213. 69. The Saga Of Danny Hernandez; movie review

 

 

69. THE SAGA OF DANNY HERNANDEZ

Cert TBA

102 mins

BBFC advice: TBA

I have not been a young person for a very long time and the rap culture is a foreign field to me so I have to admit that this film about Danny Hernandez was a tough watch.

Hernandez has apparently gained worldwide fame in the name of Tekashi69 or 6ix9ine with songs which felt like an attack on my ears when played in Vikram Gandhi's film.

I learned that Hernandez has had multiple Billboard Chart hits and is obsessed with both power and money.

The main takeaway of this picture is that he would sell out anyone, even those closest to him, to achieve his goals.

To be fair to Gandhi, he pursues every imaginable angle in the Hernandez story - with the exception of a direct interview with the subject - and includes contributions with those who were closest to him.

They have no compunction about revealing all because the rapper doesn't appear to believe in loyalty himself.

After all, he has given evidence against many people resulting in their long jail terms in return for reducing his own.

Yes, at the same time as being a success in the music charts and on international tours, he has also been heavily involved with New York gangs.

So, we hear how he drifted into violence while cultivating the personality of Tekashi69.

Gandhi explores the chronology of his rise to fame and how he fell from what he perceived as the top of the tree.

But he also examines the cult of personality and how social media plays such an enormous part in increasing the profile of those who are willing to push boundaries.

In other words, he tries to fathom why someone with no obvious singing talent but hundreds of tattoos, metal teeth, multi-coloured hair and a penchant for violence becomes an icon.

Unfortunately, while he does get under the skin of the Hernandez story, he cannot explain the inexplicable.

Reasons to watch: Deep dive into Brooklyn gang/rap culture

Reasons to avoid: Presents as if the audience has prior knowledge

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? On May 8 2020, 6ix9ine dropped 'GOOBA', his first song and music video since being released from prison the month before. It broke the record for the biggest 24-hour debut for a hip-hop video in YouTube history, beating Eminem's 'Killshot' which held the title from 2018. The video features 6ix9ine and a bevvy of dancers, including his girlfriend Jade and her sister. 

The final word. Danny Hernandez: "I was weak. I was easily influenced. I can’t believe that was me. Again, your honour, there is no apology good enough.” Observer

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