Dinosaur 13 is quite riveting and heart wrenching. Where to begin but to single out the nefarious behavior of the U.S. Federal government? It was mind boggling to watch the dubious legal gymnastics they performed to indict paleontologists who just made an incredible discovery contributing to human civilization. At some point you find yourself condemning all involved - from South Dakota AG Scheiffer to the FBI to the ridiculous waste of sending in the National Guard to Judge Battey's unconscionable behavior. Only the jury (except for one juror) had sense - as immoral actors who in the end had nothing to show for their mean spirited actions except to send one of the Larson brothers to prison; for an asinine two years for 'failing to fill out paper work'. Just one notch under the belt of why we should be skeptical of government not acting in good faith in the interest of the people as this can happen to anyone. Literally, they can find anything to throw people in prison for. The documentary, one could argue, essentially displayed one side as merely contributing something of worthwhile and the other as nothing more than an entity of abusing power to nobody's gain. The sad part in all this is this group of people discovered 'Sue' and will never be properly accredited. As if this wasn't enough, in one final slap to their faces, Larson wasn't invited to 'Sue's' unveiling. That said a lot about the people at the Chicago Museum. Notably, they lack a soul too. This is my opinion. See for yourself.
26 Reviews
The Dear Zachary of DinoDocs.
Sergeant_Tibbs8 December 2014
In 1990 palaeontologist Pete Larson and his team excavated the 13th T-Rex skeleton discovered so far. It was the largest and most complete specimen yet. Todd Douglas Miller's Dinosaur 13, which premiered at Sundance, explores the consequences of those involved with the dinosaur nicknamed "Sue" as the FBI seized her bones because of ownership disputes, where they sat in storage for nearly 10 years.
It's a film that belongs in a 'thriller documentary' subgenre that's emerged in the past few years with films such as Man On Wire, The Imposter and Blackfish. They're emotionally charged examinations of tragic events and their use of tension is often enthralling. Bias or not, they make for terrific cinema. For its whiplash style, personal elements and condemnation of injustice, Dinosaur 13 is the Dear Zachary of DinoDocs, if not quite as overwhelming.
The first 25 minutes are the highlight and ostensibly the high point of everyone's lives before things got complicated. It documents the discovery and extraction of Sue with stunningly convenient archive footage shot at the time to paint a vivid picture. The palpable excitement of the scientists is contagious. Everyone has an intimate relationship with Sue. It captures the urgency of palaeontology as they justify that nature deteriorates fossils, which is something rarely considered. The doc wraps you up in the race to uncover Earth's past.
However, the film struggles to focus on a particular person, even though it ends up on Pete Larson. He's rarely a figure of discussion until the last part of the documentary. But even though it's so scattered, it exudes the camaraderie of the fossil enthusiasts from experts to amateurs. It's wonderful to watch the whole town of Black Hills come and see Sue's skull with a sense of wonder.
As director Miller builds and builds this joy, it's painful to watch when doom inevitably comes crashing down. They even have footage of the FBI and protesters shaming them, including children. It feels Spielberg-esque in line with E.T.'s crisis. But its sentiment does not come cheaply, despite teary-eyed interviews. The film is very thick and fast with its events, giving as much exposition as possible with quick text on screen. Sometimes too quick to digest, but you get a feel for it.
The portrait of injustice that Miller paints is infuriating, and he evidently has an anti- Government bias due to this situation. The film has been criticised for its manipulation in this regard, but in documentary filmmaking that's part and parcel. Yes, it does try and wring sympathy for the scientists and you could argue that it's not earned, but that's not what engages me. It illuminates a devastating folly of man that we can't work together for progress and it's all about claim to fame.
It develops into a grand custody battle of who owns Sue between Native American Reservations, Maurice Williams a man who bought the bones originally, the Government, and those who found her. The latter take the hardest punch. The film becomes a courtroom drama as they're accused of theft and multitude of crimes due to doing business with something that they didn't know they couldn't claim. There are horrific technicalities that make your blood boil and the film is constantly acknowledging the ridiculous nature of it all.
It's a wilfully abrasive film, peculiar as its events folded not 15 years ago and it's all over something that's already millions of years old. It's attractively shot in the interviews and short re-enactments, although its low budget shows in those moments. Granted, that just reveals Miller's creativity on set. Perhaps it could've slowed down the pace a few times just to feel more in the moment or to get closer to its subjects, but with such ground to cover I can see why it's so eager. The cinematic score with violins makes it feel like a blockbuster treat, with a little reference to The Assassination of Jesse James by its close. Dinosaur 13 is an engrossing doc with a big achy heart.
8/10
Read more @ The Awards Circuit (http://www.awardscircuit.com/)
It's a film that belongs in a 'thriller documentary' subgenre that's emerged in the past few years with films such as Man On Wire, The Imposter and Blackfish. They're emotionally charged examinations of tragic events and their use of tension is often enthralling. Bias or not, they make for terrific cinema. For its whiplash style, personal elements and condemnation of injustice, Dinosaur 13 is the Dear Zachary of DinoDocs, if not quite as overwhelming.
The first 25 minutes are the highlight and ostensibly the high point of everyone's lives before things got complicated. It documents the discovery and extraction of Sue with stunningly convenient archive footage shot at the time to paint a vivid picture. The palpable excitement of the scientists is contagious. Everyone has an intimate relationship with Sue. It captures the urgency of palaeontology as they justify that nature deteriorates fossils, which is something rarely considered. The doc wraps you up in the race to uncover Earth's past.
However, the film struggles to focus on a particular person, even though it ends up on Pete Larson. He's rarely a figure of discussion until the last part of the documentary. But even though it's so scattered, it exudes the camaraderie of the fossil enthusiasts from experts to amateurs. It's wonderful to watch the whole town of Black Hills come and see Sue's skull with a sense of wonder.
As director Miller builds and builds this joy, it's painful to watch when doom inevitably comes crashing down. They even have footage of the FBI and protesters shaming them, including children. It feels Spielberg-esque in line with E.T.'s crisis. But its sentiment does not come cheaply, despite teary-eyed interviews. The film is very thick and fast with its events, giving as much exposition as possible with quick text on screen. Sometimes too quick to digest, but you get a feel for it.
The portrait of injustice that Miller paints is infuriating, and he evidently has an anti- Government bias due to this situation. The film has been criticised for its manipulation in this regard, but in documentary filmmaking that's part and parcel. Yes, it does try and wring sympathy for the scientists and you could argue that it's not earned, but that's not what engages me. It illuminates a devastating folly of man that we can't work together for progress and it's all about claim to fame.
It develops into a grand custody battle of who owns Sue between Native American Reservations, Maurice Williams a man who bought the bones originally, the Government, and those who found her. The latter take the hardest punch. The film becomes a courtroom drama as they're accused of theft and multitude of crimes due to doing business with something that they didn't know they couldn't claim. There are horrific technicalities that make your blood boil and the film is constantly acknowledging the ridiculous nature of it all.
It's a wilfully abrasive film, peculiar as its events folded not 15 years ago and it's all over something that's already millions of years old. It's attractively shot in the interviews and short re-enactments, although its low budget shows in those moments. Granted, that just reveals Miller's creativity on set. Perhaps it could've slowed down the pace a few times just to feel more in the moment or to get closer to its subjects, but with such ground to cover I can see why it's so eager. The cinematic score with violins makes it feel like a blockbuster treat, with a little reference to The Assassination of Jesse James by its close. Dinosaur 13 is an engrossing doc with a big achy heart.
8/10
Read more @ The Awards Circuit (http://www.awardscircuit.com/)
Brilliant but sad watch
tocanepauli23 September 2019
Travesty of American Law Enforcement
ebiros215 December 2016
Imagine that you were a gold prospector, and found a mother lode. You take it home and clean all the debris off of the ore. Then some military men shows up and takes all you've collected Wouldn't you consider that a theft ? Yet that is exactly what happened to Sue - One of the most complete T- Rex specimen ever found. FBI and the national guard showed up at Blackhills Institute to haul away the fossils of the T-Rex. Something good was found, and US government decided to make it their own - by any means possible, and by force. The action speaks volumes about what kind of government United States is running. In some parts of this world United States is considered a terrorist. In this case a thug as well.Dinosaur 13 is a story that goes beyond the story of T-Rex fossil.It's a story about how US government operates. It's policy of might makes right is a danger not only to the fossil hunters, but to all citizens who lives in United States ( and rest of the world ).
Wonderfully Scripted Documentary
ddparkson5 September 2014
This is by far one of the most touching documentaries that I have ever seen. A story about the Larson family, who put their heart, sweat and blood into finding and unearthing one of the most dominant dinosaur's in the world. It goes to show that the Government can never be trusted, and for Mr. Larson to not be invited to the opening of Sue in the Chicago Museum is an absolute insult to Palaeontology. McDonald's the obesity king and Walt Disney teamed up and acquired Sue for a Whopping 7.6 Million Dollars. To know that you put everything you have into something and have it taken from you just crushes me. I hope Mr. Larson that one day you discover a 90% intact T-Rex and have it displayed in South Dakota. I wish you and your team all the best.
Cheers.
Cheers.
It's not of a dinosaur, but of a law case about a dinosaur
samukaresma4 June 2016
I think it was good, and very emotional. It still wasn't what I expected. I thought I was going to watch a documentary about excavation of dinosaurs and all that is around them, instead 80% of movie is around the law case that was built around the dinosaur.
If you want to watch a movie precisely about dinosaurs, how they are found, how they are dug up, what were they, and how to they study them, this is not your movie.
Instead, most of the movie involves only a huge series of law sues and dispute about the ownership of the fossils. Yes, it is still done well, and it's interesting and most of all very emotional and makes you think the official authorities, and I had no problem watching it to the end, even though I noticed it wasn't I expected. It's just that, I guess I would have given better score, or received it better myself, had I known what this really was about. About law and court rooms, not dinosaurs. That was kind of disappointing.
If you want to watch a movie precisely about dinosaurs, how they are found, how they are dug up, what were they, and how to they study them, this is not your movie.
Instead, most of the movie involves only a huge series of law sues and dispute about the ownership of the fossils. Yes, it is still done well, and it's interesting and most of all very emotional and makes you think the official authorities, and I had no problem watching it to the end, even though I noticed it wasn't I expected. It's just that, I guess I would have given better score, or received it better myself, had I known what this really was about. About law and court rooms, not dinosaurs. That was kind of disappointing.
Dinosaur 13 - Incredible Documentary
Hint5234 June 2014
I have continually had the conversation that we live in a beautiful era for documentaries that push narratives and transcend what audiences previously believed a documentary could do. I am reinforced in this belief by a handful of films that I've seen, but another such film, Dinosaur 13, will now join those ranks.
Exposing us to a narrative that few people know, Dinosaur 13 is a roller coaster of a story in the best way possible. What starts as a humble yet passionate following of a group of paleontologists becomes a conflict that is bigger than they could ever expect. I don't want to give any part of the film away because there are so many twists and turns in this story. It is documentaries like this that make me question why even bother with writing stories when there are great ones like this that are more compelling than fiction. I will highlight a few things that I resonated with. First, this is a film about small town USA, in this case Hill City, SD (in close proximity to the Badlands), and the power of community in places like this, both in good times and bad times. Secondly, this is a film about passionate people. The subjects of the film, notably Peter Larson, the paleontologist who is the primary focus, but also the many other folks involved, all share a beautiful love of what they do. Despite all adversity, carrying passion and optimism is a beautiful thing to watch.
From a craft standpoint, the film is greatly benefited due to a high quantity of archival footage. Had these events transpired 20 years before, home videos would not have been commonplace and it would have to rely more on reenactments and interviews, but instead a good amount of the film actually uses footage, along with some reenactments and some fantastic interviews.
I am blown away by this story and look forward to watching it again in theaters. Paleontology is essentially the study of history and uncovering the truth in the past: Dinosaur 13 has done the same for this powerful story that should be heard by all. 10/10
Exposing us to a narrative that few people know, Dinosaur 13 is a roller coaster of a story in the best way possible. What starts as a humble yet passionate following of a group of paleontologists becomes a conflict that is bigger than they could ever expect. I don't want to give any part of the film away because there are so many twists and turns in this story. It is documentaries like this that make me question why even bother with writing stories when there are great ones like this that are more compelling than fiction. I will highlight a few things that I resonated with. First, this is a film about small town USA, in this case Hill City, SD (in close proximity to the Badlands), and the power of community in places like this, both in good times and bad times. Secondly, this is a film about passionate people. The subjects of the film, notably Peter Larson, the paleontologist who is the primary focus, but also the many other folks involved, all share a beautiful love of what they do. Despite all adversity, carrying passion and optimism is a beautiful thing to watch.
From a craft standpoint, the film is greatly benefited due to a high quantity of archival footage. Had these events transpired 20 years before, home videos would not have been commonplace and it would have to rely more on reenactments and interviews, but instead a good amount of the film actually uses footage, along with some reenactments and some fantastic interviews.
I am blown away by this story and look forward to watching it again in theaters. Paleontology is essentially the study of history and uncovering the truth in the past: Dinosaur 13 has done the same for this powerful story that should be heard by all. 10/10
One of the best Documentaries I've seen
NerdBat30 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Dinosaur 13 sheds a huge amount of light on the problems that Paleontologists face on a daily basis, fighting among themselves over who is "qualified" more so than the other. It also sheds light on the ridiculousness that the United States government serves to its people. The sheer fact that the government would issue a claim to a fossil that was not even (technically) discovered on US soil and later retract their own claim shows how truly money hungry they are. It also shows how dishonest and shameful the Native man, Maurice, was to the paleontologists he claimed were his friends. I am a dinosaur enthusiast myself, and I have taken some university classes on Paleontology. It sickens me to know that a fossil like Sue, who has so very much to teach the scientific community, could be purchased by some rich private collector only to be stored away in a room somewhere. I feel that scientifically important specimens should immediately be surrendered to a museum or a university to be studied, not to be another material possession for man to soil with his money and greasy hands. If you are as intrigued by Paleontology as I am, then this Documentary will have you yelling at your television screen and crying right along with the people of the institute at the travesties that our own people have committed against themselves.
A must watch for dinosaur lovers and the truth
adamleeplaysbball8 January 2015
This is a must watch for anyone interested in dinosaurs and perfect for college courses.
This documentary is definitely a roller coaster not like other documentaries as you learn from the hero's, the villains and you learn about corrupt law.
I went and seen sue in Chicago and this definitely wasn't the story they have on Sue, so I recommend to anyone who has seen this amazing T.Rex to watch this documentary and find out how Sue nearly didn't come to the public eye, and how much of a struggle the true owners went through trying to keep her were she belonged.
I wish all the best to the Larson Family.
This documentary is definitely a roller coaster not like other documentaries as you learn from the hero's, the villains and you learn about corrupt law.
I went and seen sue in Chicago and this definitely wasn't the story they have on Sue, so I recommend to anyone who has seen this amazing T.Rex to watch this documentary and find out how Sue nearly didn't come to the public eye, and how much of a struggle the true owners went through trying to keep her were she belonged.
I wish all the best to the Larson Family.
Very nice documentary but something went wrong.
alhamaniapro25 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The documentary starts with a nice way of directing,and it shows us the main palaeontologists how they are working how they spend there time reading books and then shows us Susan Hendrickson one of the palaeontologist from them, takes a walk, an she suddenly saw something,like a stone but she thinks that it is a T-Rex's bone it was like a t-Rex spine, and then she look again closer and closer and she was sure after a wile that she discover a Tyrannosaurus Rex , she was so happy and she run to tell it to the others but after she arrived they didn't believe her, then she show them the part of t-Rex spine and they run fast to the dinosaur,and after a while they discover that it was sure a t-Rex,then they name the dinosaur Shu in memory of Susan Hendrickson. The documentary is nice until something went wrong the documentary became like a drama movie, there is nothing to understand or to show to us about palaeontologists and there work it changes the documentary and transform it to a movie, It suppose to show us about the dinosaurs.This story its nice but the documentary is going a little bit wrong.
Documentary with more than Rex Appeal
in19847 November 2014
9.1 of 10. True to its title, it is not only about the 13th tyrannosaurus rex discovered, but even more so about the hard work the paleontologists put in to recover it and maintain it in as good condition as possible. This isn't just another dinosaur quickie to grab easy money.
Unlike most documentaries, it has hero and villain excitement that makes everything you learn, including about the law, taxes, prison, and government appointments, that much more interesting and easily enjoyed by those without a strong interest in paleontology or who were looking for visuals, scares, and dinosaur chases.
In sum, we have an educational documentary worthy of even college courses and PhDs that also provides the intrigue of a legal or political drama. It won't be surprising to see some closely-based fictional movies popping up trying to capture this with more action, music, and sex appeal. You can't, however, count on them to deliver the depth of what you already have here.
Unlike most documentaries, it has hero and villain excitement that makes everything you learn, including about the law, taxes, prison, and government appointments, that much more interesting and easily enjoyed by those without a strong interest in paleontology or who were looking for visuals, scares, and dinosaur chases.
In sum, we have an educational documentary worthy of even college courses and PhDs that also provides the intrigue of a legal or political drama. It won't be surprising to see some closely-based fictional movies popping up trying to capture this with more action, music, and sex appeal. You can't, however, count on them to deliver the depth of what you already have here.
Hippocrates
eman22115 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler ALERT!!! This movie is surprisingly stupid. The creator of this film is trying to show the government treading on a paleontologist discovery. But what I notice is 4 to 5 college educated people, who are not poor, educated people who also lived through the Reagan era of Reaganomics and free market capitalism ideals, decide to trust the land owner over digging up dinosaur bones on his land with $5000, no contract, and a hand shake. THAT WAS STUPID. Because when the landowner found out what was the real worth of "Sue" was he doubled back on the deal and tried to claim it as his own. The best part is that the landowner is on video agreeing to the terms and accepting a check for $5000. The landowner won the case and over 7 million dollars after auctioning "Sue'. I'm sure he had signed contracts when he auctioned her off too, not just a handshake. Final footnote, Native Americans also had a claim to "Sue" but of course the courts said they had no claim even though they had contracts with the Dept of Interior in South Dakota stating nothing will be sold off the land without the permission of the Sioux tribe people who lived there. This right was not recognized by the court. So this documentary in a nutshell is about a landowner on stolen land, stealing a dinosaur find from paleontologists, on stolen land, with the help of the National Guard but more importantly with the help of the biggest thieves ever, McDonalds and Disney. The moral of the story kids, is always get signed contracts not handshakes.
Personally Hits Home For me, a Hill City Black Mark Not Soon Forgotten.
chrisban35-93-2910138 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I grew up in Hill City South Dakota. And, I was part of the National Guard in Rapid City for a while. This story is very close to me and to any of those who lived in South Dakota.
This movie should bring GREAT clarity why judges should be held "accountable" and why the ridiculous politics of tribal land and millions upon millions of laws stacked to the roof isn't what the forefathers who help found this country intended.
One of the most ridiculous and telling events of how America's government does business, and how the system allows such travesties against good outstanding people to take place. And most important, how the government covers up it's failures when it beats up the little guy!
Judge Battey may your soul rot in hell and may "YOUR" bones someday be considered just LAND!
This movie should bring GREAT clarity why judges should be held "accountable" and why the ridiculous politics of tribal land and millions upon millions of laws stacked to the roof isn't what the forefathers who help found this country intended.
One of the most ridiculous and telling events of how America's government does business, and how the system allows such travesties against good outstanding people to take place. And most important, how the government covers up it's failures when it beats up the little guy!
Judge Battey may your soul rot in hell and may "YOUR" bones someday be considered just LAND!
What a totally tragic state of events
swoonedd11 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This rings out like the true story of Indiana Jones. Well meaning palaeontologists find great prize, look at how to present that to the world and keeping a little local history local. In the end, the government comes, leaves the artefact in a box for years doing nothing, to be sold to a gallery.
However D13 is presented, and where, is incidental. It may have ended up in a large museum anyway, which also makes sense, but the journey to get it there is abominable. To pick on the discoverers is extraordinary, especially in how it happened. To get 2 years for not filling out forms correctly? It just goes to show the complete injustice in our legal system, that personal opinions always get in the way, and that a legal find was reduced to the inabilities of politics to resolve a problem.
To think a fossil goes for $7.6million, bought through MNCs, and completely disregard the discoverers who put so much care in preserving it as they could. Just goes to show what a delusion your freedom is. Tow the line, and you are in your freedom bubble. No wonder I despise the legal system for it's total lack of care. Just a bunch of power trippers who don't want to get their hands dirty.
Without discoverers, pioneers, innovators, you would be left nowhere, with nothing. Don't ever forget that. Be one, work with them, or stand aside.
I am so sorry for the lack of care given to the teams at Black Hill Institute. They are being treated the same way as we treat indigenous people. No class.
My heart goes out to them.
However D13 is presented, and where, is incidental. It may have ended up in a large museum anyway, which also makes sense, but the journey to get it there is abominable. To pick on the discoverers is extraordinary, especially in how it happened. To get 2 years for not filling out forms correctly? It just goes to show the complete injustice in our legal system, that personal opinions always get in the way, and that a legal find was reduced to the inabilities of politics to resolve a problem.
To think a fossil goes for $7.6million, bought through MNCs, and completely disregard the discoverers who put so much care in preserving it as they could. Just goes to show what a delusion your freedom is. Tow the line, and you are in your freedom bubble. No wonder I despise the legal system for it's total lack of care. Just a bunch of power trippers who don't want to get their hands dirty.
Without discoverers, pioneers, innovators, you would be left nowhere, with nothing. Don't ever forget that. Be one, work with them, or stand aside.
I am so sorry for the lack of care given to the teams at Black Hill Institute. They are being treated the same way as we treat indigenous people. No class.
My heart goes out to them.
Excellent documentary and political commentary
jimlacy20037 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This is a very interesting documentary film that also is a bit of a social/political commentary as well. I was glued to the movie for it's entirely; educational and fascinating at the same time.
If there really is a "spoiler" in my review it would start here:
It really wasn't too surprising to see the Fed government was the real "antagonist" of this story.
Back in the mid 90's the internet was just gaining traction so you didn't hear a lot of what was really going on like you do now. And like more people I was still under the umbrella of the gov and it's controlled media propaganda machine.
Now of days the stories of this kind of government bungling and corruption are all too common. And finally people can really see what is going on and the problem of big government. At least those that chose the "red pill" (the painful truth). There are still some 70% of America that are blissfully fine (taking the "blue pill") in the make believe world that the gov spins.
It would be interesting to know how much our government probably spent (your money!) on all this. From sending all of their lackey investigators out, to mobilizing the National Guard, the trial, the whole thing. I wouldn't be surprised if it exceeded the Dinosaur's monetary worth.
Furthermore you see the government's entitled mentality, and how they seem them self ABOVE the people. After all how is this the "governments" land when it's supposed to be the "people's". The "people" are not even part of the equation.
And you don't know, with there being a good possibility the land owner was a friend (I.E. big campaign contributor) of a politician that might have started the whole thing to begin with.
To me this is the most important lesson learned. You're government in their schemes and scams, bungling, backroom deals, and so on are not only wasting your tax money, they are actually using it against you!
This is a great documentary that everyone should see.
If there really is a "spoiler" in my review it would start here:
It really wasn't too surprising to see the Fed government was the real "antagonist" of this story.
Back in the mid 90's the internet was just gaining traction so you didn't hear a lot of what was really going on like you do now. And like more people I was still under the umbrella of the gov and it's controlled media propaganda machine.
Now of days the stories of this kind of government bungling and corruption are all too common. And finally people can really see what is going on and the problem of big government. At least those that chose the "red pill" (the painful truth). There are still some 70% of America that are blissfully fine (taking the "blue pill") in the make believe world that the gov spins.
It would be interesting to know how much our government probably spent (your money!) on all this. From sending all of their lackey investigators out, to mobilizing the National Guard, the trial, the whole thing. I wouldn't be surprised if it exceeded the Dinosaur's monetary worth.
Furthermore you see the government's entitled mentality, and how they seem them self ABOVE the people. After all how is this the "governments" land when it's supposed to be the "people's". The "people" are not even part of the equation.
And you don't know, with there being a good possibility the land owner was a friend (I.E. big campaign contributor) of a politician that might have started the whole thing to begin with.
To me this is the most important lesson learned. You're government in their schemes and scams, bungling, backroom deals, and so on are not only wasting your tax money, they are actually using it against you!
This is a great documentary that everyone should see.
Dinasaur 13
kllyprkns16 December 2014
This was a good documentary. Maurice was the same religion as the both judges hearing the case. Maurice was awarded the $8 million because he was American Indian and also shared the same religious views as both of the judges. He played both sides of the fence. Technically, the dinosaurs was in "no mans land". Google the surname origins. I believe when judges side with people due to their nationality or religious views is called discrimination. Hopefully, the group that discovered the dinosaur will prevail. This documentary is as important to this dinosaur dig as Blackfish was to killer whales at SeaWorld. I am going to buy the books. Hopefully, they will be able to recuperate the money through the sales of the books. Sending someone to jail just to side with your same religious views or nationality is illegal. The judges are people that should have gone to jail. I live in Chicago and appreciate Sue the dinosaur; however, I will tell the kids about how the dinosaurs was stolen from South Dakota and the paleontologist that discovered her.
Not really about a Dinosaur
olasnah-97-47522112 January 2015
This film isn't really so much a documentary about the 13th Trex skeleton found, but rather, the intense legal battles and drama over this find. Basically put, their Trex discovery is so important/valuable that the land owner they initially buy the fossil from after digging it up decides to reneg on his arrangement, then the govt steps in, and then half the planet becomes involved in trying to settle the claims over the fossil. 3/4 of the film focuses on the dizzyingly boring legalities of this struggle, which could have been concluded in a single sentence. Only the very beginning of this documentary focuses on the finding of the fossil itself.
This could have been a very interesting introduction to paleontology and dinosaurs, and I was expecting this very thing, but instead just gets lost in uninteresting and complicated legal drama. Who cares?
This could have been a very interesting introduction to paleontology and dinosaurs, and I was expecting this very thing, but instead just gets lost in uninteresting and complicated legal drama. Who cares?
Great Documentary
grant-carson4210 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
***SLIGHT SPOILERS, MAINLY SYNOPSIS, NOTHING BIG**** I went into this movie with absolutely no knowledge, and how I recommend you view it also. This movie is also the best documentary I have seen so far! The movie is about a journey of a group when they discover a T. Rex, but what is special about this T. Rex, other than being the 13th one ever discovered, is the dinosaur skeleton has the most intact of any they have ever discovered. The T. Rex is soon taken by the United States Government and I will not say too much about what happens after here, but it is about the group trying to get the T Rex back and the journey they go through. A riveting movie in which I will surely view when it either gets a wide release or a digital/DVD release.
Terrific
talbottgary14 May 2019
This is a great movie based on the compelling book "Rex Appeal: The amazing story of Sue, the dinosaur that changed science, the law, and my life." I think Matt Morton's music is what lifted this film way above the norm. You will be drawn in within the first three minutes.
Is there no justice in the world?
maximooo24 May 2021
Chicago Field Museum a bunch of jerks for not inviting Pete Larson to Sue's opening.
Judge Beatty a vengeful a-hole.
Maurice Williams grade A A-hole reneges deal to profit $7.6 million tax free government approved.
Pete Larson sentenced three years while Clive Bundy goes free. Is there no justice in this world?
Judge Beatty a vengeful a-hole.
Maurice Williams grade A A-hole reneges deal to profit $7.6 million tax free government approved.
Pete Larson sentenced three years while Clive Bundy goes free. Is there no justice in this world?
A thriller about bones
jessefrickinfurlong10 May 2017
This is a very interesting documentary, although watching it will certainly make you mad at the legal system in the United States. It's bizarre how stupid it is capable of being. Like The Cover and Man On Wire, this doc comes clad in the garb of a thriller. And a heck of a good one at that. Recommended viewing.
Not worth Watching
robtaday5 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this one on NetFlix (which, by the way, I do not think is that great either). Anyway, I thought I might get a good story about the discovery of a dinosaur but instead was treated to a bunch of tree-hugging wimps completely irrational over their T-Rex discovery. The sappy, crocodile tears, the turning this fossil into something living like some ancient Greek statue come to life.
My question: Why was the issue of selling the fossil twice not discussed? It was previously ruled that the fossil was "land" and therefore, since the land did not belong to the guy, he could not sell it without permission. So, okay, if the FBI took the bones and kept them for a couple of years, why did they give them back to the Indian guy as his to auction? And didn't Sotheby's know the ethical issues? And did the Indian guy give back the $5,000? In other words, if it could not be sold for $5,000, then why for $7 million all those years later? And why didn't any of the Larson guys complain about that? They seemed to me to be like those vanilla types who, for instance, have a baby and then the baby is kidnapped and then when they find the baby four years later they say well, it is probably better to leave the baby where it is, yadda yadda yadda. Just unbelievably passive
My question: Why was the issue of selling the fossil twice not discussed? It was previously ruled that the fossil was "land" and therefore, since the land did not belong to the guy, he could not sell it without permission. So, okay, if the FBI took the bones and kept them for a couple of years, why did they give them back to the Indian guy as his to auction? And didn't Sotheby's know the ethical issues? And did the Indian guy give back the $5,000? In other words, if it could not be sold for $5,000, then why for $7 million all those years later? And why didn't any of the Larson guys complain about that? They seemed to me to be like those vanilla types who, for instance, have a baby and then the baby is kidnapped and then when they find the baby four years later they say well, it is probably better to leave the baby where it is, yadda yadda yadda. Just unbelievably passive
Bone "crimes"
macborner24 April 2017
Political intrigue, legal lawsuits, greed, and dinosaur bones. You'd never really know that such a heated story would be behind the discovery of the largest tyrannosaurus skeleton ever found. It makes no attempt to be non-bias, but that was the point. It's the story of a community who lost something special to them. Instead of a piece of land or historical building it was a dinosaur skeleton. What rights or wrongs the people behind its discovery are irrelevant, what matters here is a town. A town that lost something, a sort of cultural identity, and that is what matters to them, so shouldn't it matter to us?
"Kramer vs. Kramer" for Paleontologists
DareDevilKid25 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)
Rating: 5/5 stars
Who does a scientific discovery belong to: the scientists who found it, the general populace, or the government? This is the central question filmmaker Todd Douglas Miller explores in his engaging and beautifully shot new documentary, "Dinosaur 13". The film chronicles the 1990 discovery of Sue, a fossilized tyrannosaurus rex that - at 80% complete - is the greatest and most well-preserved T-rex discovered to date. Found by and named after Susan Hendrickson, a South Dakota based paleontologist, Sue was lovingly and laboriously removed from a cliff face by Hendrickson's colleague Peter Larson and the rest of their team from the Black Hills Institute - an private exhibit establishment, funded and run by a group of independent paleontologists. The institute purchased Sue from landowner Maurice Williams and brought her back to their lab with the hopes of cleaning and reassembling her, and then proudly displaying the skeleton in their South Dakota museum. Never could they have expected the FBI to contest the purchase, seize the fossil, and bring criminal charges against the institute and its individual employees.
Cleverly assembled to tell a complex true story from a hugely engaging perspective, this documentary can't help but spark a sense of righteous rage in the audience. The film outlines a series of deeply unjust events involving a group of true believers who had their finest achievement stolen from them by greedy, lying neighbors and meddling politicians. Honestly, who knew paleontology was such a cut-throat business?
It was the summer of 1990 in the Badlands of South Dakota when paleontologist Susan Hendrickson discovered the fossilized remains of a T-rex, the thirteenth discovered and by far the most complete specimen of such gargantuan fossil. None of the previous 12 were more than 40% complete. With her colleagues Peter and Neal Larson and Terry Wentz, Susan purchased the rights to Sue for a record US $5,000 from the landowner; then the team spent a year getting the fossil ready for exhibition at their local museum. But before they finished, the FBI raided their lab and confiscated Sue, and seven years of legal arguments followed. Even worse, the prosecutors drummed up unnecessary criminal charges against the paleontologists.
Clearly all of this was about money. When Sue was ultimately auctioned off, she fetched a staggering US$7.6 million for the cash- grabbing landowner the cash-grabbing landowner and his lawyers. Meanwhile, the ragtag fossil-hunters had their lives completely derailed by legal action and even jail time. Director Todd Douglas Miller lets these people tell their story with quite a lot of detail, unveiling the plot chronologically through stills and home movies, plus some gorgeously shot new footage and re-enactments. Through it all, it's clear that these paleontologists were excavating for the love of it, and for the benefit of their small- town community. In fact, Peter felt so strongly about Sue that he kept watch over the container she was stored in for all those years - before being auctioned off - even talking to it.
"Dinosaur 13" is a David and Goliath tale of a small group of scientists thrust into the center of a national debate over proprietorship, as well as right versus wrong. Miller's film very clearly justifiably sides with the Institute and, most specifically, Peter Larson, who bore the brunt of the government's anger. The dedication and tenacity of these lowly scientists is seriously inspiring in the face of such overwhelming oppression. Yes, this amazing story resonates far beyond a tale about dinosaur bones: this is a vivid account of a small group of common people with minimal resources standing up to an unjust system and nefarious, duplicitous characters. And thankfully the filmmakers resist the urge to get flashy with animated versions of Sue rampaging through the landscape. Instead, they keep the focus on the people involved, highlighting the grassroots efforts to see justice prevail for Sue, as the small town rallies around their neighbors, and tries to exert pressure on the government to do the right thing. And seeing so much human compassion in the face of bold-faced greed and blatant abuse of power is remarkably inspiring.
"Dinosaur 13" is a compelling, curious, and thought-provoking documentary. It's hard not to feel for Larson and his team, and for the institute's South Dakota home town, which felt like it lost the dinosaur that was going to bring in tourism and put it on the map.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Who does a scientific discovery belong to: the scientists who found it, the general populace, or the government? This is the central question filmmaker Todd Douglas Miller explores in his engaging and beautifully shot new documentary, "Dinosaur 13". The film chronicles the 1990 discovery of Sue, a fossilized tyrannosaurus rex that - at 80% complete - is the greatest and most well-preserved T-rex discovered to date. Found by and named after Susan Hendrickson, a South Dakota based paleontologist, Sue was lovingly and laboriously removed from a cliff face by Hendrickson's colleague Peter Larson and the rest of their team from the Black Hills Institute - an private exhibit establishment, funded and run by a group of independent paleontologists. The institute purchased Sue from landowner Maurice Williams and brought her back to their lab with the hopes of cleaning and reassembling her, and then proudly displaying the skeleton in their South Dakota museum. Never could they have expected the FBI to contest the purchase, seize the fossil, and bring criminal charges against the institute and its individual employees.
Cleverly assembled to tell a complex true story from a hugely engaging perspective, this documentary can't help but spark a sense of righteous rage in the audience. The film outlines a series of deeply unjust events involving a group of true believers who had their finest achievement stolen from them by greedy, lying neighbors and meddling politicians. Honestly, who knew paleontology was such a cut-throat business?
It was the summer of 1990 in the Badlands of South Dakota when paleontologist Susan Hendrickson discovered the fossilized remains of a T-rex, the thirteenth discovered and by far the most complete specimen of such gargantuan fossil. None of the previous 12 were more than 40% complete. With her colleagues Peter and Neal Larson and Terry Wentz, Susan purchased the rights to Sue for a record US $5,000 from the landowner; then the team spent a year getting the fossil ready for exhibition at their local museum. But before they finished, the FBI raided their lab and confiscated Sue, and seven years of legal arguments followed. Even worse, the prosecutors drummed up unnecessary criminal charges against the paleontologists.
Clearly all of this was about money. When Sue was ultimately auctioned off, she fetched a staggering US$7.6 million for the cash- grabbing landowner the cash-grabbing landowner and his lawyers. Meanwhile, the ragtag fossil-hunters had their lives completely derailed by legal action and even jail time. Director Todd Douglas Miller lets these people tell their story with quite a lot of detail, unveiling the plot chronologically through stills and home movies, plus some gorgeously shot new footage and re-enactments. Through it all, it's clear that these paleontologists were excavating for the love of it, and for the benefit of their small- town community. In fact, Peter felt so strongly about Sue that he kept watch over the container she was stored in for all those years - before being auctioned off - even talking to it.
"Dinosaur 13" is a David and Goliath tale of a small group of scientists thrust into the center of a national debate over proprietorship, as well as right versus wrong. Miller's film very clearly justifiably sides with the Institute and, most specifically, Peter Larson, who bore the brunt of the government's anger. The dedication and tenacity of these lowly scientists is seriously inspiring in the face of such overwhelming oppression. Yes, this amazing story resonates far beyond a tale about dinosaur bones: this is a vivid account of a small group of common people with minimal resources standing up to an unjust system and nefarious, duplicitous characters. And thankfully the filmmakers resist the urge to get flashy with animated versions of Sue rampaging through the landscape. Instead, they keep the focus on the people involved, highlighting the grassroots efforts to see justice prevail for Sue, as the small town rallies around their neighbors, and tries to exert pressure on the government to do the right thing. And seeing so much human compassion in the face of bold-faced greed and blatant abuse of power is remarkably inspiring.
"Dinosaur 13" is a compelling, curious, and thought-provoking documentary. It's hard not to feel for Larson and his team, and for the institute's South Dakota home town, which felt like it lost the dinosaur that was going to bring in tourism and put it on the map.
The story of Sue, surrounded by the legal conflict.
Reno-Rangan8 August 2015
Everyone has something to remember their childhood and cinema is one of the sectors to talk about. In my time it was 'Jurassic Park'. The first film to give a perfect picture of either visual graphics or the characteristic behaviours and much more. So I proudly say I grew up being a fan of that movie and got a special interest in the Tyrannosaurus Rex. There are many varieties, but T-Rex is the many people's favourite, as well as mine. This documentary movie is about the same species and I was delighted to learn more about it.
I was ready for the adventurous ride, the film opened with the dialogue which states that we are surrounded by the past. Moves on with a team of paleontologist discovering the 13th T-Rex in the human history nicknamed Sue. The recovery percentage is higher than the previous 12 specimens. Listening to their interviews of what they are saying with their enthusiasm and eagerness on the find, gives us the goose bumps. It was going well, suddenly after the 30 minutes it switched from scientific study and research to the legal battle to save the Sue. I did not expect it and I don't want the trial and courtroom drama. I did not have a choice, but had to finish my watch.
"So you look up and you're looking at the past, and then you look down and you're looking at the past."
What comes next was the interesting stuff. The intervening of the federal government was actually the film, the truth that many people did not know. The fight for Sue begins. We would know with our commonsense what's legal and illegal by the end of the half movie, but taking side is the tough part. Because at the one end sympathy for emotional attachment and the other end legislation that everyone has to bow. Soon you would forget the Sue, since the scenario completely changed and you would be no clue where it will progress from there. As from the perspective of the paleontologists who found Sue, it is heartbreaking. And as a public eye, the allegations are just the misuse of power.
It had a dark humour as well, like two dogs fight for a piece of bone. But in reality, someone has to go down and the price was big. America's U-turns and wrong decisions either internal or the external affairs is not the first time to showcase in a movie or the documentaries. As a movie fanatic, Charles Chaplin's exile was the hardest thing I ever disliked about America. These peoples, including Peter Larson from this documentary are the exceptions for their achievements. There they have failed, at least I expect them to give a right credits.
There was actually no case, just a mishandled situation that stretched to a decade long. In a couple of parts it confirms like when a prison guard says 'Man, you must have really pssed somebody off'. In another case, it was the real Ph.D paleontologist, Robert Bakker, who praised the technics and expertise of Peter Larson team and called they are not pirates. But did not support openly as he knew legal limits was crossed by them. Watch this just to know the truth about Sue and men behind unearth her. A good documentary film, but you won't learn scientific terms other than it was Sue's struggle from the day she was seized by the FBI to the journey to a museum. If she was alive, no one wanted to claim her, rather run for a life.
8/10
I was ready for the adventurous ride, the film opened with the dialogue which states that we are surrounded by the past. Moves on with a team of paleontologist discovering the 13th T-Rex in the human history nicknamed Sue. The recovery percentage is higher than the previous 12 specimens. Listening to their interviews of what they are saying with their enthusiasm and eagerness on the find, gives us the goose bumps. It was going well, suddenly after the 30 minutes it switched from scientific study and research to the legal battle to save the Sue. I did not expect it and I don't want the trial and courtroom drama. I did not have a choice, but had to finish my watch.
"So you look up and you're looking at the past, and then you look down and you're looking at the past."
What comes next was the interesting stuff. The intervening of the federal government was actually the film, the truth that many people did not know. The fight for Sue begins. We would know with our commonsense what's legal and illegal by the end of the half movie, but taking side is the tough part. Because at the one end sympathy for emotional attachment and the other end legislation that everyone has to bow. Soon you would forget the Sue, since the scenario completely changed and you would be no clue where it will progress from there. As from the perspective of the paleontologists who found Sue, it is heartbreaking. And as a public eye, the allegations are just the misuse of power.
It had a dark humour as well, like two dogs fight for a piece of bone. But in reality, someone has to go down and the price was big. America's U-turns and wrong decisions either internal or the external affairs is not the first time to showcase in a movie or the documentaries. As a movie fanatic, Charles Chaplin's exile was the hardest thing I ever disliked about America. These peoples, including Peter Larson from this documentary are the exceptions for their achievements. There they have failed, at least I expect them to give a right credits.
There was actually no case, just a mishandled situation that stretched to a decade long. In a couple of parts it confirms like when a prison guard says 'Man, you must have really pssed somebody off'. In another case, it was the real Ph.D paleontologist, Robert Bakker, who praised the technics and expertise of Peter Larson team and called they are not pirates. But did not support openly as he knew legal limits was crossed by them. Watch this just to know the truth about Sue and men behind unearth her. A good documentary film, but you won't learn scientific terms other than it was Sue's struggle from the day she was seized by the FBI to the journey to a museum. If she was alive, no one wanted to claim her, rather run for a life.
8/10
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