For many people, the case of the West Memphis Three has become synonymous with wrongful conviction. Despite a lack of physical evidence, three Arkansas teenagers were found guilty in 1994 of the ritual murder of three eight-year-old boys. Media attention led to an outpouring of support that has helped to keep them in the public consciousness for nearly two decades.
Director Amy Berg examines the crime and its aftermath, providing a voice for the victims’ families, including those with doubts about whether the right people are behind bars. Rather than focus on the accused, the film follows their supporters—including loved ones, attorneys, and celebrity advocates such as Eddie Vedder and Peter Jackson—as they seek the truth. With the help of a former FBI profiler, a less sensational, yet still chilling, motive and suspect emerge—ones, shockingly, never investigated.
With compelling, immediate access, West of Memphis follows the story of the West Memphis Three to its dramatic and unexpected conclusion, raising serious questions about justice and its compromises. –Sundance Film Festival
An overview of the infamous West Memphis Three case lays out the evidence for their innocence in a mostly streamlined way, although most of it has already been covered by Joe Berlinger's PARADISE LOST films. It may be a bit too long, but to its credit it spends less time with the three original suspects and more time on alternate theories as to who actually killed those three children, & other facts surrounding them.
Honourably, Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh have devoted time and money towards overturning an injustice. However, I'm angry at the way they treated the Paradise Lost makers... http://www.craveonline.com/film/interviews/202341-our-work-is-done-joe-berlinger-on-paradise-lost-and-west-of-memphis
I've seen all three Paradise Lost films and still thoroughly enjoyed this well crafted documentary. The story follows the case from the day of the crime until the final appeal and decision 18 years later. The editing and original soundtrack were done well and the celebrities that support the WM3 all speak their minds on camera. Watch this documentary to learn about mistakes that can be made within the justice system.
"West of Memphis" is dense and long, but thoroughly guides you to the fundamental circumstances of this harrowing murder case. Full review and rating: http://alwayswatchgoodmovies.blogspot.com/2013/01/west-of-memphis-2012.html
This is a great partner to “Paradise Lost 3”, which is the third installment of the trilogy that makes the documentary of the West Memphis Three, e.g. three young teenage boys who were judged as murderers… read review