Movie Review: “Louder Than a Bomb”

2011, Siskel/Jacobs Productions
Directed and Produced by: Greg Jacobs and Jon Siskel
NR, 99 mins

Reviewed by Anya Krenicki, 19, Illinois

Forget everything you thought you knew about poetry. Rowdy, passionate, and competitive, the four Chicago-based poetry slam teams featured in the documentary Louder Than a Bomb rock the world of poetry.

Louder Than a Bomb follows the preparation and behind-the-scenes action of the largest poetry "slam," or poetry reading competition, in the United States."  The "Louder than a Bomb" slam is held every March in Chicago."  It invites high school teams to perform their original poetic works in a "friendly competition" environment. All year, the teams write, rehearse, and perfect poems that cover a range of poignant to humorous topics, from violence to disability, sex, and family.

To watch the poets perform is to see a sliver of their soul."  Each word is painstakingly placed, each line is crafted to perfection. The performers' emotions pour onto the stage as they recite their works, drawing wild applause and the occasional tear from the audience.

The poets featured in the documentary, which follows the 2008 competition, come from diverse backgrounds."  But each shares a love for the art of poetry. For some, poetry is an escape from the crime and poverty-ridden neighborhoods they call home; for others, poetry is a means to expressing pent-up anger resulting from a tough childhood.

All of the poets consider their fellow teammates as family. When faced with the possibility of being kicked off his team, one poet--a tough-exterior young man who admits to a history of crime--breaks down in tears. As his coach explains, poetry offers an invaluable opportunity--it gives a voice to those teens who may never have had one before.

The filmmakers reveal the hardcore side of poetry, while capturing the incredible passion of the teen poets. Above all, Louder Than a Bomb emphasizes the necessity of making one's voice heard.

For more information visit: http://www.louderthanabombfilm.com

Reviewed by Laini Cassis, 19, Massachusetts

This documentary was inspiring, funny, and very emotional. Louder Than a Bomb uses the same title as the annual youth poetry slam in Chicago during which the film takes place. The competition is the largest youth slam in the world, which raises the stakes even higher for four high school poetry clubs competing in it. These clubs grow into families, teams, and support groups for their budding poets. Throughout the film, teenagers competing in the poetry slam elaborate on why they are such avid poets. The teens explain that poetry is an art form, a release of energy, and a healing tool. Poetry means passion to these teens, and they leave the poetry slam as improved people, artists, and "true students of life."

One teenager who is profiled in Louder Than a Bomb is Nova, a seventeen year old. Like the film overall, Nova's poetry is raw, intense, and insightful. Nova's poem about her younger brother gave me chills.

I loved everything about this movie. Louder Than a Bomb demonstrates the effort and sacrifice these teens make to become well-respected poets. They write about everything from basketball to families to religion, inspired by other poets, such as Langston Hughes, who they look to as role models. I especially loved how the teens wrote about typical, everyday occurrences and emotions, yet described them as vital and beautiful testaments to the human experience. Overall, Louder Than a Bomb proves that all teenagers have something crucial to say, which makes this film crucial to watch!

For more information visit: http://www.louderthanabombfilm.com