pgtrades123
This is a trans-formative film that touches deep and complex emotions . The visceral response of anger, hatred and revenge that surge from a feeling of being wronged are intensely powerful. This film attempts ,and succeeds in offering a mechanism and process that has the power to divert the impulse to kill to strike back to be vengeful, to perpetuate a cycle of violence into a outcome more difficult but ultimately cathartic and positive . It is a searing and haunting journey and one we can all learn from. restorative justice is a fragile process- it requires truth and responsibility and a belief that we share common human decency and dignity. It is not available to all; but if this base notion of justice was incorporated into our vindictive criminal justice system we would see dramatic and positive changes .
ligonlaw
This was the best documentary of the Oscar-nominated group. The witnesses came before the commission and confessed to murderous conduct in exchange for forgiveness. The testimony was raw and painful and absolutely riveting.After Apartheid ended, there had been so many atrocities committed by so many people on both sides that South Africa decided to pardon anyone from criminal prosecutions who came before the commission and told the truth about their complicity in the killing of blacks or whites.The power of this remarkable film comes from the ability of the families and friends of the victims to forgive.Ms. Hoffman, who was already nominated for a profound and excellent documentary about her mother's decline into Alzheimer's, is one of the finest living documentary makers in this country. Four stories of murder unfold in front of the families of the victims. The Witnesses admit to their crimes in different ways. This is an important film. An experiment in forgiveness for unforgivable unspeakable acts of violence.Also the soundtrack is unusually excellent for a documentary.
tommyg
I am stumbling over how to start to write this documentary film experience, other that I will not repeat prior posting notions.I am a child of Los Angeles, California (USA) and have never migrated too much outside of this Mediterranean climate basin and its metropolitan life and values. Within my 59 years, I suppose 46 of those have been cognitive of my own beliefs, fears, timidity and aggressions.I am very pessimistic that the United States can ever move to release its bondage of its Afro-American citizens.It is within this context that I viewed this wonderful documentary. The values presented are the values that tug at the basic fiber of my country and myself in reconciliation to people of color. With all our power and global military strength and dominance, we (USA) cannot even cure or dare to discuss issues of race with a true face.This film is a mirror held in the face of most Western powers, and mostly USA. This film provides a wonderful model to heal at least part of our past.Perhaps President George W. Bush can include this film in his "faith-based" programs that will get federal funding and a wide exposure. And in his Education program, should be screened at all our schools and at a very young student viewing age.
kchynes
This is an impressive documentary - there can be no argument about that. The question is whether its because the subject of the documentary (the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission) is enough to make you sit back and rethink every thought you have ever had on pain, suffering and the vengefulness that invariable goes with it. Or perhaps it is the film makers' extraordinary ability to draw from the people involved an honesty and openness which is as impressive as it is devastating to watch.You can not possibly watch this documentary without being changed by it and hopefully no opportunity will ever arise to make a documentary like this one again, so it is a must see.This is definitely the best documentary I have ever seen. Enough said.
AD
