OneFour: Against All Odds

An enlightening and engaging documentary exploring the experiences of a young rap group who have brushed with the law.

As an Australian citizen, watching these young people try to escape a life of crime through the arts and being oppressed using archaic anti organised crime laws brings a real fire to my mind. I recommend a watch whether you're a fan of the music or not. Watching as the police repeatedly overreach as a method of crushing freedom of speech shows how backwardly conservative Australia really is leaves this viewer with a stony heart.

At the end of the first viewing my mind recalls growing up in western Sydney, how the common criminal elements were restricted to drug use and domestic violence, as well as concerning rhetoric around sexual consent. This film acts as an astounding criticism and in many ways is a stark display of Sydney's complete and utter sledgehammer approach to policing and leaves the viewer wondering, why do the police never speak of tangible plans to engage with their communities.

A must watch.

This documentary is amazing. Personally, I'd seen them live at a festival 2 years ago and didn't know a lot. This was an insight and made me think twice. The message was clear and I think they should be nothing but proud of this. I hope it reaches people and questions their thinking - must watch for sure.

You can see the clear divide between people who have remained on the picket fence side of life and the everyday people just trying to make it. Sometimes people forget empathy and the biggest takeaway is that the NSW police are out of touch with reality and need a scapegoat. They should probably start looking towards real issues because one four isn't what they make it out to be.

I was ready to hate this, not being a fan of that style of music and initially it seemed that the doco was essentially glamorising criminals.

While they are indeed criminals, they are trying to better their situation and turn their lives around, and trying to give hope to their communities.

The style of music lyrically is somewhat controversial, and it's clear that Australian police don't get it. This doco has at least got cooperation and involvement from the police, but presents it in such a way that is in itself unfair - while the police's actions are undoubtedly heavy handed, it is not unfounded since they are dealing with criminals. Bringing the race argument into the discussion also seems unnecessary, and just distracts from the narrative.

In the end, it's a compelling story, told well but mostly from one perspective. You can feel a real empathy with the group members, and really hope for them to succeed, whether you like their music or message.

I really enjoyed watching this documentary. Great storytelling. I hadn't really heard of Onefour prior to watching this (they are drill rappers from the outer suburbs of Sydney). This documentary touches on interesting insights into the music scene in Australia, police abuse of power and life in Western Sydney. It has interviews with a wide range of voices, including members of Onefour and their families, NSW Police and people in the music industry. Also fun to see some well known people like the Kid Laroi speak about the group and their journey. This film is definitely a must watch for anyone interested in Australian hip hop.

Brilliant, well-structured documentary about racism, retaliation and redemption through music. It should be mandatory viewing for all. It's multi-layered: cultural, social, legal, political, and has generated a lot of discussion with friends. Was a real eye-opener about the boys, the music and the challenges they face. Everyone deserves another chance, to flourish and to make an honest living from doing what they love. So much respect for the resilience the boys have demonstrated. Never give up.

Police money would be better spent building bridges between the youth and police - set up music studios in PCYCs, etc - do something positive and constructive for better outcomes all round.

Score 11/10.