Critic Reviews
88
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
positive
14(93%)
mixed
1(7%)
negative
0(0%)
Showing 15 Critic Reviews
100
Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills is unique among courtroom documentaries in that the filmmakers, Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, seem to have had complete access to both sides of the trial process, including private family meetings, conferences with lawyers, even sessions in the judge’s chambers.
100
A must watch documentary.
100
Paradise Lost is one of a very few films that completely absorbs the attention. Watching Berlinger and Sinofsky's movie is like witnessing an execution: it's horrifying, gut-wrenching, and impossible to turn away from.
100
It's a haunting portrait of the effect of violence on its survivors, an examination of the fallacies of our justice system, and a harrowing snapshot of the workings of a small town. It's also a remarkable piece of filmmaking. Don't miss it. [03 Jan 1997, p.6G]
100
Paradise Lost is, among other things, a fascinating look at the way outside forces (like religious prejudice and the media, including the makers of "Paradise Lost") influence trials. Mainly, through, it is a haunting crime story, a mystery in the true sense of the word. [14 Mar 1997, p.05E]
100
This is brilliant, nightmarish, unforgettable work. [08 Nov 1996, p.25]
90
Part of what has always set “Paradise Lost” apart from other courtroom thrillers is that it is not simply about the legal proceedings; it’s a portrait of how grief and anger convulse all sides.
90
Another stunning crime documentary from Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, whose earlier "Brother's Keeper" on PBS was about as good as nonfiction films get. [10 Jun 1996, p.F1]
88
It is complex and bleakly chilling, as ambiguously shadowed as a good novel or fictional feature film. [10 Jun 1996, p.40]
88
This deeply disturbing film is more than a voyeuristic account of a lurid crime. It's an examination of the soul of a nation, and, boy, things don't look good.[06 May 1996, p.F06]
