The Thin Blue Line

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Graham M @Greyzer Apr 18, 2026 This is dark, intriguing film. Massively entertaining in so many ways. See more Sep 16, 2021 Because I'm the one that knows See more William L @RT77267842 Aug 25, 2021 "When I was a kid I used to want to be a detective all the time because I used to watch all the detective shows on TV. ... I'm always looking because I never know what might come up or how I can help. I like to help, y'know, in situations like that. I really do. You know, it's always happening to me, everywhere I go. Lots of times there's killings, or anything, y'know, even around my house, wherever. And I'm always looking or getting involved, y'know, finding out who did it or what's going on. I listen to people, and I'm always trying to decide who's lying, or who killed who before the police do, see if I could beat 'em." Jury in Dallas: Seems like a reliable witness. How can you not love a documentary that so convincingly outlines major shortcomings and corruption in supposedly unquestionable legal systems? So many similar films today go beyond grounded storytelling in some attempt to suggest higher-level connections (which may be valid, but get more tenuous the further you get from verifiable fact), but Morris innovated by not only sticking to the known details of the case and period interviews with those involved, but by also introducing an innovative design and tight editing style that emphasized visual flair and entertainment value with a series of reenactments that highlight the erratic nature of the hodgepodge of shaky testimony that saw a man sentenced to death. The pacing could use some tweaking; so much time is spent compelling building up the original conviction, then appeals are roughly summarized before a ruling by the US Supreme Court is introduced without fanfare and little detail, feeling almost tacked on. But when a documentarian manages to capture content that seems almost parodical in nature, that allows for genuine criticism through sheer absurdity, it's hard to argue against it sincerely. Morris indirectly inspired a slew of true crime imitators that largely continue unabated to the present, often more concerned with pulp than content; few can match this early iteration for power and clever design. This documentary has some of the snarkiest court paintings you'll ever see, they're fantastic. (4/5) See more Leaburn O @RT35452347 Aug 19, 2020 I'm a sucker for a death row documentary, I watch them all. This is another brilliant example of the injustice and corruption that is rife in the US police and judicial system. It's not like there are just a handful of cases like this, they seem to be repeated constantly. A good documentary for sure and led to the conviction being overturned. See more Jan 2, 2019 A film that successfully argued that a man was wrongly convicted for murder by a corrupt justice system in Dallas County, Texas. See more Nov 6, 2018 A fascinating documentary that only has become more relevant with age. What we don’t see in the legal system can be terrifying. See more Read all reviews

The Thin Blue Line

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