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6/10
*Another 'History channel'-type "documentary" of limited value
25 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Another 'history channel' type documentary with small features of 'mocumentary' flashback. Wondered why I saw Danny Trejo's face - he narrated it (probably short of cash? - sorry Danny, just a bit surprised). Or maybe a personal favour to friends connected that he knows.

It *did* raise a couple of interesting points though - the fact that a boat *could've* been off the harbour, that a tower was out (or had a restricted view), that some corners were cut by cutbacks, lax thinking etc.

Also (although the final 'reveal' is something of a disappointment - the theory behind some of the alleged 'events' could be true. Such as above - also that Priests sometimes passed messages to family of the detained - even if just a grain of truth in that, it wouldn't take much for a message (however 'inert'/seemingly containing no information), could have/contain dates/position on, which would help the case of the boat enormously.

Plus as does (the quick google search) revealing that a boat *was* claimed to be spotted by an off-duty police office that night.

One other 'viable' (at least), if there was some $$$cash for the guards, it would've been awkward to distribute, and if somehow it was in the possession of the men (more likely, as they *did* have family) - therefore they did have something to be killed for.

I wouldn't spend too much time digging up the 'football-pitch' size plot between trees though, and as above (probably c/w trees with 'fresh' rusty nails in) - and yes, where was the metal detector?!!
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6/10
Stock British "B-movie" - a thriller with a cause...
13 August 2007
Portmanteau story regarding plight of a critically ill child, stricken with Leukaemia. She has but days to live, she needs a blood transfusion for 3 pints of blood, but needs this within days or she will die. The race is on to find suitable donors - complicated by her extremely rare blood group.

The caring doctor teams up with a wily Scotland Yard detective, and they meet various sections of society in the hunt for their men.

Notable for an appearance by former World Light-Heavyweight Boxing Champion - Freddie Mills.

A stock black and white "B-movie", with some interesting twists and turns before we reach the climax.
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Secret Life (2007 TV Movie)
7/10
Educated (I think!) look at a paedophile's 'return to society'
25 April 2007
Casting Matthew MacFadyen in the lead role seems a gamble both by the film-makers and also for the actor. However, this drama (in my opinion), seems well-researched enough, for the reputations of both to remain intact.

Thought-provoking, sensitive and filmed from a shifting perspective, the drama deals with an incredibly delicate subject well. Upon watching it, it's possible you may find yourself questioning your own empathy to various characters.

I'm determined to stay the right side of "contains spoilers", so it ties my hands somewhat. But please, 'give this a go', it has been written well, and is incredibly well acted. Kudos to MacFadyen for taking on an astonishingly difficult part.

Pace, direction and length are spot-on. You cannot predict the ending, it is very much (too) new territory to even get near the inner-workings of the lead's mind. The children in the roles act well too, and having 2 girls around the ages suggested, I can vouch for the authenticity of their naiveté, speech, false confidence and over-estimation of being 'streetwise'. A little scary in parts, but overall, a very interesting look at an extremely controversial, even taboo subject, through (a lot of the time), the eyes of the person you would least want to.

Bravo to Channel 4 for having the balls to get this made and shown.
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