As an Ava DuVernay fan, I am committed to watching everything that she directed even if I’m not particularly interested in the subject matter. Because Ava DuVernay directed This Is The Life: How the West Was Won, I decided to watch it even though I was completely unfamiliar with California’s The Good Life Health Food Centre’s weekly open-mic night. I think that viewers who are familiar with the subject matter probably loved This Is The Life: How the West Was Won since the pacing of the documentary reflects the dynamic rhythm of the music. For viewers like me who are not familiar with the artists or the atmosphere of the West Coast freestyle scene, it was enjoyable if you let it wash over you, but I would be lying if I said that I understood everything or retained any substantial information other than the vibe of The Good Life.
This Is The Life: How the West Was Won is not a PBS style documentary that will slowly set up the time and place while slowly introducing artists, analyzing their work and where they are today. This Is The Life: How the West Was Won is a rapidly paced love letter directed by someone who experienced the documentary first-hand. If you are a fan of rap or hip hop, I would definitely watch it, but if your ears have grown old and slow on picking up lyrics like mine have, then This Is The Life: How the West Was Won is not required viewing.