspects of this storm.

Levees Does Not Play the Blame Game

[nettrice · 9/10 · 22 August 2006]

Note: Please don't respond to this unless you have seen the film.

There is always an unfortunate tendency that when ever something terrible happens to try to pin the blame on someone or something. When the terrible hurricane hit the Gulf Coast it did not take long for people to start trying to find someone to blame. This is not very helpful and often those involved in the blaming have little understanding of the problems and possible solutions.

In When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts, Lee does not play the blame game. He made a film that emphasizes and expresses things as (arguably) perceived without distortion of his personal feelings, or interpretation. That is what a documentary filmmaker does and ever since Four Little Girls I have had faith in Lee's ability to do just that: show the tension between propaganda and objective truth.

Another unfortunate part of the blame game is the politicization of tragedies by individuals, groups, or organizations to gain influence, power, or take a stab at those people or groups that already opposed. Sadly it seems to have happened with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco. I think Spike Lee adeptly told this part of the tragedy, as well.

One last thing: the worst thing about the blame game is that while it sometimes makes some people feel better for a short period of time it often does more harm than good. In previous posts people have made jokes to mask their fear, or ignorance and tried to isolate various individuals or groups associated with the tragedy in New Orleans. Thankfully, Spike Lee does not do that. He keeps the film focused on the people suffering who need real help right now not blaming, joking, or grandstanding.

I give this film an A.

Spike Lee Captures Our Heartache

[khereth · 10/10 · 22 August 2006]

By far and away the best documentary on Katrina and what happened to the people of my home, New Orleans. It captures the anger, the despair, the fear, and the humanity of our country's greatest disaster. I still cry when I see my city under water. I cry even more knowing others did not receive equal assistance because of the color of their skin. I was concerned that Spike Lee would put his spin on this tragedy, but he has done the opposite. He allows citizens from all over the city, economic and racial backgrounds to tell the real story. He gives a fair and balanced perspective on how all levels of our government failed the people of New Olreans and a good portion of the Gulf Region. I only hope that Mr. Lee comes back in a few years to film another documentary, "The City New Orleanians Re-Built".

Thank you Spike and all the people at 40 Acres and a Mule for doing what had to be done - recording the real story. I see heaps of Emmys.

Native New Orleanian: see this movie!

[juleyda · 10/10 · 19 August 2006]

I saw this four-hour documentary here in the city, in an arena with about 8000 other locals (I was born and raised here and this is my first visit since Katrina). It was beautiful and had me crying from the opening montage, with the incredibly beautiful New Orleans music and Blanchard's haunting score. The point of the movie seemed to me to document the horrors and outrages that the human beings in the NOLA area had to survive (as Lee said introducing the movie, be sure you have a box of Kleenex), as well as their inimitable humor and love of life that has so far been the ONLY thing to sustain the city. In the nightmare aftermath of insurance ripoffs, government incompetence and stinginess, and frequent scorn and betrayal by other "Americans," we New Orleanians now know that we have NOBODY to rely on but ourselves and each other. And after watching this movie, I am beginning to have faith that that might actually be enough. Because we are strong, resourceful, loving, fun, proud, badass people. And to his enormous credit, Spike Lee totally gets us and has really captured the soul of the city itself: its priceless daughters and sons. All of us.

Our local rag, the Times-Picayune, published a racist and misleading review of the movie on the day it was going to be screened, basically saying it only portrayed the black experience of Katrina, whatever that means. Many white people I know didn't want to see it, based on this, which is a horrible mistake. Some of Lee's movies are provocative representations of race relations; this one IS NOT, or at least, not in that sense. Please don't fall for that--the documentary shows many different views, and of course not all "black" views are the same either, as we see, for example, in the astute critique of Condi Rice's shoe shopping jaunt. Racism is certainly an issue in discussing Katrina, but this movie doesn't endorse divisiveness at all.

I think we in the US, or at least in NOLA, ought to know better than to think that we can only relate to people who look like us. I wept for and laughed and cheered almost all the interviewees in the movie, whatever their skin color. The white women in St. Bernard and the black folks from the Lower Nine, the white guy from Uptown and the creoles from around the city. Even the rich couple from Park Island, who reminded my husband of Lovey and Thuston Howell. We are all affected by the events of Katrina, not in the same ways, but that's why this movie can help us. We can see many different Katrina stories and get a bit more sense of the scope and scale of this disaster. I grew up in Gentilly Woods so I identified most with the family in Pontchartrain Park, a few blocks north, even though I'm white and they're black. Go figure.

The bigger point is, white people need to stop freaking out about race and whether NOLA is a "chocolate city" or not, and look at the real problems: the wetlands, the federal, state, and local neglect of the levees, and the problems that preceded: education, economy, infrastructure. Those affect everyone in the city, and people outside NOLA should take heed, these are not just our problems either. This could happen to you.

You need courage to watch this documentary and not feel ill.

[giatime · 10/10 · 27 August 2006]

Let me explain this in terms everyone can understand. This is not an issue about Republican or Democrat, Left or Right. This is about justice. When a Government that is responsible for it's people turns it back on an entire State for immoral reasons someone needs to be accountable. This documentary explains in detail what happens when a government any government is not held accountable. There are no glass houses. Heed it's warning. One day it could be you floating down main street. Or burning up from global warming gone mad. This film is terrifying in the sense that it wasn't filmed in a Hollywood studio with some lame like Bruce Willis saving the day and all is well. This is real. And if you can stomach it, watch it. Invite a friend to watch it. And demand accountability from the people that are supposed to work for all of us. What does it say, when the richest country in the world lets it's most weak, sickest, poorest, young and old rot in a major city for over 7days? Watch this documentary and you answer that question yourself.

powerful, angering and a must see

[dave1606 · 10/10 · 22 August 2006]

Spike Lee's film When the Levees Broke: A Requim in Four acts is a haunting look at New Orleans during and after the devastation of Katrina. But this documentary is quick to point out that the disaster was not really from nature at all, it came directly from our own government, from the army core of engineers' poor construction of the Levees to the complete breakdown of the federal government and FEMA's lack buster response. This is not easy to watch as you see just how people's lives were devastated. It is angering, saddening, and also hopeful that New Orleans will be rebuilt and that there is progress made. I liked how it does not point blame in one direction. Everyone is at fault here though some more than others. Seeing the picture of Dick Chenney fly fishing days after the disaster and Condaliza Rice buying shoes in NYC were certainly angering but also watching the governor of Lousiana refuse help from our president are standouts. However the real star of this documentary are the people of New Orleans. They talk freely and angrily about the pain that they have gone through and show that the storm didn't end last August, its still going on there to this day. It is unbelievable to watch as these people wait 4 months and longer for FEMA trailers, and when they get them to find that there is no electricity. When asked what she could do to get electricity one woman suggests a blow-job. It just shows the complete lack of support our government gave to this state and to this city. This film will move you to tears many times and is hard to take but it is necessary to watch . It features a superb score by Terrance Blanchard whose own family was devastated by Katrina as shown on film. An excellent documentary.

I am grateful to Spike Lee!

[tlee_n_karen · 10/10 · 21 August 2006]

I am thankful that Spike Lee gave us a REAL glimpse at what REALLY happened. I was truly saddened and heartbroken that this had not been brought to light sooner, but grateful it is here to tell the true story of what really happened in the aftermath of Katrina in New Orleans. I cried through 90% of this documentary as I found it appalling how the various pieces of government failed in so many ways to help the people of New Orleans. The part that really bothered me most was when the truth was revealed about how various government bodies attempted to cover their own asses with the popular catch phrase of, "I was not informed" or "I was misinformed." Especially when they showed video clips of the various government bodies being notified days before Katrina hit. I am appalled that politics was even a thought during this crisis. I was further appalled to know that people were dying waiting for Federal Aid, whose lives could have been saved. Instead people DIED thanks to a government being too wrapped up in their own images and money to save lives.

Thank you Spike Lee for showing us the TRUTH! I cannot wait to see part 2!

Every American should see this documentary

[hbtrex · 10/10 · 23 August 2006]

Every American should see this documentary. Spike Lee has done an award winning film on the Katrina disaster. When America realizes that:the disaster was caused by the admitted poor construction of the Levees by the Army Corps of Engineers and the impact on the wetlands caused by the dredging of the outlet of the Mississippi river; and that 30 % of Americas oil and gas production comes off the Lousinana coastline, even though it is technically too far from the coast to generate direct revenue to the state of Louisiana; this disaster has Federal accountability. Whether or not the insurance companies have blame for calling the damage a result of flood, instead of the flood caused by the Hurricane (duh!), whatever is the cost of rebuilding the city should be born by the American taxpayer, or the appropriate budget reallocation. Spike Lee's documentary shows that both in human and logical terms, it's time for the American public to insist that our sister states that were damaged by Katrina be restored ASAP and both the levees and the oil/gas production be secured to a level appropriate with the risk. Thank god for the free press of our great nation.

The Truth Is Even Worse

[edalweber · 3 December 2006]

Spike Lee is certainly not correct about levees being blown,but the truth is even worse.He is certainly nearer to the truth than people who blame "the force of the hurricane".As one who rode out both Katrina and Hurricane Betsy in the same house in Gentilly,it was obvious at the time that Katrina was no worse.The lake levees,which were properly built,though exposed to the full force of the storm,came through unscathed.What collapsed and flooded the main part of the city west of the Industrial Canal were those worthless,cracker box,stage-prop "flood walls" along the drainage canals that folded up and collapsed like cheap card tables the minute the water rose.

Besides the Corps of Engineers,we can blame former Mayor "Slimy Sidney" Barthelemy"The Man Who Murdered A City".He deliberately forced out the veteran engineers of the Sewage & Water Board,so that no one would object to those worthless (but profitable) frauds.AND he had the valuable assistance of the alleged "newspaper",the Times Picayune which covered up his criminality. The incompetent stooges that Barthelemy replaced the experienced engineers with not only approved those worthless flood walls that the old engineers knew were disasters waiting to happen,but, still infesting the Sewage & Water Board to this day,insanely dredged the drainage canals in such a way as to remove what little foundations those flood walls had.The 17th St. Canal shows this graphically.This sits astride the parish line.Jefferson Parish engineers refused to allow this lunatic dredging on THEIR side of the canal, which is why only the Orleans side collapsed.A year before Katrina, people living along the drainage canals complained of salt water seeping into their yards, killing plants.To a COMPETENT,HONEST engineer this a clear sign that something was dangerously wrong with the levee foundations.But the Barthelemy "engineers" swept it under the rug,telling people that they were "imagining things".

And as for blaming those who wouldn't evacuate,If one thing was proved, it is that evacuating a city this size IS NOT PRACTICAL.New Orleans could and should have been an impregnable fortress against hurricanes.The vast bulk of the misery caused by Barthelemy's Flood was the destruction of the homes,and LIVES of the "survivors",who now have to live,or rather EXIST in this horror.The empty city was picked clean by looters despite the presence of thousands of police and National Guard,which shows that it is the PEOPLE who are the real crime deterrents.Telling people,"Get out, let the hurricane and the looters destroy your homes and businesses,and we will give you sardine can trailers to live in" is typical of the garbage we hear from the government.

The majority NOLA perspective

[shomowhite · 7/10 · 23 August 2006]

The truth is that the movie is told through the majority of those whom were affected by the breech in the levee system. The majority of those which were the poor,the underprivileged, the overworked/under-payed, the "thugs", THE BLACKS!!! No I don't think there was a bomb staged somewhere to blow up the levees. But I do know that no matter how much you try to sweep it under the rug, race and economic status had everything to do with it. People we incompetent and put if on the back burner. This would not have happened if the people most affected were of higher economic status. What about how long it took for these guys to get food, water, a roof over their heads. There is no justice in that. There is no logical explanation any of us can be given for that happening in such a "Great" and powerful country.

A powerful and emotional documentation on this nation's worst disaster

[JonTMarin816 · 10/10 · 21 August 2006]

Spike Lee has made his most powerful work yet with "When The Levees Broke". It has only been one night and two hours, but this documentary has moved me in such a way. I lived to see this on television but nothing quite put me in the middle of this disaster than this documentary. In depth interviews with the mayor, governor and citizens of New Orleans and the Ninth Ward was so stripped down and raw, I couldn't do anything but weep. This is really the first motion picture or anything of that like to make me cry. I felt like I was there and experienced it. One thing that I applaud Spike for was keeping it real. Nothing was censored, which comes to no surprise because it's on HBO, but vivid portrayals of the environment such as dead bodies or backed up sewage, were shown and even when it wasn't you felt like you could see or smell it. The frustration of the people of New Orleans pierces your heart and you could do nothing but feel for them. In two hours, "When The Leeves Broke" taught me things and gave a lot of insight on the Hurricane Katrina fiasco. I eagerly await the final two hours.

excellent through & through...until the Act IV, where it failed

[dceucalyptus · 7/10 · 22 August 2006]

I had lots of expectations for this film in many ways, with the details and weight of the issue and it being Spike Lee as the creator.

I would love to go into numerous detail about my reasoning, but at the moment, all I can say is that it failed me. (Course, isn't that an underlying theme here.)

Yes, it served the purpose of communicating the truth to the general public and letting exposure to footage and things that NEED to be seen, but there is a bigger expectation here.

It is that, what could have been communicated, wasn't.

Act IV could have been dedicated to the future and what the American people can do for New Orleans. There is still a lot left in our hearts for giving, in every part of the country.

Now, with a national broadcast of such a profound documentary, He could have used this as a vehicle to motivate everyone to help bring it back, even if it is the smallest contribution.

Act IV could have been all about speculations of how I can help, you can help, you're friends' friends can help. What WE need to be doing. But no, it was the same as all the other Acts, footage of stricken land, and maybe some jazz overlaid top of it.

I need information, I need contacts, I need a plan of action. I'm not alone when I say that I want throughout the years to come to try and struggle slowly to nurture and strenghten the soul of this city. But no, all I got is some information about what happened LAST fall, and how awful it was. Boo-Hoo, I know they are ready for action. Isn't that what part of the message was in this film. We are ready, let's do it.

BUT HOW. PLEASE TELL ME HOW. Americans ARE STILL GIVING THEIR HEARTS TO THIS MOVEMENT. Now we need a-whole-nother documentary on the plan to rebuild and what we can do. How many films can you count have come out relating to other movements we can participate in? Global Warming, etc!

It is just too bad this film failed me too, as if there wasn't enough of that running theme.

Good for what its worth

[soulofangelus · 5/10 · 28 August 2006]

Didn't hate it, didn't love it. 94% of the people affected by Katrina are in the state of MS and yet here Spike goes just like everyone else, diverting everything to New Orleans. Spike is a great Director don't get me wrong, but as usual he has an agenda.This was a great piece in itself. Don't get me wrong, it was a powerful documentary, but it didn't begin to do justice to ALL the victims of Katrina. Everyone seems to be jumping on the New Orleans bandwagon because its a large city and popular. But no one seems to want to acknowledge the large population of people who weren't just flooded out they lost everything. Entire towns wiped off the map by winds and storm surge. They are the ones struggling to get back on their feet because so much attention is being given to fixing New Orleans that they are being left in the dark. Spike, impress me. Give everyone else equal billing.

An amazing look at modern history

[dayzeeclarke · 10/10 · 22 August 2006]

Spike Lee was certainly the right person to make this documentary. The tidbits I watched unfold on the news as it was happening were horrifying enough. To see the 2-hour story, with emotional and heated commentary from diverse residents representing many communities, Mayor Nagin, the CNN Newscaster,and more was devastating! It is hard to digest the government's third-world response, as though New Orleans is some unknown town, hidden and off the map.

I've wanted to believe that I am a citizen of one of the most powerful places in the world, jointly connected to and equally as important as any other citizen in America. This documentary was all too telling that Black people are still at the back of the bus - if on the bus at all.

Thank you for bringing this all too-telling piece of modern history to the fore-front of our annals.

extraordinary depiction of extraordinary events

[mantarayinvasion · 10/10 · 10 August 2007]

This documentary is intensely powerful, all 4 parts of it - easily over 4 or 5 hours in total (I watched it all from beginning to end in one sitting and lost track of time). The purity of the depiction is very refreshing, free of the overbearingly pompous moral platitudes of someone like Michael Moore. No voice-over, just the just the voices of people involved in the disaster. Yes, it is clear what side the filmmaker is on. However, the way the film is produced is balanced, thought-provoking and insightful in such a way that one simply cannot argue with what it is saying. It is incredibly poignant, but there is no sentimentality here - there 's simply no need for it, because the tragedy is so stark and numbing in its extremity. The scale of the tragedy is too huge for any lens to capture, but this is probably the closest most outsiders could ever get to feeling the pain of the New Orleans people. It is clear this was an unprecedented event, and it really does require the depth and scope that a 4 or 5 hour examination makes possible. It is always compulsive viewing, and while the subject matter is impossibly dark, it does show some wonderful flashes of human strength and positivity that provide some hope. In short, it is a masterpiece of documentary film-making, and a very courageous project.

** spoilers and discussion below **

The first 2 parts cover the buildup to and immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It is harrowing and painful. It is incredible to see 'third-world' scenes of utter devastation and people so viciously stripped of their humanity and dignity on American soil. You will see dead bodies hideously swollen and decomposed, shell-shocked children whose last memory of their home is watching their parents die. Words honestly fail me when trying to convey the horrors depicted here. It is not easy viewing, but in a way it is our duty to watch it.

Nothing can prepare you for acts 3 and 4 that cover the longer-term aftermath. This is a mind-boggling story of an entire people, community and culture sold out and literally left to rot. Families are separated and dispersed around the country, left to fend for themselves. Work on clearing up the city doesn't even start for 6+ months after the event. On top of everything else, property developers are trying to steal citizens' bare land with the government's help (it's very profitable you see). It is a shameful indictment of the corrupt and subhuman way that the US is run. To any sane person watching, there is absolutely no doubt that the government of the US does not care about its people. For this reason alone this is probably the most important film that Spike Lee will ever make.

I am saddened by the criticism of this film in some of the reviews here. The film is clearly not only about black people, even though when a city has such a large black majority it is inevitable that race will become an issue. Wake up America, the only place in the world with such segregated communities was South Africa during apartheid. There are a lot of clearly shocked white people here, quite obviously feeling absolutely betrayed by the government and system they formerly believed in. It seems almost like the negative reviewers are hired ghouls of the government out to discredit this film and its maker.

The more cynical would say "well, what right do these people have to receive anything for free?" - I would implore these people to watch act 4. Lawful citizens who have paid years of tax and insurance, building a livelihood out of nothing with their bare hands, are told they will get nothing - theft and fraud on a grand scale. How does this fit into the American dream? How do you know that it won't happen to you tomorrow?

The most incredible thing you realise after watching this film is that somewhere along the line, life and humanity became expendable and cheaper than the paper we worship. The only thing that means anything anymore is money and power, and the only way to grow is to acquire more of it. This documentary shows how empty and destructive this philosophy actually is. I'm happy that Spike Lee still has the balls to make films like this.

The other thing you're left wondering at the end is: what more does it actually take for people to wake up and realise what is happening? What is this 'freedom' that is being sold to the world with a gun to its head?

By the way if you think I'm a typical internet anarcho-commie rebel, you could not be further from the truth. I work, pay taxes, bills, all the rest of it, just like any honest citizen. Read my other reviews, I'm not some kind of reactionary Infowars sheep. However I refuse to bury my head in the sand, and after watching this film you will also find it hard to do so. The truth is here, more vivid, brutal and real than CNN could ever be. You owe it to yourself to watch it.

thanks for telling it like it was!

[[e-mail] · 10/10 · 23 August 2006]

an excellent documentary! keep up the good work, SPIKE LEE. we need more documentaries like this. to see hurricane Katrina and it's aftermath in the eyes of the people of new Orleans was both amazing and heart-wrenching. it's makes you wonder: 'what would i do if a disaster of that caliber ever affected myself and my community. it saddened me to see the segment in which a young lady was burying her child. i had to turn the channel because it was too much for me to watch. i hope formats such as this will be a learning tool for our future generation. GOD BLESS AND HELP THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS! i also want to say thanks to CNN news for an in(and truthful) coverage of the disaster. SPIKE LEE you sure put something on my mind!

Disturbing and greatly needed

[Beddiewong · 10/10 · 4 September 2006]

When you watch this film, you are engulfed by the tragic stories and circumstances of our fellow Americans. I consider this to be the greatest tragedy our nation has known.

To lose so many Americans and actually see the water logged remains of our citizens is eerie, depressing, and horrible. I can't imagine experiencing such a sight.

I wanted to know more stories and to see more. But I felt Spike delivered a clear message--this disaster was a wake up call for Americans--we really need to become more knowledgeable about government, policies, laws, and have mandatory state regulated disaster planning. It showed us how much we depend on our government when we are in danger. And why it's important to vote and elect qualified persons to our government.

This tragedy is far from over for the survivors. They still need help and support. I can't imagine how much healing had to be put on hold in order to survive through consistent aggravation from the insurance companies, new bills and polices, FEMA mishaps, and our government's response to this crisis.

Very moving, powerful, and compassionate documentary.

Honesty

[inpencil · 10/10 · 24 August 2006]

Mr. Lee;

Thank you for the documentary we really needed it. So many of us were so misinformed. Thank You so much NOLA citizens for your honesty and courage to tell the truth and let America know that this was not just about African Americans; it was about Americans. The media was so awful; Refugees. We are American citizens. Why did we get so self centered and not allow other countries to assist us; we always run to other countries aide. Where are we right now. How many service members live in NOLA? Why no one was allowed to assist us? I am so upset and disappointed. I have been in Mortgage Banking industry over 20 yrs and the scam that the hazard insurance companies and mortgage companies are pulling is just a crock of crap. I just so sick!!!!!!! I donot want to even tell people in my travels that I am from America.

Fine film-making

[filmaker2002 · 10/10 · 29 August 2006]

I am a fan of Spike Lee's, but have been disappointed with some of his latest films. However, this film is the first documentary that truly feels real. I am from Los Angeles, and was in Iraq when Katrina destroyed New Orleans, so I never truly understood what happened in the Gulf Coast, other than that it was tragedy, and some one in our government dropped the ball. I watched When the Levees Broke in one 4 1/2 hour sitting, and I was moved from beginning to end. The first 2 hours frightened me in ways that no other film has ever come close to. For the first time, I felt like a helpless child in the hands of incompetence, and if this is what I felt like watching the travesty, then what the hurricane victims felt was beyond my comprehension. The first two acts were truly disturbing, but Lee does a fantastic job of showing the optimism of the residents of New Orleans in the final two acts. After all the chaos and uncertainty that they faced, the residents are still showing courage and determination that most would not be able to summon after such tragedies. When the film concluded, I was not sad any more, but eager: I was eager to see what great things these people would accomplish as they rebuild the land they love. When the Levees Broke is a wonderful, inspirational story about loving and losing, fear and determination, and every human emotion in between. But most importantly, it is a film about the human spirit, and the will to survive.

Pure

[rovivrus · 9 October 2007]

I cried, more than once. This is a very rare occurrence for me watching a film. Considering this was made by a "big-name" filmmaker, I was surprised to see the subtlety, honesty and roundedness.

This was the kind of documentary that rarely makes it into cinemas here (and it was released here 'theatrically'). They usually end up (like most of

the other great stuff being made) on BBC4 at midnight. It was comprehensive, beautifully structured and absolutely HUMAN.

So many documentary filmmakers are trying to be Michael Moore; why don't a few try to be more like Spike Lee?

The Soaking

[onepotato2 · 6/10 · 24 February 2008]

This is appreciated. And I'm glad Spike Lee has put viewers in contact with the horrible Katrina imagery. (I stowed my TV in storage 4 years ago to cut down on the idiocy in my life, so I missed footage of the disaster). But my rental place only had the first and the last dvds in the series. I missed the central 2 hours! But that oversight, sadly, has pointed out the shows problem; extrapolating from the two DVDs I saw, I feel pretty confident that I could guess the general tone, format and points of the missing DVD. It's not a very focused or structured series. I don't feel like I missed anything specific.

Lee chose to roll footage of the debris and inundation, which is fine. But I wish someone else (Frontline) would do an expose on who's to blame. Like everyone else, I blame the incompetent Bush and Co. as the main culprits. But Lee keeps blame (and thus any solution) very vague. He really seems to be letting Nagin off the hook here. Even after black homeless refugees cite Nagin as a problem. For any of the Sean Penn haters, Penn was there putting himself out and helping people in danger - What were you doing?

Take 4 hours of your day to watch this

[fedomj · 10/10 · 30 August 2006]

I came across the showing quite by accident; google said it was a Spike Lee movie and that was more than enough to stay in the night and watch the entire four hours. This was a very well made documentary. There was input from almost every side of the matter here, and the story told itself. I have to add that the music at the end of Act II was a somber, pointed injection of emotion. The entire project was presented in a way you can't turn from. You have to hear this, you have to see this. This is their story, told without bias, told without politics degrading into argument. This was a failure and people paid their lives for it. God bless NOLA, and everyone this has affected.

Lots of good stuff, but politically and socially biased

[Jonas-14 · 4/10 · 31 August 2006]

Spike Lee presents lots of great footage and interesting interviews, but the critique that is presents overwhelmingly the black experience of Katrina, with little interest in white takes on New Orleans and little interest in non-New Orleans Katrina. The interviews are from one side of the political spectrum only, predictably casting blame primarily on Bush, generally down-playing the looting and the responsibility those in need of help had for not attempting to evacuate, and not noting that New Orleans had the same federal government and response as did Mississipi, Florida, Alabama, etc., areas that dealt with the hurricane much more ably than did New Orleans. Mayor Nagin is criticized, but also supported by others and allowed to defend himself. Bush is just attacked. No one is interviewed who doesn't think it was his fault, and neither Bush nor his representatives are interviewed, either. Spike omits the buses Nagin left unused to flood, the delay in requesting federal aid by Blanco, etc. (more balanced looks at Katrina in books have pointed the finger of blame first at Nagin and Blanco, who after all are on the ground in New Orleans for years, and should be most familiar with their city, its needs, and emergency preparedness - the federal government is a last resort in a large-scale tragedy situation). So we get what might at first glance appear to be a balanced look, until you step back and think about these things, and note that the primary 'expert' commentators, such as Eric Dyson and Harry Belafonte, are all rabidly anti-Bush. Not fair, not balanced, Spike.

God Bless New Orleans

[devans-27 · 10/10 · 7 September 2006]

We have visited New Orleans numerous times, my brother in law lives in Slidell. Our most recent visit was Feb 06. Words and photos cannot show the pain. This documentary is the only footage I have seen that has even come close to relaying the devastation. Mr. Lee - you have done an extraordinary job. You have allowed frustrations and heartache to be seen, heard and felt. You took us through so many emotions, I cried and I laughed. You portrayed what no one else could - the heart and soul that is New Orleans, even after such a disaster. This is a movie that will be treasured forever by everyone, touched by Katrina or not. Thank you for giving us all a chance to see the chaos first hand - maybe now those blessed souls will get the help they have earned and deserve.