Customer Reviews

Executions [1995] [DVD]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

a life changing dvd tha affects you greatly. it gives you an insight in to what goes on around the world and portrays the grim reality of the death penalty. a must see for anyone who has an opinion on whether the death penalty is a just way to punish someone regardless of thier crime.

Disturbing and upsetting, the suffering of other humans makes, for many, compulsive viewing. "Executions" showcases a series of violent executions, divided into categories of shooting, hanging, stoning and more, with the sole purpose of educating people on the barbarity of the death penalty. It argues against the theory of "humane execution" with evidence of prolonged and painful deaths from even the most humane methods. In it's most extreme moments, it shows the graphic shooting of an alleged car bomber, the sickening dull thud as his face is obliterated by an AK47 bullet, and then the full SIXTY seconds it takes him to die; a woman stripped and kicked preceeding a stoning, and various other disturbing images.

Executions, although graphic, is a very educational and moving film. The experience leaves you feeling more educated about the horrific acts that have been enacted on largely innocent people.
I would advise any advocate of the death penalty to watch this program so they can re-evaluate their opinion to include what goes on behind closed doors.

Don't watch this DVD if you are easily upset would be my main advice.

This is a documentary about civil executions (and a few that are better categorised as war crimes) mainly in the twentieth century. It shows real life footage of executions which is often shocking and disturbing. There is an earnest voice-over and some hair raising statistics, and the entire episode is done from a moral point of view - it is laudably not overtly sensational.

My main quibble is that it is a little laboured in places - it essentially makes the same points over and over, and for my reckoning there is a little too much on "how" and not enough on "why". Nevertheless a worthy documentary and distinctly stomach-churning.

I watched the DVD Executions many years ago, it changed my life, now how TV programs or films can you honestly say are capable of doing that.
The viewing was compulsive, like when driving past a crash scene you are compelled to look, you know that you shouldn't and what you see, you may not like, though you cant stop yourself.
The DVD doesn't examine the rights or wrongs of the death penalty, it is just showing you raw executions, sometimes carried out by kangaroo courts, where there has been no trial or at the least a very biased one.
The pain and the degradation these people suffer in their final moments is beyond disturbing.
If you feel that you must watch this documentary then do so at your own risk, but let me tell you, you will never forget it.

As the name suggests this DVD is about executions.Its not for those who are easily offened by graphic scenes of death. The narratve charts the history of execution and is done in a thought provoking manner that makes you question mans in-humanity towards other humans. Not one for those that suffer nightmares.

I saw this documentary when it was first released, It was initially banned in the island where I live. A friend got hold of a copy and we watched it in secret in his garage (we were both 16 at the time). This was back in 1995. 14 years on we still talk about the day we watched "Executions" I can say that this is the most disturbing and shocking documentary film I have seen to date. The final scene is very graphic. I understand that there are many very serious crimes committed and that punishment is a necessity, however the barbaric methods of execution employed are in my view nothing less than torture. Having watched this film, I am convinced that no matter what the crime, a person has the right to live. Freedom should be taken away from the perpetrators of serious crime but at no time do two wrongs make a right. Execution is premeditated murder by the state or government power and should be abolished. I would advice that those individuals with a nervous disposition should not view this film.

If you believe for one second that this is a documentary that weighs up the pro and cons of execution then you are very wrong.

This is a chance for people to watch other people die, simple as that!

It is very disturbing and the narative is simply there to justify that content.

To be honest if you buy this DVD then you are warped.

Avoid!!!!

I bought this film on video when it first came out, I wish I had not wasted my money. Anyone expecting to see close up and personal executions will be very disapointed, what is shown is either grainy, blurred, or shot from a long way off. The underlying message all through this poorly made and directed film is the anti capital punishment viewpoint. As a supporter of the death sentence for murderers and child molesters, I can say in all honesty that nothing was shown in this film that would have changed my opinion.

Like saving private ryan but without the specual affects!!