JOgershok The film initially presents some of the ire generated by the murder of officer Danial Faulkner. According to the testimony of three witness, Mumia Abu Jamal, born Wesley Cook, initially shot the police officer in the back when Faulkner made a traffic stop of the brother, William Cook. After the officer returned fire he was killed by Mumia who shot at him point blank. Only two guns were found at the scene, one registered to Mumia and the police officer's weapon. There was a bullet in Mumia from Officer Faulkner's weapon. Mumia was found by the responding officers sitting on the curb in front of Wm. Cook's vehicle with the gun registered to him next to him with all five cartridges spent. When ordered to freeze by Officer Shoemaker, he raised the weapon and attempted to fire upon the officers who used other than deadly force to subdue him. The officer kicked him in the throat and kicked the gun away. Bullets which caused the officer's death were damaged but consistent with those fired from the weapon registered to Mumia. All witnesses at the scene identified the now wounded Mumia as the shooter of the police officer. The brother, clearly an eye witness, refused to testify but when police arrived Wm. Cook exclaimed, "I ain't got nothing to do with this." At the hospital Mumia stated, "I shot the mother f---er and I hope the mother f---er dies." These facts are missing from the presentation but the alleged reasons for Mumia's revolutionary positions and his influences are detailed. Likewise a case is made as to why Mumia had found himself a under the microscope of law enforcement and failed to maintain full time employment as a journalist is adequately presented. His writings are presented by many of his supporters as well as their interactions with him. Clearly this is an educated, articulate person with a revolutionary spirit. Many of his accomplishments are presented as well as honors which were bestowed upon him during his time on Pennsylvania's death row. The film erroneously claims his death warrant was signed in retaliation. The reality is that Governor Casey, who was opposed to capitol punishment and abortion, refused to sign any warrants during the eight (8) years he was governor of Pennsylvania. While then candidate for governor, Tom Ridge made signing death warrants a campaign pledge. Clearly this film is meant to rehabilitate the image of this cop killer without presenting the irrefutable evidence of guilt.

Adam F This is the second doc I've seen from writer/director Vittoria (if you're a fan of this film, you must check out "One Bright Shining Moment", which will rekindle your admiration for McGovern and regret that he didn't prevail against Nixon.) Vittoria displays (what is now becoming) his typical deft hand at filmmaking, and I particularly enjoyed his use of actors to read the words of Mumia (in addition, of course, to Mumia's own interview footage).So much has been written and explored about the famous murder case, so Vittoria wisely frames his film around the life of Mumia that is much less familiar--for example, how many people know what an accomplished journalist he was?For those, however, that do regret the lack of material investigating Mumia's trial, there's an accompanying featurette on the DVD that builds a compelling case for how guilt was "manufactured" against Mumia.The film is beautifully photographed, and includes a subtle, effective score from composer Robert Guillory.

CDragon27 I thought the documentary would be a dry, factual restating of the case. I was wrong. It pulsed with life, in the words of Mumia Abu Jamal, and in the many people who spoke from their hearts about the man, his case, and his effect on their lives. I learned more about the hidden history of this country. worth seeing and sharing. The fact that anyone, especially someone convicted on such flimsy and suspect evidence has been left in solitary is obscene. The way that Mr. Abu Jamal has not only retained his humanity, but is using his words to reach out and make a positive change in the world, is a lesson for us all. I was fortunate enough to also hear from the director of this powerful documentary, and his journey to gain access, and to bring this story to the world, also should be noted.

rossrhart This film is a real eye opener. Mumia is a must see for every American. For those who already understand what lengths the government machine can and does go to in order to suppress revolutionary voices and actions, it adds fuel to the smoldering fire. To those who don't already understand, let's hope it is a small ray of sunshine piercing the elaborate red, white and blue smoke and mirror environment you have been brought up with and swallowed hook, line and sinker. Incredibly well researched and brilliantly executed by Stephen Vittoria, a documentary filmmaker at the very top of his game, Mumia is populated by a who's who of revolutionary thinkers who bring their thoughtful commentary to bear on this important subject. The subject of the film, Mumia Abu-Jamal, is nothing less than a universal thinker, philosopher and visionary. Mumia can extemporize and speak on virtually any subject or event without research or calculation at a higher and more thorough and profound level than most PHDs could if given a week in the central library to prepare to address a topic. Mumia thinks and speaks in an improvisational manner that can only be analogized to the riffs of jazz greats Coltrane, Davis and Monk. Don't miss it and watch it twice.