WOW! Just WOW! Oh my gosh this is a good film!! I'm not exactly what you would call a hip-hop sort of guy. But I must say... this film was just terrific! What a great story with terrific "real" characters. I without a doubt recommend this film to any and all. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it!! Bravo and a big thumbs up from me... us!!
Risen: The Story of Chron 'Hell Razah' Smith
2020
Action / Documentary
Risen: The Story of Chron 'Hell Razah' Smith
2020
Action / Documentary
Plot summary
Wu Tang Clan affiliate Hell Razah has always been a heralded MC, known for his sharp lyrics and intricate flow. A founding member of the group Sunz Of Man -- who tackled the Billboard Top 20 with their 1998 remake of "Shining Star" alongside Earth Wind & Fire, Wyclef and Ol' Dirty Bastard -- Razah was discovered and mentored at 14 years old by Wu Tang leader RZA and groomed for success. Later dubbed "Heaven Razah" when he went solo in the mid-2000s, the rising, young MC made headlines when he as struck with a brain aneurysm in 2010. As a result of this tragedy, Hell Razah has spent the last 5 years slowly recovering from this near-fatal incident, which left him in a coma and unable to use his left side. As Razah has been struggling to learn how to walk, talk and rhyme again, filmmaker Frank Meyer has been documenting his journey every step of the way. The Director and Hell Razah go way back, as Meyer was Sunz of Man's publicist back in 1997, and he filmed Razah for his G4tv web series Freestyle 101, which featured Ice-T, The Game, Mobb Deep, Fat Joe, Cypress Hill, and was recognized by Steve Jobs at an Apple pod-casting conference. The resulting documentary film Risen: The Story of Chron "Hell Razah" Smith is the result of 5 years of filming, and 17 years of friendship. "Razah's story is one everyone can relate to," says Meyer. "He was a talented kid from the streets who worked hard and nearly achieved all of his dreams before this tragedy struck. Now his life has been completely refocused. A lot of rappers will tell you about how they have been shot 9 times, but they won't let you see them struggling through the rehab process or questioning their future." Risen: The Story of Chron "Hell Razah" Smith will provide an uncompromising look into the world of rehabilitation and redemption, the likes of which hip hop has never seen before. From Razah's physical therapy to his spiritual journey, from his quest to rap again and desire to love again, audiences will rise and fall with this charismatic kid from Red Hook Housing Projects who almost had it all, and is now fighting to rebuild his life.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
Terrific indie film
Perseverance, and a Second Ascension
Robert Juster and Frank Meyer's "Risen: The Story of Chron 'Hell Razah' Smith" charts Chron Smith - aka Hell Razah - a musical leader within the Sunz of Man rap group rising up from the 90s and projected to properly detonate in the new millennium. Renowned for his lyrical prowess and earmarked as a long-term voice within the hip-hop community, Smith suffered an aneurysm and stroke. He kept his life, but at the expense of his original roadmap.
In "Risen...," we first meet Smith in modern day. And while physical and endurance challenges persist, we can see this is a remarkable human being who has worked tenaciously and successfully to remap his intricate brain. And what comes out of it - now, as then - is elite songcraft. Stay tuned.
"Risen..." is a great human-interest story done exceptionally well. Smith cohabitates with his circumstances, and finds a way to win the ass kicking contest despite fate's attempt to tie his legs. Mandatory viewing. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)
Fabulous documentary
Although I am not a big fan of hip hop music, I found this documentary to be fascinating. The film is a human interest story that has you routing for the main subject of the film, Razah. Very well written and performed!