Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sensational Brazilian docu about violence, sex, murder.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
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Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon A Crime
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ELIZE MATSUNAGA: ONCE UPON A CRIME is a four-part Brazilian real crime docuseries featuring one of Brazil's most notorious killers. In December 2016, Elize Matsunaga was convicted of shooting, dismembering, and scattering her husband Marcos' remains along a road outside of São Paulo. Although the jury ruled it as an act of self-defense, Elize was sentenced to nearly 20 years for the 2012 crime. Now out of prison on a temporary prison furloughs (as permitted under Brazilian law), she tells her story on camera so that their daughter, who was a baby when her father was killed, will know the truth about what happened. Elize talks about her childhood, and how she eventually met her wealthy husband, whose well-known family owned a major Brazilian food company. She also offers details about her troubled marriage, what she claims happened on the night he died, and what transpired afterwards. Throughout each installment, interviews with lawyers like Juliana Santoro, journalists like Thaîas Nunes, and investigators like Mauro Dias and medical examiner Jorge Pereira, offer additional, and often opposing, versions of events. Members of Elize's family and Marcos' circle of friends also offer their insights. Family pictures, archive footage, and other media are also featured.
Is It Any Good?
This disturbing series, which is in Portuguese with English subtitles, shares an unusual story about the death of businessman Marcos Matsunaga from multiple points of view. The even-toned Elize spends time talking about her relationship with her husband, and what led her to commit such a heinous act. She also describes what the trial was like, and her troubled childhood. But what's lacking is an in-depth look at key aspects of the crime, such as whether or not Elize had an accomplice, and replaces them with the opinions of various lawyers, officials, and acquaintances without any real evidence. This, combined with the obvious attention being paid to Elize's past as a sex worker, and her husband's womanizing habits, gives the series a tabloid-like feel. Overall, Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon A Crime is more about the sensational nature of the crime, rather than presenting a comprehensive analysis of the case from beginning to end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way the legal system works in different countries. If Elize Matsunaga had committed the crime in the U.S., would it have been handled differently? If she was convicted, would she be given furloughs or be allowed to give interviews?
It's argued that Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon A Crime gives Elize Matsunaga the opportunity to communicate to her daughter. But is it ethical to produce and distribute this documentary for entertainment purposes under these circumstances? If Matsunaga had full control over this series, would the narrative it presents sound or look the same?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 8, 2021
- Cast : Elize Matsunaga , Juliana Santoro , Thaís Nunes
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 2, 2022
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