Film Recommendation - Into The Abyss

 

★★★★★★★

Good [For rating system, see information tab at top of blog]

This is the first feature Length documentary recommendation I have posted. 'Into The Abyss' Is an independent documentary released in 2011 by German filmmaker Werner Herzog. It received much critical acclaim from festivals and consquently film critics thereafter. It follows and interviews the case of inmate Michael Perry and those afflicted with his crime, for which he has been sentenced to death.

The documentary is well-made, well filmed and well constructed, formulating several chapters as the interviews and case progresses. It has dark undertones and is exceptionally good for making you think from all different aspects of the case and the people involved. Though you do not feel empathy for the criminals involved, you do begin to question your beliefs in the whole justice system and the death penalty. This being said however, the true harrowing nature of the documentary comes from the interviews with victims family members and friends.

I would not recommend the documentary to those who prefer lighthearted viewing, as this documentary is harrowing at times, and does leave you thinking deeply. However, it is still an enjoyable film, particularly for those who are interested in criminal psychology, crime, the justice system and the overall human emotion of grief.

[Famous Film Scene] - Training Day

'Training Day' is the film that saw Denzel Washington win his first Oscar in a leading role. He had previously won one for a supporting role in 'Glory'. This scene is the ending of the film, therefore *Spoiler alert*, but I have posted it because it showcases why Washington won the deserved Oscar for his role as Alonzo Harris; one of my favorite performances.

IMDB - Training Day

Highest Earning Films Of The Last Twenty Years

This information was true on 15th Of August, 2013, and the total amounts are world wide estimated, gathered over several different websites. 

The List:

2012 - The Avengers
Budget: $220,000,000
Box Office Total: $1,514,279,000   

2011 - Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part II

Budget: $250,000,000

Box Office Total: $1,328,111,000

2010 - Toy Story 3
Budget: $200,000,000
Box Office Total: $1,063,759,000 

2009 - Avatar

Budget: $240,000,000

Box Office Total: $2,783,918,000 

2008 - The Dark Knight
Budget: $185,000,000
Box Office Total: $1,002,891,000 

2007 - Pirates Of The Caribbean: At Worlds End

Budget: $300,000,000

Box Office Total: $960,996,000

2006 - Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Budget: $225,000,000
Box Office Total: $1,060,615,000

2005 - Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith
Budget: $113,000,000
Box Office Total: $848,754,000

2004 - Shrek 2
Budget: $150,000,000
Box Office Total: $919,828,000 

2003 - Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King
Budget: $94,000,000
Box Office Total: $1,141,408,000   

2002 - Spider-Man
Budget: $140,000,000
Box Office Total: $821,708,000   

2001 - Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone
Budget: $125,000,000
Box Office Total: $974,755,000   

2000 - Mission Impossible II
Budget: $125,000,000
Box Office Total: $546,388,000   

1999 - Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Budget: $115,000,000
Box Office Total: $1,007,044,000

1998 - Armageddon
Budget: $140,000,000
Box Off Total: $553,709,000 

1997 - Titanic
Budget: $200,000,000
Box Office Total: $2,185,672,000

1996 - Independence Day
Budget: $75,000,000
Box Office Total: $817,400,000

1995 - Die Hard with a Vengeance
Budget: $90,000,000
Box Office Total: $366,101,000 

1994 - Forrest Gump
Budget: $55,000,000
Box Office Total: $677,387,000

1993 - Jurassic Park
Budget: $63,000,000
Box Office Total: $962,504,000   

1992 - Aladdin
Budget: $28,000,000
Box Office Total: $504,050,219 

[Famous Film Scene] - Goodfellas

What more can be said about the quality of 'Goodfellas' that hasn't already been said? A truly brilliant and timeless film. In this scene, Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) asks the famous line; 'Funny How?' - Enjoy!

IMDB - Goodfellas