richardmeadfsu
I have never seen a film like "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About his Father." In all seriousness, that is the only way I can begin this review. It may be short and void of complex comparisons, but it's the only real way I can effectively write how I feel.I first saw "Dear Zachary" last August and it nearly brought me to my knees. It is the most effective documentary I have ever seen, and by all standards one of the most important films I have viewed in nearly a decade.It is integral to know as little as possible while sitting down to watch "Dear Zachary" for the first time. Don't look up anything pertaining to the story, and the impact of it will be the same as I encountered. On another note, be prepared to cry and be prepared to get angry, as the information presented is more gut-wrenching than any horror film you will find.(Deep breathe) So, let's begin."Dear Zachary" was created in whole by filmmaker Kurt Kuenne, as he tells the story of the murder of his childhood best friend, Dr. Andrew Bagby. The film starts out as a love letter to the Bagby family, Andrew's parents specifically, but after it is found that the woman who murdered Andrew was to have his baby, the real message of the film becomes clear. The viewer is then led down the same path Kuenne was on as you piece together an infuriating, yet important, series of misfortunes.In short, "Dear Zachary" is about death, finding a purpose and the horrible acts that are mishandled by a country's judicial system."Dear Zachary" is the most emotional film I have ever seen. Just as the film's message shakes you, so does the effort put into it. "Dear Zachary" was made entirely by Kuenne, who filmed, produced, edited and narrated the picture. The personal connection the filmmaker has to the story he is telling never wavers and is presented in full force. Many times, Kuenne's voice cracks and you can hear the frustration and despair in his voice as he struggles to account the facts that ended in the murder of his friend. This gives the images and facts the raw feeling they deserve.With all of the emotion displayed, the film is still kept on rails by the artistry put into the composition of it. The editing is quickly paced, with shots lingering for only moments before cutting to the next. The only shots that do hover are those of the interviews of the friends and family of Andrew, as the true agony of the situation is shown through the unyielding sadness and hatred on the faces of the Bagbys."Dear Zachary" is displayed chronologically, with Kuenne walking you step-by-step through the events that took place. What is shown is also done extremely factually, which was a great contrast to the built-in frustration the film levies with its content. Everything Kuenne says and shows is backed up with police reports, court documents and first-hand accounts. This shows the great time put into the honest, yet truthful, telling of the atrocities handed to the Bagby family. This is a true story, and it's truly horrific.If it isn't apparent yet, this film is very, very, deeply saddening. More along the lines of depressing. But it's important which makes the experience worth every tear.Now before I go on a tangent about the motion picture industry and the ignorance of independent films by the masses, I will just say this: No one you know has seen this movie."Dear Zachary" was given an almost non-existent theatrical release and only grossed a tad over $18,000 at the box office. It wasn't until its second-wind release on Netflix the film began to garner the attention it, and its story, deserved. Now, the critics who have seen it pour over its quality, which has translated into a 94% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a complete five stars on Netflix's viewer rating.If one person watches this movie because of this review, I have succeeded in my mission. There's no grander scheme or drawn out social commentary to be found in "Dear Zachary," just a filmmaker with a story to tell.I don't usually rate films, because I feel it to be a bit pretentious. But if I were to, "Dear Zachary" would be as close to a perfect score as I could hand out. It's still streaming on Netflix, so take advantage of it. It is also available for free on YouTube as of now.This is a rare one; don't let it pass you by.
apoorvpatole
This is the best movie/documentary ever made. It is also very depressing.. I am Indian and a medical student, I received a scholarship of Canadian medical college for my post graduation. And after watching this movie I literally gave up the scholarship. Only because of the Canadian GOVERNMENT that murderer was set free...and the poor kid and his father suffered And for the guys who came here to know about the movie, it's a great movie ...surely do watch dis..I bet it will make u cry...and big thanks to the movie maker Kurt for making this movie.
reviews1958
I've seen very many documentaries but this one will stay with me until it's time for me to check out of Planet Earth. I have never cried like I did during this. I will always cry when I think about this. Like all others have said don't read anything about the details before watching this superb documentary. I am estranged from my son and my god I so wish that is all the Bagby's had to deal with. I will write Parliment. I will share this with every individual I know to watch this documentary and act.My statement on celebrities in the title of this review means this - if every celebrity who thinks they need to stick their uneducated two cents worth in about politics, environmental issues, and immigration of illegals would simply sit down and watch this documentary their voices could actually be used for something worthwhile in bringing attention to the injustice demonstrated in this documentary. I challenge all of them. Clooney, Jolie, Pitt, Munn, the list goes on and on.
Maz Murdoch (asda-man)
I've seen a lot of depressing films and consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur of the sub-genre. I love tragic films like Dancer in the Dark, Amour, Martyrs etc. all of which have reduced me to teary eyes which is something I never normally do. Dear Zachary is without a doubt the most heart-wrenchingly devastating film I have ever seen. Nothing I've seen has come close to the sheer power of this film.I went in almost totally blind and would urge everyone else to do the same. Dear Zachary left me utterly stunned and I'm sure if I didn't watch it with my family then I would've broken down into sobs. Tears clouded my vision, my heart thumped like a train, chills covered my spine and my lip quivered. This might sound like a regular occurrence for the more sensitive amongst you who weep at Marley and Me and Beaches, but no film has ever affected me so physically like Dear Zachary has.It's impossible to rate and review this film because to do so would take away its importance. Dear Zachary is beyond a rating, it's absolutely crucial viewing for everyone to see how the law can absolutely wreck people's lives. The film is made by one Zachary's father's closest friends so it's made with a raging passion which grabs you right from the start. There are images and sounds within which will haunt you forever.No fictional film could ever come up with a story as shocking as this.
