Watch Battle for Brooklyn

Battle for Brooklyn is a 2011 documentary film directed by Michael Galinsky and Suki Hawley. It portrays the community's fight against the widespread destruction of their neighborhood, Prospect Heights, due to the construction of a new basketball arena in the middle of the community. The arena was constructed by the New York Nets, a professional basketball team, and their new owner Bruce Ratner.

The movie begins with the announcement of a new development plan for the Atlantic Yards, a vast area in Brooklyn that is mostly residential. The plan aims to build a basketball arena, housing, and other facilities on the area, which is prime real estate because it sits at the intersection of several subway lines. Bruce Ratner is the developer in charge of the project, and he sees it as a way to jumpstart his business and bring professional basketball back to Brooklyn.

However, the plan was met with significant resistance from the community. A group of activists, led by Daniel Goldstein, challenged the legality of the plan, pointing out the lack of transparency, public input, and preparation on the part of the developers. For them, the project represents a major assault on the community, as it will force thousands of people to move out of their homes, demolish historic buildings and increase traffic, pollution and noise.

The Battle for Brooklyn captures the fight between the developers and the community in a series of interviews, protests, and legal actions that span over several years. The documentary features interviews with Daniel Goldstein, a journalist, a local councilman, and community members who share their concerns, visions, and opinions about the project. It also shows footage of public hearings, protests, and rallies in which people speak out against the development plan.

One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is its exploration of the power dynamics at play in the project. The developers are portrayed as slick, well-funded, and well-connected individuals who use their influence to push the project forward. They use the promise of jobs, economic development, and prestige to convince people to support the plan. The documentary also shows how the developers use their connections with the government to bypass laws and regulations that would have slowed or stopped the project.

On the other hand, the community members are shown as passionate, determined, and creative individuals who organize themselves in a grassroots movement to oppose the project. They use all means at their disposal to make their voices heard, from public protests to legal challenges, to creative acts of resistance. At times, the documentary shows the community members clashing with the police and the developers' security forces, highlighting the tensions and violence that can arise in such conflicts.

Another notable aspect of the movie is its depiction of the gentrification process that affects many urban areas. The Atlantic Yards project is one example of how developers use the rhetoric of economic development and progress to justify the displacement of working-class and minority communities. The movie shows how the developers underestimated the power and resilience of the community, and how the community fought back against the proposed development to preserve their homes and way of life.

In conclusion, Battle for Brooklyn is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the complex issues of urban development, community activism, and political power. Its portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of a community fighting against a powerful developer is compelling and inspiring. The movie offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of urban change and the power dynamics that shape it, and it raises important questions about the role of citizens in shaping the future of their cities.

Battle for Brooklyn is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 71.