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.
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.