Young men of ‘Bertie’ balance helplessness and hope

Margaret Byrne’s documentary follows the trio for six of the most formative years of their lives, as they face educational challenges, fatherless homes and a hard uphill struggle with uncertain rewards.

Byrne was a cinematographer and editor on the 2013 documentary “American Promise,” a 13-years-in-the-life look at two African American boys in New York City.

Byrne provides no voice-over and very few titles, trusting the viewer to make their own political and social interpretations.

A brawl in the middle of the documentary is particularly confusing — the participants and reason for the fight are unclear.

While the action is minimal — being a young African-American man in Bertie is a slow grind — there are shining lights throughout.

A social worker who runs a continuation school shows genuine love for the young men, clearly able to see the good inside them.