On the day after Thanksgiving in 2012, seventeen-year-old Jordan Davis was murdered in a Jacksonville gas station. The incident sparked national outrage and has since been documented in the documentary 3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets by Marc Silver.
The film follows the tragic story of how Davis and his friends had stopped at a gas station after shopping at the mall when another car pulled in and an argument ensued over the volume of music playing from Davis’ vehicle. The dispute escalated and shots were fired into the car, killing Davis instantly.
3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets provides insight into this tragic event through interviews with witnesses and family members as well as coverage of the trial that followed. While details surrounding what happened continue to be debated today, Silver’s documentary offers a comprehensive look at how these events unfolded and their ongoing impact on racial relations in America.
The film puts faces to those affected by the tragedy while exploring questions of justice and accountability that remain unanswered following the trial’s conclusion. As such, 3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets serves as an important reminder that violence begets more violence—and that its consequences can change lives forever.
No one should miss this powerful documentary chronicling one young man’s journey towards justice—or lack thereof. Marc Silver’s 3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets is a must-see for anyone wishing to gain greater insight into this heartbreaking tragedy which continues to affect us all today.
