Bullet Boy

Directed by Saul Dibb

UK release date: 8 April 2005

www.bulletboy.net

Rating: ****

Bullet Boy tells the story of Ricky, a young black male, struggling to escape his criminal past, peer group, and most importantly his sense of absolute loyalty. This loyalty leads him to pay back a debt owed to a close friend, despite warnings from his girlfriend, mother, and a leader of the local church, himself a man with a past. The result is an escalating pattern of violence between two gangs, with the eventual loss of three young lives.

Bullet Boy: sucked into crime

Ricky's 12 year old brother, Curtis, is in turn fascinated and revolted by the revolver that Ricky brings home, and he shows it to his friend, also 12. The two of them treat it as merely an extension of a violent PlayStation game until Curtis inadvertently shoots his friend, wounding him in the chest. The film ends with a hopeful message when Curtis discards Ricky's revolver in the river.

Bullet Boy: power comes out of the barrel of a gun

Crime statistics demonstrate that inner city black men between 15 and 29 are at greatest risk of involvement in violent crime, either as perpetrator or victim. The violence commonly occurs within known circles and near victims' homes. This also leads to the over-representation of black males in the criminal justice system and the prison population.

Poor economic conditions often force aggressor and victim to live in close proximity. This phenomenon is termed "tinder box criminal aggression." The film illustrates this point well, focusing on some of the reasons for the development of the criminal subculture, such as easy availability of firearms, violent role models, and early exposure to violence in children's games. It also hints at protective factors, such as the strength of the mother and the influence of the church.

For doctors, the film raises some uncomfortable questions. Does our responsibility end only with the treatment of the victim? The cost of treatment is borne by the taxpayer, but that in itself should impose more responsibility on doctors to focus on prevention. Were the film reality, a good start would have been a social services referral regarding the injury suffered by the 12 year old. At the least, this would offer support for families of both children, and, at the most, trigger a referral to the local Multi-Agency Public Protection Panel (MAPPP), consisting of representatives from both health and criminal justice services. However, with a general election looming and a greater attempt by politicians to instil a culture of fear, doctors might well shy away from questions with complicated answers.

Star rating

**** Don't miss
* Don't bother