A Wise Fool (TV Movie 2015) Poster

(2015 TV Movie)

User Reviews

Review this title
2 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
5/10
Too many genres in one
blumdeluxe2 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
"A wise fool" is a documentary, based on a very shocking murder case, in which an elderly couple was buried alive. The film has the committers, one perpetrator's mother and the daughter of the killed speak about how the crime influenced their lives and how something like this could happen.

I generally like documentaries about crime cases, even though there's always a voice in me that would wish to let the families and friends of the victims grieve in peace. In this case, the movie is mainly based on the oral accounts of the interview partners, the police investigation is not so much a topic. The crime gets portrayed quite accurate, so that it is possible to follow the events without further knowledge of the case. Unfortunatelly, in the end the producers try to add some kind of a moral speech regarding the treatment of prisoners and even though I don't hugely disagree with the content of it, it kind of ruins the neutrality of such a film and makes a man look like a martyre that is accountable for his choices and actions. I'm not saying that you shouldn't give him a chance to change his life and convince others of his change but up to now there was a bit too much glory implied for me.

All in all this is a nice little documentary, especially when you're into crimes and real cases. If you can overlook the feeling that the film maybe isn't fully neutral (or as neutral as possible), you will not regret giving it a watch.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
As a criminologist, I found this as one of the better true crime docs
truecrimebook5 January 2018
I watched this documentary this morning and am still feeling chills. I don't want to put spoilers here (don't you hate that). I am a criminologist and a true crime author, former law enforcement officer who has seen some horrible things. I don't know a film that has made me sit and ruminate this seriously in some time, all about callousness, forgiveness, and brutal honesty. The only thing I saw was a glaring typo on one of the quotes. It wasn't made on a million dollar budget, but that's one of the film's good things- makes it easier to relate to those interviewed, and it's "in your face" without feeling fake or staged. The criminals do not deserve anything less than life and the death penalty. They do not need to be out among society. The filmmaker takes an unbiased look at all sides - and lets you come to your own conclusion.
1 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed