ANALYSIS/OPINION:
To date, no one has gone to jail for the 2008 banking scandal, and the new documentary from Steve James “Abacus: Small Enough to Jail,” shows the government’s one attempt to do just that. Abacus, a small financial institution in New York’s Chinatown, had on its books an unscrupulous lending officer, whose actions happened to catch the attention of Manhattan’s district attorney at precisely the wrong time.
Founded by Thomas Sung, Abacus was set up to assist new Chinese immigrants and assimilating Chinese-Americans. Mr. Sung and several of his family members — including three of his daughters, who work for him — make the case that perhaps New York’s selective witch hunt is racially motivated.
Recreations of the trial itself and a somewhat awkward use of scenes from “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a wraparound device are a bit head-scratching, but Virginia native Mr. James (“Hoop Dreams,” “Life”) takes a David vs. Goliath motif in his new doc to effective use, however, I’m still waiting for a truly indicting documentary film about how many, many architects of the financial crisis remain free, no doubt downing a pina colada on a sandy beach as I type.
Director Steve James and members of the Sung family will appear for post-screening Q&A sessions Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the District’s Landmark E Street Cinema.
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