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This Is the Life

  • 2008
  • 1h 37m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
317
YOUR RATING
This Is the Life (2008)
Documentary

A feature-length documentary that chronicles "The Good Life" emcees, the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the art form.A feature-length documentary that chronicles "The Good Life" emcees, the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the art form.A feature-length documentary that chronicles "The Good Life" emcees, the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the art form.

  • Director
    • Ava DuVernay
  • Writer
    • Ava DuVernay
  • Stars
    • 2Mex
    • Chali 2na
    • Busdriver
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    317
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Ava DuVernay
    • Writer
      • Ava DuVernay
    • Stars
      • 2Mex
      • Chali 2na
      • Busdriver
    • 7User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 wins & 1 nomination total

    Photos2

    View Poster
    View Poster

    Top Cast17

    Edit
    2Mex
    • Self
    Chali 2na
    • Self
    • (as Charles Stewart)
    Busdriver
    • Self
    Cut Chemist
    • Self
    • (as Lucas MacFadden)
    Brian Cross
    • Self
    Chillin Villain Empire
    • Self
    Regan Farquhar
    • Self
    • (as Busdriver)
    Nga Fsh
    • Self
    Pigeon John
    • Self
    Ellay Khule
    • Self
    Medusa
    • Self
    Myka Nyne
    • Self
    Mear One
    • Self
    P.E.A.C.E.
    • Self
    Riddlore
    • Self
    Abstract Rude
    • Self
    Garth Trinidad
    • Self
    • Director
      • Ava DuVernay
    • Writer
      • Ava DuVernay
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews7

    6.9317
    1
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    10

    Featured reviews

    10zcheeze-97639

    Tugs my heart-strings

    This doc makes me feel nostalgic for something I never experienced first-hand.

    ??

    I am familiar with a few of the featured artists, having seen some of them live and (within the past 7 or 8 yrs) have been able to find & stream works from them both old and new.. so maybe that is why I feel some sort of way when I watch this film.

    I am grateful that Miss DuVernay had the Vision to see that this unique time in music and Los Angeles history was worthy of a cohesive spotlight. Sometimes things like that are not apparent until much later in life.

    I enjoyed this film immensely, and find myself watching it somewhat often.

    Also - if you liked what you were hearing in the film, many of these people still perform live around SoCal, and their tunes can be found on Spotify & YouTube.
    8TamPalm

    Very Well Done

    The best films are the ones that appeal to even people who don't "fit" the demographic. "This is the Life" puts me in the mind of the great Tupac documentary, "Resurrection," a film that even non-rap fans found appealing.

    I had never heard of any of the people featured in this film and I'm not a huge rap fan...yet I just caught a lot of this documentary on TMC and I couldn't turn away. This film is top-notch, A+ on production. It flows well, it's informative, and you can tell that the people who put the film together had real love for the subject. (I think I saw at the end that the producer is herself a rapper of the era.) Basically, once you get past the initial "yuck, more rap crap" you might feel when first hearing some of the music, you'll find a gem of a documentary. 8/10 (took away two points because in general I find rap annoying, and found myself annoyed with some of it in the film as well, but not too much that it gets in the way of the overall quality.)
    1putahw-40997

    Don't waste your time

    Hard to believe anyone would fund movies like this.
    10terarific

    The Film

    This film should be viewed by all Hip Hop fans! Its exciting to take a trip down memory lane and see all the emcees shine. I loved it. Its fun, entertaining and represents the birth a a true Hip Hop movement! All the Project Blowed favorites are featured in the film! If you get the chance, check it out! It will be showcased at film festivals all across the country and hopefully become a widespread "must see". The film is one of substance. Educate yourself on the history of this generation of young emcees who went against the gangster rap fad and stepped the game up tremendously; paving the way for more conscious Hip Hop. This film is a tribute to them. You will be able to meet these emcees and experience the art of their music.
    10gingernay

    loved it!

    This is by far the best documentary I've ever seen. I was engaged from beginning to end. You can't help but to walk away from it feeling good. It provides an in depth view of the people and the culture of the underground hip hop scene at the Good Life in Los Angeles, California. The film offers an intimate look into the artists that emerged from the Good Life. It depicts a rare moment in time when rap music was raw and real. The documentary definitely leaves you wanting more. And makes you wish you could turn back the clock and experience it all for yourself. Any and every one who loves hip hop should see this film. You'll be glad you did.

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    Documentary

    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      Ava DuVernay, who would become famous for Oscar nominated movies and documentaries and Emmy winning TV shows, was not only the writer and director of this documentary but also one of the original Good Life emcees. She was half of the all female group , Figure of Speech, who were featured a lot in the documentary.

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 9, 2008 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • California, USA(Location)
    • Production company
      • The DuVernay Agency
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 1h 37m(97 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo

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