This Is the Life (2008): cast, story & where to watch
2008 · Film · ★ 7.4
Released in 2008, This Is the Life is a music and documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay, running about 97 minutes. “How the West was One” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. In 1989, a collective of young hip hop artists gathered at a health food café in South Central Los Angeles. Their mandate? To reject gang culture and expand the musical boundaries of hip hop. DuVernay's documentary chronicles the historic legacy of the Good Life Cafe — the open mic nights that became an L.A. institution, the eclectic array of talented young MCs that emerged there, the alternative hip hop movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the artform.
Who’s in it. This Is the Life stars Abstract Rude as Self, Big Al as Self, Regan Farquhar as Self and Chali 2na as Self, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.4/10, This Is the Life has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch This Is the Life page.
If you liked it. Fans of This Is the Life tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch This Is the Life (2008)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for This Is the Life change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is This Is the Life worth watching?
- This Is the Life holds an audience score of 7.4 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy music and documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in This Is the Life?
- This Is the Life stars Abstract Rude, Big Al, Regan Farquhar, Chali 2na and Cut Chemist.
- When was This Is the Life released?
- This Is the Life was released in 2008, with a runtime of about 97 minutes.