Anthony Wonke's documentary revolves around an undercover operation by ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco & Drugs, Firearms) that led to the incarceration of a drug gang in Rockford, Illinois. The ATF with the help of an informer was able to install video cameras inside a "crack house" which led to over 1000 hours of recordings that gave a fascinating view of what really goes on behind their closed and well protected doors. The guns, the drugs, the violence, and the boasts of crimes committed by the drug dealers was part of everyday life as were the visits by people from all demographics to buy drugs. What was interesting for me were the interviews with the law and enforcement officers who gave a step-by-step description of the entire operation. What was even more interesting were the interviews with the families left behind and the drug dealers (by phone) who are now in prison for anywhere from 15 to 45 years. Be it grandmothers, mothers (who were prior drug users in a couple of cases), sisters, or specially children; it is really sad watching how their lives have been affected by just one member of the family going to prison. Surprisingly, although the families acknowledge that mistakes were made, they all feel that the punishment was much severe than deserved.
Crack House makes for an interesting watch because it is an exposé into the lives of people (drug dealers) most of us will not come across in our lives, but for me it was the interviews with the family members that made the entire documentary more emotional and worth a watch.
Note: Personally I find it hard to rate documentaries. I always find that they have such a strong message for someone or the other that it's almost unfair to give them a rating. But, just keeping in mind the interest factor and not counting in the emotional, I would give it 4/5 star rating.
