City So Real Christian Review
There’s a certain vibrancy, a rhythm that echoes through the streets of Chicago, and City So Real captures it like a symphony. It’s not a symphony of perfection, mind you. This isn’t one of those polished, postcard-perfect depictions of urban life. No, Steve James’ five-part documentary is raw, messy, and profoundly human.
But what does a Christian make of a sprawling tapestry like this? Well, let’s start with the fact that City So Real is honest—honest about broken systems, human struggles, and glimmers of hope. If you believe that truth matters, that there’s beauty in facing the hard realities, then this series might just speak to your soul.
A City Alive
Let’s talk about the city itself. Chicago, in City So Real, isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing character. The film shifts seamlessly between different neighborhoods, social strata, and cultural pockets, giving you a sense of just how complex this city is.
From political campaigns to neighborhood debates, from fancy offices to corner diners, every corner of the city is alive with its own energy. And that’s what life feels like, doesn’t it? As Christians, we know that creation is diverse and that people carry the imago Dei—the image of God—even in their imperfection. Watching City So Real feels like an invitation to see that image reflected in faces you might otherwise overlook.
Truth in the Ordinary
Let’s be honest: most of life isn’t spectacular. It’s committee meetings, waiting in line, or catching up with neighbors at the local coffee shop. What James does so beautifully here is show us the sacredness in these moments.
In church, we talk about how God is present in the everyday—the meal you share, the work you do, the community you build. And that’s what this series gets. There’s a scene where someone’s discussing bureaucratic red tape that, somehow, feels as meaningful as a sermon. Why? Because it’s real. Life isn’t always mountaintop moments; it’s the valleys, too, and City So Real reminds us that even the mundane has meaning.
The Light and the Shadows
Now, let’s not pretend it’s all sunshine and roses. Chicago, as portrayed in this series, is a city wrestling with some serious issues. Systemic racism, political corruption, economic inequality—these are heavy topics, and James doesn’t shy away from them.
But here’s what’s interesting: even in the shadows, there’s light. There’s humor, resilience, and a deep sense of community. As a Christian, it’s hard not to think of the tension we live in—the already and the not yet, the brokenness of the world and the hope of redemption. James doesn’t try to solve Chicago’s problems, but he does show us the beauty of people striving for something better.
Listening to the Voices
One of the most striking things about City So Real is how it gives people space to speak. Politicians, activists, business owners, everyday folks—they all get their moment. And here’s the thing: they’re not all saying the same thing. Sometimes they outright contradict each other.
And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s necessary. As Christians, we’re called to listen, even when it’s uncomfortable. James’ approach feels like an exercise in grace, in allowing people to be heard without judgment.
There’s something deeply Christlike about that, isn’t there? Jesus didn’t only sit with the religious elite or those who had their act together. He sat with tax collectors, sinners, and the marginalized. Watching City So Real feels like an extension of that call—to sit, to listen, and to learn.
The Role of the Church
Here’s where things get personal. Watching City So Real should make you ask, “What’s my role in all this?” The problems Chicago faces—poverty, inequality, division—aren’t unique to one city. They’re everywhere. And if we’re honest, the church hasn’t always been great at addressing them.
But what if we took our calling seriously? What if we saw our cities as places to bring light, not just through charity but through genuine engagement? Watching this series, you can’t help but feel the weight of the church’s responsibility to be a force for justice and reconciliation.
It’s not about swooping in with quick fixes. It’s about walking alongside people, advocating for change, and being present in the messiness of life.
Radical Curiosity
There’s a kind of curiosity that drives City So Real—the kind that doesn’t settle for easy answers. James approaches Chicago not as a problem to be solved but as a story to be understood.
That’s something Christians could learn from. Too often, we jump to conclusions or slap Bible verses onto complex issues without really digging in. What if we took a page from James’ playbook and approached the world with radical curiosity? What if we asked better questions and took the time to truly understand the stories around us?
A Mural, Not a Slogan
One of the things I appreciate most about this series is that it doesn’t try to simplify. It’s a mural, not a bumper sticker. You don’t walk away with easy takeaways or tidy conclusions, but you do walk away with a fuller picture of what it means to live in community.
For Christians, that’s a valuable reminder. Life isn’t meant to be reduced to slogans or soundbites. It’s messy, complicated, and deeply relational. And that’s okay.
Why You Should Watch
Let me level with you: City So Real isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for action, drama, or escapism, this isn’t it. But if you’re someone who values truth, who finds beauty in the everyday, and who wants to engage with the world in a meaningful way, this series is worth your time.
It’s a masterclass in storytelling, a challenge to our assumptions, and an invitation to see the world through new eyes. For Christians, it’s also a call to reflect on how we engage with our own communities—whether we’re part of the problem or part of the solution.
Final Thoughts
City So Real isn’t just a documentary; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to step into someone else’s shoes, to see a city in all its complexity, and to wrestle with the big questions.
For me, it’s a reminder of why storytelling matters—because it opens our eyes, softens our hearts, and points us toward something greater.
Rating: 9/10
A thought-provoking, deeply human series that challenges and inspires. It’s not just about Chicago; it’s about all of us.
