Peppermintfilms This documentary has an assemblage of facts and film footage that appear to have been thoroughly scrutinized. Part of the footage included defense attorney Dalton's explanations of how and why Polanski was forced to sign a document of guilt when he had clearly stated over and over again that he was innocent of the charges. Opening questions and answers from transcript testimony about the event seem to show two different stories being told. The facts were carefully presented so as not to side with either party but to recount the events leading up to and subsequent to the charges filed against Polanski. Sensationalism seems to be a big part of our culture's persona and we can choose to be swept away by our emotions or we can begin to put aside our filters of prejudice and fear and come to terms with actual events without theater calling the shots. This is the question that is haunting me after seeing this film.

SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain A wonderful look at corruption and justice, even if it's justice we don't agree with. Putting Polanski's crimes to one side, there is no denying he is an exceptional filmmaker. He is able to address a darkness many hope never to experience. It's very easy to see Polanski as a coward that ran from sentencing, but we also have a fascinating story of a judge hungry for fame. That cares more about peoples opinion of him, than he does keeping his word. It's a fascinating battle where everyone appears to be in the wrong, and the two lawyers seem to be the most honest of the bunch. It's a great watch, just for all of the different reactions it can evoke, with Polanski's troubled and harrowing life as a backdrop for greater tragedies to come.

woolshirt It is interesting that this "documentary" was released as efforts were being made to extradite Polanski to the U.S. to stand trial for his alleged drugging and repeated anal raping of a minor. The film seeks to excuse his behavior based upon his horrific past including the loss of much of his family to the Nazis and to excuse his fleeing trial because of the judges alleged reneging on some deals he'd cut with Polanski regarding which crimes He'd would be charged with. The shameless way in which this film slants every detail to curry sympathy for this repeat pedophile strains credulity. It is unlikely his affliction can be traced to his parents demise and even if it did it would not excuse his crimes merely how they would be punished/treated. One of the films characters even accuses Polanski's detractors of playing the blame game while simultaneously blaming the victims parents for allowing her to be photographed, unchaperoned, by Polanski. Admittedly this was not a wise move , but who'd think that a high profile personality with such resources would stoop to such a heinous and ham-fisted act.The film did gather some fascinating information though, namely regarding the support Ploanski enjoys from a number of Film industry moguls. One is left to speculate on why this may be but in the end they are besmirching their own characters. Even the country of France, of which I am personally quite fond of for a number of reasons is left looking barbaric in their harboring of Polanski, though it should be pointed out that three quarters of it's people favor his extradition. It is one thing to dismiss sex with children under 16 years of age , it happens here certainly, but not with a forty-three year old. And to turn a blind eye to drugging and raping a 13 year old child is inexplicable.I have to give the film credit for weaving a story in a smooth and well produced fashion and for piecing together a substantial cast of participants who were involved with Polanski and his case at varying levels, but the degree of bias and the yawning lapses in logic and moral bearing are ultimately inexcusable. I would not be surprised to learn that Mr. Polanski funded the project himself.

mynystry I give this film 3/10 just because I think the film is very well done... but as a documentary the film lacks impartiality.It is impossible not to feel some sort sympathy for a man like Polanski, who has such a tragic past and even so he has been able to succeed in a world in which succeeding is not easy at all. But for most people I know, including myself, this sympathy is brutally shaken when one knows about the horrible crime which he committed.I know that no one is an angel and we all have done some wrong things, but after reading the little girl's testimony (which is available in internet) it is really shocking to hear that such fascinating person as Polanski could have done something so vile, so disgusting and so perverse.This film shows Polanski's side which we all like, but it fails to show his darker side. It chooses parts of the facts, and it ignores others which are also important. The films shows Polanski as a victim of a corrupted judicial system, but it fails to show the corrupted side of Polanski.It is true; he may be remarkable man in many aspects, he is doubtlessly a great film director, and probably he has many other good qualities. But is that enough to put him above the laws, specially above such laws which protect the most fragile in our society? If Polanski was not famous and rich, if he was just a "simple mortal" just like most of us, then he would have probably stayed in jail for many, many years. But he is rich and famous, and then he can hire flashy lawyers, and he can make deals and buy justice. But the truth is that he sexually abused of girl who was just too young, and there is a higher justice which does not accept "plea bargains". I think Mr. Polanski, if he has not paid his debt already, he will not be able to escape the consequences of his crime.I think this film does well showing the corruption in the legal system, and also showing the sympathetic side of Mr. Polanski. But I also think this film attempts to hide the fact that he has done something terrible, something so destructive and repugnant: he raped a 13 year old girl. If I was the father of that little girl, I would find it very difficult in my heart to forgive him.