Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this documentary series pulls few punches in discussing some very terrible crimes. Though there's little actual onscreen violence, scenes show the aftermath of carnage, and plenty of people describe, often in graphic terms, exactly who did what to whom. The overall effect can be hard to stomach.
Families can talk about crime and punishment. This show delves into the actions of some of history's worst criminals, and though it focuses mostly on what they did, it also tries to explain why. Why do some people become criminals? Are they motivated by greed, revenge, or something else? Or are they fundamentally flawed in some way? How do the criminals attempt to justify their actions? Do they actually think they'll get away with it?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Will Wade
There are some very nasty criminals out there, and though some people might prefer to forget about them, CRIMES THAT SHOOK THE WORLD extends their 15 minutes of fame. Each episode of this docu-drama series takes an in-depth look at one of these infamous villains and the acts that made them famous, feared, and often reviled.
The series follows the same, well-used format as many other TV newsmagazines, blending interviews with survivors and investigators, old film footage and news clippings, and dramatized reenactments of important incidents. Besides describing the crimes and the efforts to track down and prosecute the bad guys, Crimes That Shook the World also explains how the events often created a palpable feeling of terror in the local communities.
Many episodes center on well-known serial killers, such as the BTK killer in Kansas or Washington state's Green River Killer. Though these notorious criminals have a certain irresistible appeal to many viewers, the detailed, matter-of-fact description of their deeds can be chilling and unpleasant to watch.
Crimes That Shook the World is well made, but its effective recreation of unpleasant events could certainly provide plenty of fodder for bad dreams -- or even dredge up some unpleasant memories for people who remember when these crimes were on the front pages instead of on historical TV shows. Either way, it's definitely not for kids.
Fans will probably also be interested in Most Evil or any of the Law & Order shows, which also center on graphic crimes.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThough there's no onscreen sex or nudity, this documentary series on actual crimes often features very frank discussions of sex crimes, which might be disturbing to both children and adults. |
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ViolenceNo big battles, gunfights, or brawls. But the show features in-depth discussion and reenactments of some pretty heinous, disturbing crimes, which tend to be far more intimate encounters between criminal and victim. |
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Social BehaviorAs the name suggests, this show is all about crime and is very clear that the perpetrators' horrific acts are very, very wrong. That said, even though the bad guys are captured by the final act, spending an entire hour highlighting their actions could seem to glorify their crimes. |
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