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Erika (17788 KP) rated The Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius (30 for 30) in TV
Nov 25, 2020
I love ESPN's 30 for 30 series (the Tonya Harding documentary is one of my favorite sports docs). When I saw that they had done a series about Oscar Pistorius, I was all in.
This series consists of 4 episodes, that are nearly 2 hours each. To clarify, these TV shows with really long eps are not the norm in the USA, like they are elsewhere.
I had watched the Dateline ep on the Pistorious murder a few weeks before I watched this series. Of course, the narrative is of that one was skewed towards the story of domestic violence, and justice for Reeva. This is the story that's peddled all over the world. Not that it's wrong, I'm a supporter of women in domestic situations, but it's always struck me as extremely biased.
This doc did focus on Oscar, his upbringing, and his quest to complete in the able-bodied (sheesh - that's awful) Olympics. His side of the story is highly plausible, and his actions were a product of his upbringing. The documentary films really shed like on the social situation in South Africa at the time. Honestly, I only took one history class that dealt with continent in general, so there wasn't really a focus on the country itself. Seriously, the only things that stood out in my mind regarding South Africa were their incredibly odd accents, Mandela, and District 9. So, I found the additional information extremely interesting.
Overall, I found it to be far more balanced than anything I had seen in the past regarding the case, which was refreshing.
This series consists of 4 episodes, that are nearly 2 hours each. To clarify, these TV shows with really long eps are not the norm in the USA, like they are elsewhere.
I had watched the Dateline ep on the Pistorious murder a few weeks before I watched this series. Of course, the narrative is of that one was skewed towards the story of domestic violence, and justice for Reeva. This is the story that's peddled all over the world. Not that it's wrong, I'm a supporter of women in domestic situations, but it's always struck me as extremely biased.
This doc did focus on Oscar, his upbringing, and his quest to complete in the able-bodied (sheesh - that's awful) Olympics. His side of the story is highly plausible, and his actions were a product of his upbringing. The documentary films really shed like on the social situation in South Africa at the time. Honestly, I only took one history class that dealt with continent in general, so there wasn't really a focus on the country itself. Seriously, the only things that stood out in my mind regarding South Africa were their incredibly odd accents, Mandela, and District 9. So, I found the additional information extremely interesting.
Overall, I found it to be far more balanced than anything I had seen in the past regarding the case, which was refreshing.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses (2015) in Movies
Oct 25, 2017 (Updated Oct 25, 2017)
How mass hysteria and inverted cultural beliefs become fatal
Once more, Netflix has showcased another harrowing documentary, this time set in New Zealand.
In the heart of Maori culture, lies the belief of Makatu, a curse or demon, that can allegedly be 'exorcised'. A poor young mother, Janet Moses, who either had mental health issues or was seemingly depressed, was confronted by her large family attempting to help her. Unfortunately their misguided deeply held beliefs included holding her down and plying water into her for days on end in a bid to rid her of a demon. And while they believed they they were assisting her, she eventually died after five days.
And of course a court case ensued about culpability. A truly terrible instance of dogmatic beliefs, cabin fever, and hysteria.
In the heart of Maori culture, lies the belief of Makatu, a curse or demon, that can allegedly be 'exorcised'. A poor young mother, Janet Moses, who either had mental health issues or was seemingly depressed, was confronted by her large family attempting to help her. Unfortunately their misguided deeply held beliefs included holding her down and plying water into her for days on end in a bid to rid her of a demon. And while they believed they they were assisting her, she eventually died after five days.
And of course a court case ensued about culpability. A truly terrible instance of dogmatic beliefs, cabin fever, and hysteria.
Dean (6921 KP) rated REC (2007) in Movies
Jan 7, 2018
One of the best found footage films (1 more)
Genuinely scary
Scary
A great little Spanish horror film that has a realism about it you just don't get in many horror films. This did so well the Western remake was done just a few months later and also got good reviews @Quarantine (2008) . It's very short at 70mins but brutal and shocking after a slow opening. Filmed from the point of view of a local TV camera man, it's a found footage film like Blairwitch and Cloverfield, making a documentary about the local fire service. They go out on a call to a local apartment block, beginning a series of shocking events.
There are 2 sequels that are worth checking out and a sequel to the American version as well.
There are 2 sequels that are worth checking out and a sequel to the American version as well.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Voyeur (2017) in Movies
Dec 22, 2019
It seems as though the only thing that Netflix does well is true crime documentaries and series.
This was an interesting one, it was about this dude who bought a hotel in the 1960s to spy on guests and satisfy his voyeuristic tendencies. Interpret that as you see fit. The dude's a creepy dirt bag and it made me feel slightly sick to my stomach hearing about his adventures.
This documentary follows the journalist who is writing the story, Gay, and features interviews with the creep. It's very interesting to see the process that this old-school journalist takes, and his wariness about the whole thing.
Is the voyeur telling the truth? Or just making this stuff up?
If you can stomach the disgusting dude's exploits, it's an interesting watch.
This was an interesting one, it was about this dude who bought a hotel in the 1960s to spy on guests and satisfy his voyeuristic tendencies. Interpret that as you see fit. The dude's a creepy dirt bag and it made me feel slightly sick to my stomach hearing about his adventures.
This documentary follows the journalist who is writing the story, Gay, and features interviews with the creep. It's very interesting to see the process that this old-school journalist takes, and his wariness about the whole thing.
Is the voyeur telling the truth? Or just making this stuff up?
If you can stomach the disgusting dude's exploits, it's an interesting watch.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Dream/Killer (2015) in Movies
Feb 1, 2020
This true crime documentary left me feeling very sad. It's the story of a father's quest to get his wrong convicted son out of prison. The case was crazy, and the prosecutor(s) were so corrupt (surprise, surprise). Obviously, this quest leads to said release from prison.
The most heartbreaking thing was that after the son went through all this, he had no idea as to how to function in the outside world, since he was just 20 when convicted. I ended up just feeling completely awful for him, and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the dude ends up offing himself, or purposely gets in trouble to go back to the structured environment in prison.
It's a pretty short, interesting watch, if you're a true crime buff.
The most heartbreaking thing was that after the son went through all this, he had no idea as to how to function in the outside world, since he was just 20 when convicted. I ended up just feeling completely awful for him, and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the dude ends up offing himself, or purposely gets in trouble to go back to the structured environment in prison.
It's a pretty short, interesting watch, if you're a true crime buff.
Barry Newman (204 KP) rated Traffic (2001) in Movies
Feb 1, 2020
A complex and ambitious movie documenting several interconnected stories about the drug trade. Steven Soderbergh’s style is almost documentary like (plenty of shaky cam) and I liked his use of blue and yellow filters illustrating the different stories . Personally I found the film a bit overlong and some of the cartel storyline a bit draggy and convoluted. The film is more successful when showing the human side of drug addiction and I particularly enjoyed the storyline documenting the daughter of a senior politician tasked with tackling drug trafficking descending into addiction. Michael Douglas performance here was excellent and quite moving and definitely the standout amongst the ensemble cast. So a very impressive movie for its scope and scale, not all of it works but what does works very well.
Elizabeth (1521 KP) rated Daisy Jones & the Six in Books
Feb 10, 2020
Original format (1 more)
Storyline
I normally keep my distance from books that get a lot of hype because, let's be honest, they don't usually deserve it. Even though this book kept popping up all over my feed, the synopsis intrigued me enough to give it a chance.
It's been a while since I've flown through a book. Idk why, but lately it takes me weeks, even if I am enjoying it. The documentary format of this book was original and kept me drawn in. It was like binge watching a docuseries on Netflix. I can't wait to see how the show will come to life and look forward to actually hearing the songs.
If you are looking for your next read, I would definitely recommend Daisy Jones & the Six.
It's been a while since I've flown through a book. Idk why, but lately it takes me weeks, even if I am enjoying it. The documentary format of this book was original and kept me drawn in. It was like binge watching a docuseries on Netflix. I can't wait to see how the show will come to life and look forward to actually hearing the songs.
If you are looking for your next read, I would definitely recommend Daisy Jones & the Six.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Catfish (2010) in Movies
Apr 19, 2020
This documentary is one of my favorites. It's really hard to watch at some points, not because it's bad, but just because it's cringy and uncomfortable. It's surprising to me that people still catfish to this day, but I guess it works out for Nev because he made an 8 season show about it.
I wish they would make an addendum or something to see what their relationship is like now. It's been 10 years since the film came out and 12 since it all actually happened. Nev is married and has two kids now. He said, a couple of years after the film came out, that Angela is still a big part of his life, but that was 8 years ago. I wonder where they are now.
I wish they would make an addendum or something to see what their relationship is like now. It's been 10 years since the film came out and 12 since it all actually happened. Nev is married and has two kids now. He said, a couple of years after the film came out, that Angela is still a big part of his life, but that was 8 years ago. I wonder where they are now.
Rutger Hauer recommended GasLand (2010) in Movies (curated)
