The Boys of Baraka succeeds in breaking some stereotypes on kids living in the projects, particularly by introducing young men with the will, but not the means, to twist destiny's arm.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 21, 2020

The Boys of Baraka should force even a hardened Bush supporter to see what phrases like "the bigotry of low expectations" and "no child left behind" translate into when subjected to the feckless lottery of the political marketplace.

| May 7, 2020

There are difficulties along the way, none of them slighted in this award-winning documentary, as well as a surprise at the end that's as sobering to the viewer as it is to the children.

| Jan 17, 2018

Raw emotions, both uplifting and depressing, are captured.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Jun 13, 2008

I feel that all its acclaim and awards are meant more for the cause than for the artistic or journalistic achievements of presenting the cause.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 18, 2007

leaves out vital pieces of information, such as how and why the school was founded and who pays for it

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 5, 2007

Rough but heartfelt, The Boys of Baraka addresses an important issue with conviction.

| Mar 1, 2007

After Born into Brothels won an Academy Award for Best Documentary, it was only a matter of time before the imitators started coming along.

| Original Score: 0/4 | Jan 6, 2007

Ends on a mixed note of hope and helplessness that clings to the consciousness for days.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 19, 2006

Imagine if "Hoop Dreams" (1994), the documentary about Chicago high schoolers who dream of making the NBA, had slammed to a halt after the kids' junior year, and you'll get a feeling for the way "The Boys of Baraka" leaves you hanging.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 27, 2006

It's galling to think American kids must go abroad for a chance to turn their lives around. But it's also inspiring to see the changes that are possible.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 14, 2006

Is public indifference to the circumstances that produce these dead-end expectations fueled as much by the hopelessness depicted in well-meaning documentaries like 'Baraka' as by violent gangsta rap narratives and cliched boyz-n-the-hood movies?

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 14, 2006

This documentary makes you wonder what our nation's schools would be like if educators had all the resources they need and deserve . . . and if students here had as much individual instruction as they need and deserve.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 7, 2006

The Boys of Baraka leaves you outraged in the way only the best documentaries can.

Full Review | Original Score: A | Mar 17, 2006

You can see the direction that the documentary started to take, but thanks to the sudden shift in content, it has an unfinished feeling.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 17, 2006

Regardless of its shortcomings, The Boys of Baraka introduces a project that seems to do for Baltimore what Jaime Escalante did for inner-city Latino kids in Los Angeles. For this we must be grateful.

| Mar 11, 2006

Almost brazenly bereft of artistic shaping, The Boys of Baraka still has the core of direct, human interest that sustains many documentaries.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 10, 2006

A potent mixture of heartbreak and crushing irony.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 3, 2006

A potent emotional experience.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 3, 2006

It is all very sketchy and superficial.

| Original Score: C | Mar 2, 2006