Bob's Tour - Understanding What We See is a thought-provoking documentary movie from 2016. It uses the tour guide routine of Bob Hansman, acted admirably by his real-life son Jovan Hansman, to open up a riveting exploration of the racial, social, and class disparities in contemporary American society.

Steered by director Alden Peters, the movie presents itself as a 70-minute tour, showcasing parts of St. Louis, Missouri that are often overlooked or forgotten, but are dense with social history. The semblance of a traditional tour quickly dissolves into an intimate narrative about systemic injustices, narrated with profound feelings by Bob.

Co-starring with Jovan Hansman is Robert "Bob" Hansman, a distinguished professor, community activist and artist who has dedicated his life to studying and addressing problems related to urban segregation and racial inequality. Being a proudly self-proclaimed part of the society he critiques, Bob's passion for his community is palpable, making him an empathetic and charismatic tour guide.

Bob's journey contrasts the wealthier, predominantly white western parts of St. Louis with the predominantly black, economically disadvantaged northern and eastern sections. But the true focus of the tour is not just about geographical disparities but the systemic social, racial, and economic factors that create these divisions. To do so, Bob uses the remnants of a once thriving African-American community as the backdrop for his insightful social commentary.

One of the compelling aspects of Bob's Tour - Understanding What We See is how it combines a personal narrative with macro-level social observations. Bob's perspectives are galvanized by his lived experiences as an individual affected by the urban segregation along racial lines. His reflections on his city and the history of racial segregation, housing discrimination, and economic disparity there reflect his lived experience as well as his academic research.

In terms of cinematography, the camera observes this tour through a lens that honors the city's raw beauty while not shying away from its shortcomings. St. Louis is captured as a character in its own right. Its deteriorating buildings, hidden side streets, and divided neighborhoods become both the backdrop and an integral part of the narrative, highlighting the grim realities obscured by modern civilization.

That being said, while following Bob across the city, the movie's focus does not dwindle on the negativity. Instead, it uncovers untold stories of resilience and resistance that come alive through Bob's narrative, bringing a strong sense of humanity and earnestness to the tour.

Bob's Tour - Understanding What We See is a localized deep-dive into broader socio-cultural themes. However, it also bears universal implications as it compels viewers to question the status quo of income equalities, racial segregation, and prejudice. It serves as a remarkable reminder of how a deeper understanding of what we see around us can challenge our preconceptions and broaden our worldview.

The performances by Jovan Hansman and Robert Hansman are notably heartfelt, and their father-son chemistry brings an emotionally nuanced layer to the film. They succeed in offering complex narratives about race, class, and privilege in a manner that is human and relatable.

In conclusion, Bob's Tour - Understanding What We See is a profound educational experience that is cloaked as an informal city tour. It is a compelling exploration of the urban segregation history and the division of St. Louis and serves as a call to understanding and action. It encourages its audiences to see their environments with fresh eyes while rendering an education about the oft-ignored history that shapes the present. As truly emotive as it is informative, this exceptionally unique production ultimately strives to fill the viewer with an urge for empowerment and change, making it a must-watch movie!