Why Crime and Justice Documentaries Should be a Must-Watch for Everyone
When it comes to entertainment, the options are endless. From thrilling action movies to romantic comedies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. However, there’s an entirely different category of documentaries that has gained a lot of popularity over the years – crime and justice documentaries. These documentaries take a deep dive into real-life issues and uncover the truth behind some of the most notorious crimes of our time.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why crime and justice documentaries should be a must-watch for everyone. We’ll discuss the impact they can have on society and our understanding of the criminal justice system. We’ll also share tips on how to choose high-quality documentaries that are both informative and engaging.
Why Crime and Justice Documentaries Matter
Crime and justice documentaries serve an essential role in our society. By shedding light on real-life cases and shining a light on the criminal justice system, they can raise awareness and spark a conversation about systemic issues. They can also help us understand the complexities of the criminal justice system and the ways in which it can be improved.
For instance, documentaries like Making a Murderer have brought national attention to issues like false confessions, coerced confessions, and police misconduct. These issues may not have received the same level of attention without the documentary’s advocacy. Similarly, The Central Park Five detailed how a group of African American and Hispanic teenagers were wrongfully convicted in one of the most high-profile cases in U.S. history. The documentary exposed systemic racism within the criminal justice system and the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives.
Ultimately, crime and justice documentaries serve as an accessible way to engage with complicated issues. They allow viewers to connect with real-life cases and empathize with people who have experienced injustice. They can also provide a starting point for further research and activism.
How to Choose Quality Crime and Justice Documentaries
While there are many high-quality crime and justice documentaries, as with all genres, some are better than others. To ensure that you’re choosing informative, well-researched documentaries, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Research the Documentary: Before watching a documentary, it’s essential to research it first. Look for reviews from reputable sources and check for any controversies surrounding the documentary. This can give you a sense of what to expect and help you avoid documentaries that may not be factually accurate.
2. Look for a Balanced Perspective: When it comes to crime and justice documentaries, it’s important to seek a balanced perspective. While documentaries may have an advocacy angle, it should not be at the expense of the documentary’s objectivity. A well-made documentary should present multiple viewpoints and be based on thorough research.
3. Avoid Sensationalism: Many crime and justice documentaries are undoubtedly gripping, but some can be sensationalistic. While it’s natural to be drawn to documentaries that are suspenseful, it’s important to remember that they are still presenting real-life situations. A well-made documentary should humanize the individuals involved and not rely on cheap thrills for entertainment.
4. Consider the Documentarian’s Credentials: The documentarian’s credentials can also be an essential factor in choosing a high-quality documentary. Look for individuals with a history of creating ethical documentaries and avoiding bias. This can help ensure that the documentary is well-researched and based on factual information.
The Impact of Crime and Justice Documentaries
The impact of crime and justice documentaries is considerable. They can provide a level of insight that is not possible through other forms of media. Documentaries can expose scandals, change public opinion, and inspire change.
For instance, Ken Burns’s The Central Park Five-inspired activism that led to the eventual exoneration of the five men. The film motivated official investigations on the case and even led to the city of New York’s admission of liability for their wrongful convictions. Similarly, Making a Murderer has helped bring reform to the criminal justice system in Wisconsin.
However, documentaries can also create controversy and divide people’s opinions. For instance, the documentary, The Staircase, has caused considerable debate and speculation about whether the subject of the documentary, Michael Peterson, was responsible for his wife’s death. Ultimately, the documentary has not conclusively answered the question, but it has created a conversation that may have never existed without the film.
The Educational Value of Crime and Justice Documentaries
While crime and justice documentaries can be entertaining, they can also be educational. Documentaries can provide historical context and present complex issues in an accessible way. They can show us the inner workings of government agencies and institutions and help us better understand the human condition.
For instance, the documentary, The House I Live In, explores the history of the War on Drugs and how it has impacted communities across America. The film argues that the War on Drugs has criminalized drug addiction and created a system of mass incarceration. The film raises questions about criminal justice reform and political accountability.
Similarly, The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez looked at the terrible case of a young boy’s torture and murder, the impact on the foster care system, and the child safety system. The documentary informed the audience about the level of abuse that had occurred and raised awareness regarding a flawed system for caring for children in foster care. Moreover, it presents some of the reasons why child abuse is underreported, the gulf between making laws to protect children and implementing it, and how communities can get involved.
Summary
Crime and justice documentaries have a crucial role to play in our society. They allow us to engage with complex issues, provide historical context, and raise awareness about systemic problems. By presenting real-life situations, documentaries can make activism seem within reach by showing the potential success of efforts towards justice. While not every documentary is excellent, high-quality ones can help us better understand and empathize with other humans. So next time you’re looking for something to watch, consider tuning into a crime and justice documentary. Not only will it be entertaining, but also inform and inspire change.