Abacus Small Enough to Jail

(2016)

Abacus Small Enough to Jail (2018) is a riveting documentary that sheds light on the remarkable true story of Abacus, a small community bank, in the aftermath of the 2008 mortgage crisis in the United States. While major financial institutions escaped prosecution, Abacus found itself indicted, making it the sole bank to face criminal charges in the wake of the crisis.

Directed by Steve James, this thought-provoking film takes viewers on a captivating journey as they witness the intense legal battle that unfolds as the Sung family, who own and operate Abacus, fight to clear their names. The documentary explores the complexities of the case and the personal toll it takes on the family as they strive for justice against a backdrop of immense pressure.

Through a series of interviews with the Sungs, their employees, defense lawyers, and the prosecuting attorney, viewers gain insights into the inner workings of the bank and the events that led to the charges against them. The film effectively showcases the stark contrast between Abacus and the larger financial institutions that went unpunished, raising important questions about the fairness and accountability within the US justice system.

Abacus Small Enough to Jail provides an eye-opening exploration of the power dynamics at play in the aftermath of the mortgage crisis and challenges viewers to question the unequal treatment of the banks involved. This compelling documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of a small institution determined to fight for justice against seemingly insurmountable odds.