Rollin: The Fall of the Auto Industry and the Rise of the Drug Economy in Detroit

"Rollin: The Fall of the Auto Industry and the Rise of the Drug Economy in Detroit" is an intense documentary that takes a deep dive into an unexplored part of Detroit's history and lays bare the underlying socio-economic issues that plagued its streets for decades. In this stimulating film, you will witness firsthand the unseen narrative of how the city of Detroit once renowned for its auto industry transformed into a city dominated by a booming drug trade in the '70s and '80s.

At the forefront of this real-life drama stands Nate "Boone" Craft, a man who lived and breathed the trials and tribulations of both these worlds. Craft, a former hitman and now a reformist, sheds light on the harsh realities and conveys his personal experiences offering an in-depth reading of the city’s transformation.

Directed by Scott M. Burnstein, a reputed crime author and journalist, "Rollin" has an unparalleled authenticity and grit, making it an unmissable feature. Burnstein, known for his expertise in detailing organized crime, marshals a vivid and eye-opening experience for viewers. His deftness in capturing the gritty reality of a city in transition is evident on every frame of this extraordinary documentary.

Adding to the film's captivating narrative is the testimony of "White Boy Rick" Wershe Jr., a former underage FBI informant turned drug dealer. Wershe, whose criminal exploits in the drug world and subsequent life imprisonment made headlines nationwide, contributes to the narrative by providing his personal insights into Detroit’s drug scenario. His exclusive input brings additional authenticity and an intense personal perspective to the film, offering viewers an evocative glimpse into the rise of the drug economy in Detroit.

Another essential voice adding depth to the narrative is that of Carl Taylor, a renowned social scientist and Professor at Michigan State University. Taylor's expert analysis of the social and economic dimensions involved in Detroit's transformation greatly enriches the documentary. His articulate commentary provides context to the magnificent yet devastating historical tidal wave that engulfed Detroit in the formative years of the drug economy.

Adding another layer to this multilayered and carefully narrated documentary is the presence of the infamous "Young Boys Inc." - a notorious drug gang that dominated Detroit in the '70s and '80s. This feared group, known for employing teens and even pre-teens to conduct their drug operations, represents the climax of the documentary, showcasing the vicious circle that engulfed the city’s youth amid the fall of one economy and the rise of another.

"Rollin: The Fall of the Auto Industry and the Rise of the Drug Economy in Detroit" is certainly more than just a documentary piece, it’s a historical record, a social commentary, and an agonizing narrative of a city caught in the crossfire of decay and evolution. The film profoundly captures the impact of economic shifts, while drawing a heartrending connection between blue-collar layoffs in the auto industry and the burgeoning drug underworld that rose from the ashes.

Giving audiences a measured perspective laced with raw firsthand accounts, the film makes for a riveting watch. Every camera pan, every interview, and every anecdote acts as a brushstroke in the larger canvas of Detroit’s checkered past. It is a sobering lesson on the consequences of economic downturns and the grim narratives they foster, serving as a stark reminder of the cost paid by society when industry folds, economies falter, and the drug world takes over. The storytelling is real, intense, and draws you deeper into the vortex of a city’s struggle, a story that is significant not just for Detroit, but for every city that has to stay afloat amid economic upheavals.

In the end, "Rollin" isn't just about the fall of the automobile industry and the rise of the drug economy, but also about resilience, transformation, and the challenging path towards redemption. With an array of distinguished personalities sharing their experiences and insights, combined with the impressive direction of Burnstein, the result is a film that is both deeply moving and intellectually stimulating. It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates honest, gritty storytelling. Although set in the past, it’s a documentary that is hauntingly relevant today more than ever.