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Watching ‘Detroit’ movie? Read about Algiers Motel case first. (slideshow)

“Detroit” the movie is back, just in time for Hollywood awards seasons.

The film by acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow is being released on DVD next week, and was re-released in some theaters (including AMC ones in southeast Michigan) late last month in hopes of making it an Oscar contender.

The film chronicles one of Detroit’s darkest episodes –  the killings of three black youths by police at the infamous Algiers Motel during the 1967 civil unrest. Bigelow’s account is controversial, in part because it’s unflinchingly violent, but also because some critics contend she took liberties with facts.

Bridge Magazine wrote extensively about the case this summer, profiling relatives of the slain teens who were denied justice and the flamboyant, unapologetic attorney won acquittals for police officers charged in the crimes.

Catch up on the facts before seeing the movie.

Detroit Police killed their sons at the Algiers Motel. No one ever said sorry.

He became famous defending ‘Algiers Motel’ cops. Deal with it.

Read what community leaders in Detroit felt about the film.

‘Detroit’ movie is an orgy of violence that doesn’t show my city

Learn about the extraordinary odyssey of the family of the man who threw a bottle that started the 1967 riots.

He started the Detroit riot. His son wrestles with the carnage.

And read the award-winning coverage of Bridge Magazine and the Detroit Journalism Cooperative about how Detroit has changed –  and hasn’t –  since those awful summer nights 50 years ago.

Order ‘The Intersection’ book containing all riot coverage

A quick guide to the 1967 Detroit Riot

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