Minimizes music and effects, relying on artful, informative screen titles to explain the action and letting the action explain the rest.
75
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
Ultimately, the film is so determinedly evenhanded, it probably won't change anybody's mind. But no matter where you stand, it's likely to leave a lasting impression.
75
New York PostJonathan Foreman
New York PostJonathan Foreman
Compelling but self-undermining documentary.
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
The documentary is revealing and chilling, although it doesn't explore the inner workings of the American criminal-justice system as thoroughly as one might wish.
70
VarietyRobert Koehler
VarietyRobert Koehler
At its best, Garbus' account quietly depicts a set of wasted lives, and a closing image of Allen's plywood casket carted away by a bulldozer is emblematic of the tragedy.
70
Village Voice
Village Voice
Achieves a torturous, race-against-time desperation.
Offers an unusual opportunity to observe the inequities in the death penalty, not just the inherent immorality but also the haphazard administration of it and public misperception of how the whole thing works.
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
Wrenching documentary.
60
Film ThreatMerle Bertrand
Film ThreatMerle Bertrand
Believe it or not, most of the empathy here is with Wand Jean's legal team. Yes, the lawyers.