2Pac Tupac: Resurrection R

Producer-director Lauren Lazin conceived of this inventive documentary as a way to celebrate the life of one of hip-hop's most iconic figures, Tupac Shakur. Rather than rely on friends, family members, and associates to tell the slain rapper's life story, Lazin instead lets Shakur himself do the talking, as if he's speaking from the grave. The result is an original and insightful autobiography that paints a vibrant picture of a passionate individual who continues to have a profound impact on people all over the world. Raised by his mother, a high-profile Black Panther, Tupac Shakur was a deeply sensitive child who found comfort in the arts. As he grew older he became a successful rapper and actor, giving voice to a generation of disenfranchised youths. Run-ins with the law, stints in jail, and feuds with east coast rappers Puff Daddy and Biggie Smalls all precede the night when he got shot five times in New York City, and his eventual murder in Las Vegas at the premature age of 25. Shakur always remained passionate and supremely distinct, living his life to the fullest and speaking his mind with unflinching clarity and honesty. This powerful tribute captures him in all his contradictory glory, and is a must-see for anyone interested in popular culture and American history and culture.