Cinema Society

CRIIME AFTER CRIME

Average
Rating

4

Tuesday, October 25, 2011, Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25

On Screen: 4:30pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

Cinema Chat (Aud. 14) begins 30 minutes prior to screenings

Introduction begin 15 minutes prior to screenings (Aud. 14 & 8)

Discussion follows screenings (Aud. 14)

In Association with Project SARAH

CRIME AFTER CRIME

CRIME AFTER CRIME is the story of the battle to free Debbie Peagler, an incarcerated survivor of brutal domestic violence. Over 26 years in prison cannot crush the spirit of this determined African-American woman, despite the injustices she has experienced, first at the hands of a duplicitous boyfriend who beat her and forced her into prostitution, and later by prosecutors who cornered her into a life behind bars for her connection to the murder of her abuser. Her story takes an unexpected turn two decades later when a pair of rookie land-use attorneys cut their teeth on her case -- and attract global attention to the troubled intersection of domestic violence and criminal justice.

Not Rated

Running Time: 95 Minutes

PLEASE NOTE: Two nights after our showcasing of this powerful motion picture, Project SARAH (Stop Abusive Relationships at Home)--the domestic abuse prevention, education and intervention program of Jewish Family Service San Diego-- is holding a benefit premiere of the film at the Jewish Community Center. Outreach Coordinator Cheryl Bruser will be attending our showcasing, along with the film's creator YOAV POTASH and a special guest, to discuss the important work Project SARAH does in the community, and their upcoming benefit screening of the film.

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14-Nov-11: Mroe - Rating: 4

A moving and heartbreaking movie, I could not imagine having even an ounce of courage that Debbie Peagler had especially being constantly met with disappointment, the injustice she endured and ultimately her untimely illness. A film about never giving up hope, persevering and how people can come into one’s life and have a profound effect that one may never expect.

10-Nov-11: susan - Rating: 4

I was predisposed NOT to like this film as I don't believe the answer to domestic violence is yet more violence. However, the filmmaker did an excellent job in showing us the perseverance of the two pro bono lawyers who believed in their client. A sad ending made their dedication even more poignant.

28-Oct-11: Holly Nappen - Rating: 5

A remarkable and important movie! No actors could possibly have captured the genuine humanity, relentless dedication, and empathy of these 2 extraordinary lawyers. They were absolutely authentic. The galling indictment of a corrupt, flawed system rife with self interest, protectionism and lies, was eclipsed by the resilience and goodness of Deborah. With reality media focusing on a Kardashian sobbing over a lost diamond earring, the contrast of Deborah's grim reality, and even more, the grace with which she faced the perpetual adversity, is stark and inspirational.... Ironic that, as the desperate pleas of this vulnerable young woman fell on the deaf ears of law enforcement, lawyers, and even medical personnel, she learned sign language to communicate with the deaf. Thanks to Yaov Potash for a superb documentary. P.S. Andy, you missed the best post movie chat ever!

27-Oct-11: RichG - Rating: 4

Through no fault of our own we saw this gripping documentary before Andy had it. At our viewing there was only one couple in the theater. More's the pity. This interesting and informative film should be seen by all of the Rick Perry fans who think the system is beyond reproach. We saw over and over the miscarriage of justice perpetrated on this woman. Granted she did serious wrong. But keeping her incarcerated served no good for "society." must give BIG credit to the filmmakers in getting unfetterd access to the prison. Urge everyone you know to see this movie. They won't be disappointed.

26-Oct-11: jh - Rating: 2

Last week we saw an inspirational film about a comedian who wasn’t that funny. This week we saw a surprisingly uninspiring film about a very inspirational woman. To have scenes where the attorneys inform a wrongfully incarcerated woman “we have good news and bad news” is simply in bad taste. And whose idea was it that the closer one is to the camera the more powerful the message?

26-Oct-11: Georgi - Rating: 4

We saw this movie early through a fluke. We opted not to see it twice and did come to the theatre last night. That being said, I remember every gripping frame of the film which was filled with even more suspense than the Hilary Swank "Conviction" which was a "docu-drama" enhanced and bolstered with music, slick cinematography and superb acting. This small little documentary had all of the above and more: real people who's lives were forever changed through tragedy and the commitment to make a difference.

26-Oct-11: ee - Rating: 5

This is an outstanding documentary. I had hesitations about seeing it, but am so glad I did. And a great Q/A afterwards. I think the filmmakers did an outstanding job of covering all aspects of the case.

26-Oct-11: siouxmac - Rating: 5

Fantastic movie! When I read that there would be a special guest, I was so hoping for Debbie herself. And how dismayed I was to learn that that was not to be. That having been said, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to listen to her attorney Joshua and to hear his insights. The standing ovation he received was well deserved.

I found the movie riveting, engaging, enraging, and thought-provoking. I'm still thinking about it today, which is always a good sign. You have to wonder what was going on inside the offices of the District Attorney. It seems that every effort they made to cover their *ss just made things worse in the long run. I have to wonder why some of them still have jobs.

26-Oct-11: DD - Rating: 3

While I thought this was a riveting movie and very well presented, I am saddened that I left the theatre feeling angry at the legal system, specifically the office of the Los Angeles District Attorney, when we ALL should be angry at the cruel abusers. In this movie, there were fathers, uncles, boyfriends, husbands, stepfathers who were pointed out as beaters, assaulters and all-around bad guys. How many of them ended up in jail versus how many of them were never reported. That is a huge injustice right there! It starts at home, folks. If someone is doing something bad, report it. If they do it again, report it again.