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Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father
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Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

2008
Documentary
1h 35m
A filmmaker trying to memorialize his murdered friend discovers that the woman who killed him was pregnant with his late friend's son. (imdb)
Directed by:
Kurt Kuenne Kurt Kuenne
Written by:
Kurt Kuenne Kurt Kuenne
Starring:
Kurt Kuenne Kurt Kuenne Zachary Andrew David Bagby Dr. Andrew Bagby Kathleen Bagby
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Genre:
Documentary
Country:
USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

2008
Documentary
1h 35m
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Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 70.19% from 1213 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

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theficionadotheficionado
Rated 13 Oct 2009
25
20th
Its story is heartbreaking and infuriating, but the editing decisions and filmmaking technique are just so poorly thought out it loses much of its power to affect. Impossible to hate anything so obviously heartfelt, but you could definitely tell this was made in conjunction with MSNBC.
Rated 13 Oct 2009
mentaculusMentaculus
Rated 07 Dec 2008
85
82nd
I like to think this might be where the future of filmmaking is heading. Composed almost completely of home video footage and interviews shot on consumer camcorders, the technical intimacy of Kuenne's pet project underscores just how sad and beautiful his friend's (and friend's parent's) life was, and enables the audience to know a dead man and his plight completely. Exploitative? Perhaps (but then, what was Hitchcock?). But its audacity and ferocious editing lingers with the viewer for days.
Rated 07 Dec 2008
skenkereSkenkere
Rated 29 Jan 2009
83
89th
Not gonna lie, I cried a little at this documentary, which is alternately inspiring and heartbreaking. This is probably the most intimate, personal movie I've ever seen. The documentary isn't about anyone famous, it's about a friend, his family and coping with loss, anger, and frustration. It's basically completely composed of home photos and camcorder home movies too. But make no mistake, just cause you've never heard of these people doesn't mean you won't cry.
Rated 29 Jan 2009
tonytheponyTonythePony
Rated 18 Jan 2010
65
42nd
Pushy and amateurish documentary detailing a rivetingly tragic series of events. Overstuffed with interviews and clumsy editing, the viewer is allowed no room to breathe or think for themselves. This story, and the remarkable parents, deserved much better.
Rated 18 Jan 2010
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 21 Nov 2008
87
77th
I hate the world for producing real-life horror stories like this, but at least there are some good people out there too. Heartbreaking, haunting, and inspiring.
Rated 21 Nov 2008
zealot185Zealot185
Rated 02 Mar 2009
90
90th
If you don't know the story before seeing this, then expect to be sent on an emotional roller-coaster of sadness, hope, and anger. I'm still looking for my jaw somewhere on the floor. NOT recommended for the faint-hearted.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 07 Sep 2009
75
65th
This is one sad movie. There's so much raw emotion at play here. Infuriating and depressing.
Rated 07 Sep 2009
frederikaFrederikA
Rated 11 Jan 2011
85
92nd
The Michael Moore-style narration, sentimental tone and frantic editing initially left me a bit detached from the tragic story, but as the insane Kafkaesque nightmare of the grieving parents slowly unfolds and the underlying horror creeps in, I was left both shocked, appalled and moved.
Rated 11 Jan 2011
weirdyodaweirdyoda
Rated 23 Nov 2008
90
86th
To critique this as cinematic art is wrong. It is the saddest, most angering, most personal work I have ever seen.
Rated 23 Nov 2008
burnmp3sburnmp3s
Rated 25 Oct 2009
64
33rd
A tragic story, and a heartfelt work from a friend of the victim, but not a very good film. Many of the editing and stylistic choices are either clumsy or outright distracting, when a subtler touch would have worked.
Rated 25 Oct 2009
doctor7doctor7
Rated 08 Mar 2009
66
47th
Let me be clear here: this is a good documentary because of the subject matter and the sheer amount of the interviews. However it's editing leaves a bit to be desired, as it's created from seemingly none-stop cutaways and it's such a shame because this could be one of the best documentaries made if, instead of the machine-gun editing, we got to see the interviewees. It's still could, it's still worth seeing, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't get misty by the end of it.
Rated 08 Mar 2009
oldgoatoldgoat
Rated 26 Jul 2009
87
94th
Well put together, potent, and sad. Please do not look up what the movie is about, and just watch it. Spoilers would ruin it.
Rated 26 Jul 2009
actionbergActionberg
Rated 07 May 2012
90
92nd
I think a participatory element in a documentary is often ego-waxing bullshit and occurs without a real reason, but here it's entirely merited and welcome. This is an emotionally exhausting work that some seem to call manipulative, but I'm glad it sought to capture the emotion of such a series of events. It's an honest account of how a community can feel when society at large egregiously fails them. It's far from objective but that's not always the point of documentary filmmaking.
Rated 07 May 2012
spanksSpanks
Rated 15 Mar 2013
85
88th
Blame Canada: The Movie
Rated 15 Mar 2013
canelledebcanelledeb
Rated 04 Feb 2015
85
78th
Yep, this movie had me crying for an hour and a half, and crying for so many reasons. Do not read a summary, do not try to know what it's about, and you'll see one of the most beautiful documentaries ever. You will laugh, you will get uplifted, you will feel rage and anger and at the same time feel like your life could be so much more... The only problems are the terrible images and the tear-jerking scene at the end, but otherwise, it's a must see.
Rated 04 Feb 2015
nobambanobamba
Rated 13 Feb 2020
95
97th
I wasn't sure what I was getting into. Heartbreaking. Brilliantly edited to stir up emotion. Things just got worse and worse. Fav scene: grandparents intimately talking through ideas they could have had to "fix" the problem with Shirley.
Rated 13 Feb 2020
cmonsterCMonster
Rated 15 Mar 2013
90
93rd
Movies don't make me cry. I can not only count the number of films that have made me cry on one hand, but it probably wouldn't take much to count the total number of tears. Holy fucking donkey balls, this made up for every sad film I never cried over. It takes a turn about 25 minutes before the end where I went from being mad to simply numb and in shock and then I started crying like a little girl getting hit in the face with a dodge ball throw by Aroldis Chapman. Holy fucking donkey balls.
Rated 15 Mar 2013
ocelotOcelot
Rated 05 Jan 2011
35
26th
Kind of not good. A fascinating story made by a terrible filmmaker.
Rated 05 Jan 2011
stainStain
Rated 23 Aug 2008
60
47th
For one thing, this picture isn't very well made. For a second, this documentary promotes exactly the kind of "we're the good guys, those are the bad guys" thinking that usually shortly precedes the torching of basic constitutional and human rights that took centuries and much blood, toil, tears, and sweat to get codified into law. For a third, Bagby and Kuenne are rich kids, and rich people are exactly the people who want to throw away all aforementioned human rights. This is *very* suspicious
Rated 23 Aug 2008
jyanJyan
Rated 26 Jan 2009
92
91st
The most emotionally devastating film of the year, and probably of the decade. Is sure to stick with you for days.
Rated 26 Jan 2009
kasperlKasperL
Rated 22 Mar 2015
80
86th
A grippingly intimate doc about a sad true crime, real life heroes and completely outrageous neglect.
Rated 22 Mar 2015
chemical404chemical404
Rated 17 May 2009
40
25th
Very personal, therefore very hyped. Ridiculing judges with caricatured pictures and silly voices might be honest, but oh so dumb and unneeded. There are plenty of technical flaws too, but given the nature of the film it all can be forgiven.
Rated 17 May 2009
caimancaiman
Rated 22 Apr 2011
90
92nd
Easily the most emotionally wrenching movie I've ever seen. It played me like a piano and it earned every right to do so. The story was told in heartbreaking earnest and the editing was fitting. More than any other doc I've seen, this film painted a picture of a person so clearly that the words in the interviews seemed as if they were spoken about a personal friend of mine. This is a horrifying account of evil and a beautiful celebration of the huge impact of a single life.
Rated 22 Apr 2011
dean_franzDean Franz
Rated 05 Jul 2009
92
91st
Easily one of the most infuriating and depressing movie experiences of recent times. It is, in spots, quite manipulative, but not so as to be off-putting. It manages the fine balancing act of simultaneously being a declaration of undying bro-love and a cinematic hatefuck.
Rated 05 Jul 2009
krmrkrmr
Rated 15 Dec 2008
91
93rd
This is the saddest movie ever, there isn't much else to say. Highly recommended.
Rated 15 Dec 2008
aneyaney
Rated 19 Aug 2011
45
48th
Not that good from a technical standpoint and driven solely by a devastating story.
Rated 19 Aug 2011
dylanwilson6dylanwilson6
Rated 17 Oct 2014
95
98th
While there may be a few deficiencies in film-making, the pure raw emotion of the story and the people involved is truly powerful and will invoke a wide range of emotions throughout.
Rated 17 Oct 2014
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 13 Apr 2014
93
98th
Brutal series of gut punches. I forgave the amateurish filmmaking devices and just resigned myself to the fact that this is pain.
Rated 13 Apr 2014
adamj1982adamj1982
Rated 19 Nov 2012
85
87th
So personal and devastating that you will forget any other problems this documentary has. Have a box of tissues ready. No, you know what, better make it two. Don't research it, just watch, be crushed and then uplifted. You will not forget this film.
Rated 19 Nov 2012
obdurateObdurate
Rated 18 Sep 2009
85
80th
Jesus christ :( I don't even want to review it with anything more than this because this is one of the most emotionally crushing things I've ever seen.
Rated 18 Sep 2009
fichincefi_chince
Rated 29 Mar 2011
78
82nd
I think this is the most stylish documentary I've seen. The way it's edited might be called manipulative, but it's justifiable because of how personal it is. This isn't a professional filmmaker telling a story about people he doesn't know, but rather a close friend of the subjects of the documentary creating a film that is dedicated to them. So it's not so much manipulative as it is a truthful expression of his feelings.
Rated 29 Mar 2011
twincinematwincinema
Rated 03 Jan 2016
70
52nd
Has an amateurish, home movie feel, which works to its benefit. It makes the viewer voyeuristic, witnessing an intimate moment between family and friends. "The scene", which I was not expecting, is emotionally devastating. Basically, at this point, I am just parroting back what everyone else is saying about this film. Don't expect anything new from me, Criticker user. I suggest having a palette cleanser afterwards to wash away this film.
Rated 03 Jan 2016
tsynitsyni
Rated 07 Nov 2013
60
20th
A powerful story, and a mediocre documentary.
Rated 07 Nov 2013
mrsdingermrsdinger
Rated 04 Nov 2011
98
93rd
This movie was one of the most powerful movies I have ever seen. It is truly heartbreaking and absolutely worth watching. I have only seen it once. I don't think I can bare to watch it again, but I recommend that everyone see it at least once.
Rated 04 Nov 2011
ladymcdeathladymcdeath
Rated 06 Jun 2010
100
98th
I may or may not be known as being a heartless slut amongst friends. With that being said I cried like a baby from start to finish while watching this. I left the movie feeling so fucking pissed off that I wanted to fly to New Foundland and beat the fuck out of people. I wrote a letter to an MP there. I was disgusted to be apart of a country where something so preventable could have been stopped. All that aside if you like documentarys it's a must watch.
Rated 06 Jun 2010
martrynmartryn
Rated 21 Oct 2010
87
89th
Wow. A really powerful documentary. They don't make documentaries like this one. Ever. Damn. Had me in tears by the end. Most depressing thing I've ever seen.
Rated 21 Oct 2010
britneeeebritneeee
Rated 31 Jan 2017
100
98th
If this doesn't make you cry, you are either not human or you have no heart what so ever. I've seen this film multiple times and cry every time.
Rated 31 Jan 2017
jackdurdenJackDurden
Rated 26 Oct 2009
8
71st
A heartbreaking documentary that will make anyone wonder what it would be like if their best friend or anyone close to them, were to die, and the impact it would leave behind. This film will leave you sad, frustrated, angry, but it is surely one of the best documentaries you'll ever see.
Rated 26 Oct 2009
canadianorcanadianor
Rated 29 Dec 2010
100
99th
I dare you to watch 'Dear Zachary' and try to keep a dry eye. Don't let anyone who has seen it give you any indication to the plot of this doc, as every reveal is another punch to the emotional gut. If you're a Canadian, expect it to hit even closer to home as the film is as much a heartfelt letter to a family of tragedy as it is a scathing condemnation of the way the Canadian Crown handled the events that unfold throughout the film. Though the scope is small, the emotion is gigantic. Perfect!
Rated 29 Dec 2010
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 06 Mar 2009
77
60th
There is no doubt that this is an incredibly compelling story, a series of events that are almost too emotionally upsetting for the heart to bear. But Kuenne seems to have serious pacing issues, a problem that plagues the movie throughout. I often found myself a little bit annoyed by certain quirks or bits that felt cheap or amateurish. The use of repetition is WAY overdone. But Kuenne is a man with a good heart, and I thank him for giving me some heavy stuff to mull over, and a few good cries.
Rated 06 Mar 2009
paxtonPaxton
Rated 30 Jan 2012
90
97th
Heart-wrenching. Makes "The Notebook" look like "Bio-Dome."
Rated 30 Jan 2012
axleblazeaxleblaze
Rated 28 Jun 2010
90
77th
One of the most brutal and heartbreaking movies I've ever seen.. Painful to watch but still very good.
Rated 28 Jun 2010
begoniabolbegoniabol
Rated 10 Feb 2012
84
86th
An unraveling nightmare. Might be the most emotional docu I've ever seen. I didn't cry though, but the maker and everyone involved is very emotional. The editing can be a bit too much, but it's actually not about the way this doc is made
Rated 10 Feb 2012
doughbarondoughbaron
Rated 01 Dec 2014
63
32nd
Highly emotional documentary that would work much better as a lengthy Facebook repost or email FWD:FWD:FWD than a film.
Rated 01 Dec 2014
aaautinAAAutin
Rated 23 May 2012
52
52nd
Dear Audience: I AM A FILMMAKER!
Rated 23 May 2012
markjpMArkjp
Rated 11 Jan 2011
90
90th
Not the most objective of documentaries, but definitely one of the most personal I've seen. A director's farewell letter and grand testament to his best friend. What it does so well, is not as much the portrayal of Andrew as it is the portrayal of Kuenne's love and admiration towards him, and the subsequent look into his sorrow and rage against the machine. And yes: It made me cry. But more importantly: It gave me a shock that rivals even the best of horror movie jumpscares.
Rated 11 Jan 2011
graveyardtangraveyardtan
Rated 31 Oct 2009
95
93rd
Gut wrenching and repulsive but this is truly mesmerizing film-making.
Rated 31 Oct 2009
optimusmikeOptimus_mike
Rated 05 Apr 2009
90
90th
Besides some slightly questionable included scenes, mainly the "death" scene near the end, Dear Zachary is a highly emotional film that will at some parts reduce you to tears.
Rated 05 Apr 2009
damildamil
Rated 19 Jan 2012
85
95th
Wow. I can't think of too many films that have emotionally affected me even half as much as this one did. I'm not ashamed to admit, I cried my eyes out. It's incredibly emotional and not too manipulative. The documentary is fast-paced and edited, which was a little jarring at the beginning, but I grew to like it. I thought it was a great film. I always appreciate it when a film can genuinely affect me.
Rated 19 Jan 2012
suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 19 Mar 2013
6
54th
This is a very angry movie. Blame Canada.
Rated 19 Mar 2013
danifoulleDaniFoulle
Rated 26 Feb 2017
80
75th
que história absurdamente horrorosa
Rated 26 Feb 2017
senseisensei
Rated 07 Mar 2010
70
36th
It's worth watching in spite of its bad editing and tacky, melodramatic narration.
Rated 07 Mar 2010
dogboi360dogboi360
Rated 24 Sep 2017
93
91st
I have never seen a movie taht has made me cry this much.
Rated 24 Sep 2017
pigletPiglet
Rated 01 Jun 2010
86
97th
I'm in awe of those two people...this one is gonna stay with you for a while.
Rated 01 Jun 2010
johnsandwichJohnSandwich
Rated 12 Jan 2011
80
84th
I had some issues with it, in the same vein as many others here have noted (re: filmmaking technique, exploitation aspect and the "message")... but I can't lie: it was truly devastating.
Rated 12 Jan 2011
sweekodenSweekoden
Rated 06 Apr 2010
45
27th
I'm terrible at remembering movies. If I wait a year, I could probably rewatch just about anything and be shocked/impressed/disappointed all over again. Dear Zachary is, unfortunately, an exception to this. If there's one movie I'd like to erase from my memory bank, this--a crystal clear demonstration of just how reprehensible human beings can be--is it. Pit in my stomach aside, I wasn't sold on the movie from a technical standpoint; it's driven solely by the bad fortune and heartbreak.
Rated 06 Apr 2010
neonmanNeonman
Rated 18 Sep 2014
86
84th
An important documentary that makes the best out of a horrifically nightmarish situation, that's not only very emotionally involving because of how lovingly dedicated this is to Andrew, but it also shows how the banality of the legal system can lead to it ridiculously failing the citizens it tries to protect. Very well made (and edited) for a very independent doco.
Rated 18 Sep 2014
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 12 Aug 2012
67
19th
Great editing, tragic story, ridiculous amounts of manipulation, irritating soundtrack. That about covers it. It's hard to criticize such a raw film, but while I can understand and forgive the choices I don't have to like them. The use of music to enhance emotional appeals and the choked up narration stick out most. There's more than enough material here to elicit genuine emotion, and such blatant attempts at cuing the audience just serve to distance me and make me put my guard up.
Rated 12 Aug 2012
rokkobokkorokkobokko
Rated 09 Oct 2014
40
35th
I got about 2/3 of the way through before turning it off out of boredom. The trailer seemed promising but the film just ran out of steam.
Rated 09 Oct 2014
nick_hamdenNick Hamden
Rated 02 Jun 2013
80
77th
One of the saddest documentaries I have ever seen. Watch if you want a nice cry.
Rated 02 Jun 2013
mrolivierMr.Olivier
Rated 01 Nov 2015
20
10th
Glurge: A Documentary
Rated 01 Nov 2015
sebbysebby
Rated 31 Mar 2010
10
0th
Just because it makes you cry doesn't mean it's any good.
Rated 31 Mar 2010
coinquatroCoinQuatro
Rated 10 Apr 2021
15
9th
Shocking story. Shocking filmmaking.
Rated 10 Apr 2021
sebarivassebarivas
Rated 20 Jul 2020
86
58th
La wea más triste que existe
Rated 20 Jul 2020
cembocembo
Rated 06 Nov 2023
50
0th
one of the most poorly edited films ever. Constant supercuts, sped-up and bland narration, and the sheer number of interviews make this almost unwatchable. It’s basically 50+ different people saying how incredible Andrew is and how much of a “bitch” his murderer is over and over for 90 minutes. Not interesting or compelling whatsoever.
Rated 06 Nov 2023
boesballboesball
Rated 13 Feb 2016
74
78th
Very emotional film.
Rated 13 Feb 2016
isaboojumisaboojum
Rated 14 Oct 2012
5
99th
Wonderful documentary, very well told, dripping with love.
Rated 14 Oct 2012
halfjapaneseHalfJapanese
Rated 12 Jan 2010
75
50th
A great documentary that does a good job of telling its story and will likely end with much of its audience in tears or at least very sad.
Rated 12 Jan 2010
evanmartinevanmartin
Rated 21 Jan 2013
70
42nd
A crazy story that seems stranger than fiction - sadly, it's real and hits home very hard. The film isn't the most well made documentary, but the story has to be seen to be believed.
Rated 21 Jan 2013
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 30 Sep 2017
4
91st
Music was a bit much but it's an effective weepy
Rated 30 Sep 2017
qthealmightyQtheAlmighty
Rated 13 Jun 2014
90
95th
The horrifically true story told here is more important than the technical aspects of the documentary. It's hard to care about anything else when you see such powerful pain and even more powerful love, even if it is that special love that arrives only through the cracks and wounds of broken men and women. It's not objective, unmanipulating or masterful in design, but it is pure in terms of the words or intents of those involved and unflinchingly personal. I hope it was cathartic for all of them.
Rated 13 Jun 2014
seantresSeanTres
Rated 19 Dec 2013
80
77th
This documentary gutted me.
Rated 19 Dec 2013
filliganFilligan
Rated 16 Jul 2013
91
82nd
A documentary that takes a side is often chastised by audiences, but Dear Zachary never tries to hide behind false pretences, and as the story evolves it becomes crystal clear why. This is one of the most devastating films you'll ever see.
Rated 16 Jul 2013
mervtaylorMerv_Taylor
Rated 18 Jun 2012
100
98th
Depressing, enraging. Best documentary I've ever watched. Upset me for quite a while.
Rated 18 Jun 2012
fuckchopsfuckchops
Rated 07 Jul 2011
75
71st
Never heard of this and was at first put off by the saccharine emotions and hyper editing. Then: SLAM. Horrible true life double murder tragedy. This is a very personal film that seethes to tell its story and remain as a memorial to its subject matter. 'The Thin Blue Line' and 'TV Junkie' are films with strong likeness.
Rated 07 Jul 2011
brunofrnndsbrunofrnnds
Rated 15 Jan 2012
85
53rd
PEDRADA NA CABEÇA. Não dá pra avaliar "racionalmente".
Rated 15 Jan 2012
chadarnookchadarnook
Rated 17 Feb 2010
85
79th
The only film I've seen that has made me sob outright. Both heartbreaking and frustrating; the editing is a bit of a mess.
Rated 17 Feb 2010
davidblastDavidBlast
Rated 15 Jan 2011
85
88th
Struggling with form and message, its chaotic structure is barely justified towards the end. The mix of overly sentimental love letter and ragingly biased activist's movie is initially effective but essentially a problem. A perfect storm of absurdities forcing parents to spend time with their son's killer is incredulously cruel, but the mushy personal angle drowns the overall issue of how the legal system prevents justice. Still, regardless of faith, this film will make you believe in the devil.
Rated 15 Jan 2011
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 25 Feb 2012
81
90th
It's a one of a kind documentary. Incredibly personal, touching, heartbreaking. I recommend it highly, but be forewarned, it is incredibly heartbreaking.
Rated 25 Feb 2012
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 10 Aug 2020
97
97th
Really covers the entire gamut of human emotion. You feel the loss so much more because you've also felt the love.
Rated 10 Aug 2020
evolutionEvolution
Rated 16 May 2011
75
52nd
Amazing story depicted by a sub-par filmmaker.
Rated 16 May 2011
nothingsgoodNothingsGood
Rated 16 Sep 2011
50
46th
Well that was depressing.
Rated 16 Sep 2011
thuckabethuckabe
Rated 10 Jul 2016
88
71st
A bit scattered at times - but that never kept me from feeling fantastically connected to the Bagby family.
Rated 10 Jul 2016
patmanpatman
Rated 05 Mar 2014
79
91st
A moving and personal documentary that pays tribute to a family with admirable strength and qualities. You could argue it's technically flawed but in regardless of that, it manages to tell a story that will infuriate, shock and haunt you for a long time to come. One of the most powerful documentaries I've seen to this date!
Rated 05 Mar 2014
thefriedonethefriedone
Rated 07 Jun 2013
100
95th
This went way deeper than I thought. It picks up slowly in the first act, gets emotional in the second, and is truly devastating in the third.
Rated 07 Jun 2013
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 19 Jun 2018
4
74th
Here is a testament for wholeheartedness over technical limitation, and even so, a demonstration of a sophisticated understanding of editing. Most true crime stories focus on the heinousness of an act, and certainly no shock and awe is spared here, but mostly we dwell with the grief of victims. It's heartbreaking.
Rated 19 Jun 2018
dtortumdtortum
Rated 25 Jul 2012
90
69th
Dunyanin en acikli filmi.
Rated 25 Jul 2012
natebarriosnatebarrios
Rated 30 Jan 2011
90
97th
Another great documentary. To say it's emotionally affecting is an understatement. Don't research this movie, just watch it.
Rated 30 Jan 2011
jack_parsonsjack parsons
Rated 01 Feb 2014
10
92nd
Absolutely devastating. I've never had to actively prevent myself from crying for so long.
Rated 01 Feb 2014
cocoramirezCocoRamirez
Rated 30 Dec 2014
85
93rd
I watched this documentary a while ago but I still haven't forgotten about it. It's an incredible and sadly true story about two horrific murders. And the way the murders were executed isn't even the terrible part. It's actually the circumstances and the reasons for the murders. Dear Zachary is a very well-produced documentary with an unexpected twist in the first half of the film.
Rated 30 Dec 2014
moncliviemonclivie
Rated 08 Jan 2017
93
99th
"-Hello, police? I'd like to report a crime. Someone killed my wife!! ;( -Slow down and stop being so manipulative!!!" That's what most critics sound like. This one is I guess on par with other disgustingly manipulative films like The Lion King or 9/11. Seriously though, just watch it, it's like nothing else.
Rated 08 Jan 2017
csidlecsidle
Rated 05 Apr 2012
90
93rd
While it is certainly one of the most subjective, manipulative documentaries I've seen, this is fine as the film is deeply personal and makes no attempt at hiding it. The result is a gut-wrenching, extremely emotional film that succeeds in both telling an incredible story, but also exposes deep flaws in the Canadian judicial system.
Rated 05 Apr 2012
revolutionoRevolutiono
Rated 01 Mar 2009
9
93rd
At times, it seems put together somewhat amateurishly, but that never really distracts from what is definitely the most moving piece of film I've ever watched.
Rated 01 Mar 2009
ozymandius10ozymandius10
Rated 29 Dec 2009
82
81st
As most have said, the subject matter is really what makes this movie very strong. The filmmaking (once more, as most have said) leaves something to be desired, and is probably the only thing that holds the movie back from being a really special piece of work. A Warning: Do not watch this movie if you're not in the mood for something insanely depressing. It's easily one of the biggest downers I've ever seen.
Rated 29 Dec 2009
deaddillydeaddilly
Rated 11 Dec 2015
50
14th
I almost turned this off after 15 minutes because the editing was literally impossible to watch. I think I saw more crossfades in that first segment than I have all year combined. Seriously. I'm glad I stuck with it though because the story is pretty heartbreaking. The editing never does get better, 50 points for serious emotional weight and nothing else.
Rated 11 Dec 2015
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 02 Dec 2010
35
90th
"The most ambitious work of its kind." - Rob Humanick
Rated 02 Dec 2010
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 25 Nov 2009
95
99th
Without doubt the best documentary I have ever seen,completely riveting from start to finish.
Rated 25 Nov 2009
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 14 Dec 2011
86
90th
This movie is heartbreaking but it is a really interesting film. There are some truly sad events in this film. If you don't mind watching real life tragic stories, check this one out.
Rated 14 Dec 2011
walkenrollWalkenRoll
Rated 06 Sep 2012
90
93rd
I'll never watch it again. Devastating
Rated 06 Sep 2012
psimpsim
Rated 25 Sep 2018
76
54th
An emotionally gut-wrenching documentary. A great achievement in editing for its solo filmmaker, but features a few filmmaking choices where less would have been more. Going in blind is recommended.
Rated 25 Sep 2018

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