G – DOG is an inspiring documentary which tosses the spotlight on a remarkable man who just might be a Saint in everyday clothing.
In the Los Angeles area locals may be familiar with Father Greg Boyle – a white Jesuit Priest – who strode into one of the toughest neighborhoods in the city about twenty-five years ago and shook up things up with an intriguing philosophy:
“Nothing stops a bullet like a job!”
With that in mind, Boyle founded “Homeboy” Industries and a center for gang members to take shelter at they were able to find a way out of the violent street scene in the hood.
In fact, each year approximately 12,000 gang members show up at Father Boyle's door, where they are welcomed with open arms.
At “Homeboy” the “refugees” are given job training, tattoo removal for free, expert legit counseling, guidance on fatherhood, as well as the precious opportunity to learn how to kick “shooting” at substance abuse classes.
Those who stick with the program land gainful employment working as cooks, bakers, janitors – you name it – in one of the Homeboy Industries businesses around town.
After 18 months, the dedicated few are then set free, to go into the community and make a fresh start for themselves.
According to the producers of "G – DOG" - there has been a remarkable 70% success rate (which they chronicled at the facility in 2010) - in spite of the fact Father Boyle was nearly forced to shut the doors for lack of funds or any help from the local community.
The documentary is inspiring and tells a tale about a man who beat the odds because he toiled endlessly from a place of compassion first-and-foremost to achieve an unselfish goal.
Indeed!
Father Boyle ended up creating a global model for social reform and a beacon of hope for destitute families, law enforcement officials, children’s advocates, and Government policy makers.
In the final analysis, Boyle created the largest and most successful gang intervention and rehab program in the U.S.
His remedy to reach out with boundless restorable love worked!
The filmmakers were inspired to tell his story after they stumbled on his best-selling book:
"Tattoos From the Heart"
The book is a window onto the world of “Homeboy” and triggered the fimmaker's curiosity.
The book is a window onto the world of “Homeboy” and triggered the fimmaker's curiosity.
“A priest, gangs, and love. What’s this all about,” director Freida Mock (an Academy-Award Winner) recalled wondering aloud one fine day.
And so, at that juncture, the heartfelt project began.
G – DOG may be heart-wrenching – and bring a tear to the eye now-and-then during the course of a screening – but it will make you laugh, too.
Such is the miraculous power of the man known to the gang members as G - Dog!
By the way, the documentary is screening at the LA Film Festival next week, so catch it if you can.
A video clip of Father Boyle being greeted by well-wishers at a theatrical release last week may be viewed at this link:
3 1/2 Stars!
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