Minding the Gap
Director: Bing Liu
Actors: Kent Abernathy, Mengyue Bolen, Nina Bowgren
PlotThree young friends, bonded by a shared passion for skateboarding, navigate the complexities of coming of age in their rust-belt hometown. Set in Rockford, Illinois, the film begins by capturing the exhilarating freedom these young men find in their skateboarding adventures. Bing, an aspiring filmmaker, uses his camera to document their lives over several years. Alongside him are Zack, an expectant father struggling with responsibilities and maturity, and Keire, who wrestles with the legacy of racial discrimination and the memory of his deceased father. Through candid interviews and raw footage, the friends' experiences start to reveal deeper issues lurking below the surface.
As time progresses, the skateboarding trio contends with turbulent home lives, challenging relationships, and the harsh realities of adulthood. The documentary explores themes of family trauma, economic hardship, and the pursuit of individual identity. The film skillfully weaves together personal narratives with a broader commentary on societal struggles, underscoring the resilience needed to transition from youth to adulthood. The initial lightheartedness gives way to a more introspective examination of each individual's journey, illustrating how they channel their struggles into personal growth. Their intertwined stories offer a profound look into the impact of their environment and upbringing on their paths forward.
Writers: N/A
Release Date: 17 Aug 2018
Runtime: 93 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Bing Liu's 'Minding the Gap' delivers a compelling documentary experience with exceptional 1080p HD transfer and DTS-HD 5.1 audio, enhanced by engaging extras.
Read our review of Minding the Gap Blu-ray to find out more