West of Memphis

147 minutes

A documentary written and directed by Academy Award nominated filmmaker, Amy Berg (DELIVER US FROM EVIL) and produced by first-time filmmakers Damien Echols and Lorri Davis, in collaboration with the multiple Academy Award-winning team of Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, WEST OF MEMPHIS tells the untold story behind an extraordinary and desperate fight to bring the truth to light; a fight to stop the State of Arkansas from killing an innocent man. Starting with a searing examination of the police investigation into the 1993 murders of three, eight year old boys Christopher Byers, Steven Branch and Michael Moore in the small town of West Memphis, Arkansas, the film goes on to uncover new evidence surrounding the arrest and conviction of the other three victims of this shocking crime – Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley. All three were teenagers when they became the target of the police investigation; all three went on to lose 18 years of their lives -imprisoned for crimes they did not commit.

90% on the CINEMETER

88% - Nov 18, 2012

Riveting. This film is important because it shows the lengths to which those in power can go to effect the results they want. It pisses me off that there will be no real resolution in this case, because it will make the state look bad. Too late! What a bunch of assholes!
Washington, DC Member

Powerful, poignant - Belief in justice and the fight for freedom is such an Amercan value. This movie exemplified the power of bringing together a movement to take down injustice.
Washington, DC Member

Quite a reminder about how quick we are to judge based on who fits or doesn't fit with what we want to believe.
Washington, DC Member

STL

89% - Nov 18, 2012

Great film! I learned a lot.
St. Louis Member

Excellent! Really evokes many emotions, one of which is disgust with the criminal justice system.
St. Louis Member

Brings home the fact that when institutions fail us, if we join together we can right at least some of the wrongs. Congratulations to all involved in this film.
St. Louis Member

92% - Nov 18, 2012

An epic telling of an epic miscarriage of justice. The filmmakers could have avoided the lurid sensationalism when talking about the murders, but otherwise all 147 minutes are urgent and necessary.
San Francisco Member

Incredibly well done, compelling, just about perfect.
San Francisco Member

Two and a half hours? Felt like 1/2 an hour. Very very thought-provoking - great discussion.
San Francisco Member

88% - Dec 2, 2012

Powerful example of how emotional responses and political ambition can turn justice upside down. A good, well-crafted lesson.
Greater New Haven Member

Good change of pace to see a documentary - excellent choice! [A number of audience members felt the same.]
Greater New Haven Member

This is not about rednecks - it's about power. Anyone in power.
Greater New Haven Member

MIL

95% - Nov 18, 2012

Very engrossing--so well done! Kept me entrance for 2 1/2 hours.
Milwaukee Member

Excellent documentary and great pace!
Milwaukee Member

A very important story for the public to remember.
Milwaukee Member

BOS

88% - Dec 2, 2012

Great documentary.Riveting and did not seem like 2.5 hours long.
Boston Member

An excellent film, very compelling and disturbing.
Boston Member

The best movie I've seen to show the dangers, injustice, and anti-democracy of... judges! And also prosecutors.
Boston Member

BOCA

87% - Dec 2, 2012

Very absorbing. A harrowing and devastating indictment of our judicial system.
Boca Raton Member

Very intense, exciting, and disturbing. Justice is blind!
Boca Raton Member

Thank heaven for the Innocence Project. We always must be vigilant about the miscarriage of justice.
Boca Raton Member

ATL

Nov 18, 2012

Sony Pictures Classics