(1997)
4
Tom Wiener
A great subject gets the filmmaker it deserves. Spike Lee had long wanted to make a film about the horrific September 1963 bombing of Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church, and perhaps it was best that he had to wait. Reportedly, many of the victims' relatives were not prepared to discuss on camera the events of that day until some time had passed. What is gained is not only their participation but also a sense of perspective. In a time when you can read almost daily of terrorist bombings in other areas of the world, as well as reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, 4 Little Girls returns to an era you thought was much more innocent and reveals that the evil that would attack innocent children in the name of racial (or ethnic or religious) superiority has been and still is in this country. Wisely, Lee lets the subject matter do the talking here and does not resort to stylistic tricks to embellish his presentation. The film's most jarring sequence is an interview with former Gov. George Wallace, who clearly is struggling to understand the legacy of hatred his political career nourished and encouraged.
cast-crew for 4 Little Girls on AllMovie
4 Little Girls (1997)
