SummaryHundreds of deaths. Zero oversight. In the early 2000s, brothers Tom and Rick Smith revolutionized policing by marketing the Taser to law enforcement agencies. This supposedly safe alternative to handguns was supposed to curb the use of deadly force—so why have over 500 people died from Taser-related injuries since? At a time when questions about... Read More
Directed By:Nick Berardini
Written By:Nick Berardini
Killing Them Safely
Metascore
Generally Favorable
70
User score
Mixed or Average
6.0
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
70
88% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
13% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Nov 28, 2015
83
Berardini’s film follows a narrative trajectory impressive in any documentary, let alone one by a rookie filmmaker. The debut effort is commendable, both for its handling of a complex issue, as well as for its engagement factor.
Nov 24, 2015
80
Footage of the now-wealthy Smiths being deposed is damning, the brothers' legal jiujitsu is appalling, and the stories of deaths are heartbreaking.
Dec 3, 2015
70
With the intensified focus on use of force in police departments, the unsettling documentary Killing Them Safely couldn't be timelier.
Nov 28, 2015
70
If Berardini isn't very generous to the company's execs, shortchanging what is likely a genuine belief that they're doing good while making a ton of money, he does spend time with officers who, for a time, embraced the Taser eagerly.
Nov 28, 2015
70
Mr. Berardini’s packed documentary makes its case early and often, perhaps too often, but it’s more chilling than your average issue film.
Nov 25, 2015
20
This feels like a documentary about legal cases against TASER, not a documentary on the Taser.
User score
Mixed or Average
6.0
67% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
8% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
25% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Apr 1, 2016
10
The brilliant and shocking documentary highlights the large number or deaths caused by the supposedly not-lethal Tazer gun. What sticks with you the most are the lies perpetuated by the company themselves for no other reason than to make money and the lack of training and truthful information given to the officers that use them. Also, I couldn't help but think about the dangers of giving this kind of weapon to power hungry, sadistic cops who will fill you full of electricity for nothing more than, as one person puts it, not paying your parking fine fast enough. Very illuminating stuff but be warned, there are some graphic scenes that really get under your skin.
Apr 2, 2016
7
A movie about killing people safely means a movie about killing people without getting caught. Sounds like a nice way to clear the Earth, I suppose... right?
Production Company:
- Zipper Bros Films
- Boxcar Films
Release Date:Nov 27, 2015
Duration:1 h 40 m
Tagline:Every solution has a problem.
Awards
Tribeca Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
Midwest Independent Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
