By Amanda Giglio

Growing up in a middle-class family in the suburbs and then moving to the Bronx for school has kept me somewhat sheltered from the corruption and poverty in other parts of the country and world. Since being at Fordham, I have realized the privilege I have and the ways people in the city are affected by poverty. When watching “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” last month, one interview stuck out to me. Stewart had Tracy Droz Tragos, a documentary producer and director, on the show to raise awareness of her newest documentary, Rich Hill, which premiered at Sundance and is in theaters now.

Described as “an examination of challenges, hopes and dreams of the young residents of a rural American town,” the film follows the lives of three teenage boys in Rich Hill, Missouri, through family problems, school troubles and financial struggles. Andrew, 13, brings the audience into his life with a mother who is mentally handicapped and a father who struggles to maintain jobs. He tells us how he is just like every other kid his age, as he shares his dreams with us. His family moves on a regular basis, and we get to see the struggles of having less as they live in close quarters and heat up water with an iron for bathing.

Harley, 15, lives with his grandmother and extended family because his mother is in prison. We do not find out why she is in prison until much later, but when we do it is heart-wrenching to see the mother and son’s pain from not being with each other. Harley struggles with staying in school and having enough money to get through the week. Lastly there is Appachey, 12, who is being raised by his single mother with his multiple siblings. He too struggles with school and anger issues. His mother’s stark honesty in her life decisions and its effects on her kids brings their life into perspective.

The documentary follows the lives of these three boys over a year or two. Simple or mundane things that we overlook in our everyday lives are the main struggles in these kids lives. The documentary starkly depicts the lives of the poor in rural areas. The raw emotion portrayed is devastating, making the message behind the documentary loud and clear. It will make you cry while motivating you to try and change the world around you. This film sheds light on serious issues that are overlooked in America, and it will make you think about your life in a new perspective.

__________

Amanda Giglio is the Assistant Culture Editor for The Fordham Ram.