X
  • 2017
  • TV-MA
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 47 m
  • 2017
  • TV-MA
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 47 m

Summary In April 1992, on Long Island NY, William Jr., the Ford's eldest child, a black 24 year-old teacher, was killed by Mark Reilly, a white 19 year-old mechanic. Although Ford was unarmed, he became the prime suspect in his own murder. Director Yance Ford chronicles the arc of his family across history, geography and tragedy - from the racia...

Directed By: Yance Ford

  • 2017
  • TV-MA
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 47 m
  • 2017
  • TV-MA
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 47 m

Strong Island

Metascore Universal Acclaim Based on 16 Critic Reviews
must-see
86
User Score Mixed or Average Based on 18 User Ratings
5.2
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Where to Watch

Summary In April 1992, on Long Island NY, William Jr., the Ford's eldest child, a black 24 year-old teacher, was killed by Mark Reilly, a white 19 year-old mechanic. Although Ford was unarmed, he became the prime suspect in his own murder. Director Yance Ford chronicles the arc of his family across history, geography and tragedy - from the racia...

Directed By: Yance Ford

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 16 Critic Reviews
86
100% Positive
16 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 16 Critic Reviews
86
100% Positive
16 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Sep 14, 2017
For all its raw pain, Strong Island is also a scrupulously shaped work, one of striking compositions and juxtapositions, its faces and revelations presented with artful, thoughtful rigor.
By Alan Scherstuhl FULL REVIEW
91
Aug 25, 2017
Equal parts journalistic investigation and family portrait, Ford’s delicate project transforms the source of his frustrations into an absorbing cinematic elegy.
By Eric Kohn FULL REVIEW
90
Sep 2, 2017
What emerges is a very close, tender look at the Ford family.... The film is unflinching in its portrayal of their devastation after the loss of their eldest son.
By Bilge Ebiri FULL REVIEW
88
Sep 15, 2017
It is that very lack of objectivity that makes Strong Island the experience that it is. It is a very tough film to shake.
By Sheila O'Malley FULL REVIEW
80
Sep 14, 2017
This potent film gives equal weight to complex emotions as well as bare facts. In the same way, it’s not just the story of a man’s death, but also a study of the aftermath.
By Ken Jaworowski FULL REVIEW
75
Sep 12, 2017
The effect is stark, expressionistic, and powerful. It creates the sense that what’s being said is important.
By Mike D'Angelo FULL REVIEW
70
Sep 15, 2017
Even when Ford strongly foreshadows future revelations, Strong Island holds narrative jolts, many fueled by shocks of betrayal. In losing William, the family also lost their faith in their country, their community, and in themselves.
By Inkoo Kang FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 18 User Ratings
5.2
39% Positive
7 Ratings
33% Mixed
6 Ratings
28% Negative
5 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 18 User Ratings
5.2
39% Positive
7 Ratings
33% Mixed
6 Ratings
28% Negative
5 Ratings

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Yanceville Films, Louverture Films, Final Cut for Real
Release Date Sep 15, 2017
Duration 1 h 47 m
Rating TV-MA
Genres
Tagline Do You Know My Brother?
Website http://www.louverturefilms.com/films-strong-island
View All Details

Awards

Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Nomination
Cinema Eye Honors Awards, US
• 4 Wins & 5 Nominations
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations

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