One of the most difficult things to come to terms with in life is the way a seemingly nice, soft-spoken, accomplished person can actually be a monster. Can the alter ego even be likable? Are there good characteristics alongside the evil ones? That said, I came out at the end of the movie not knowing how to feel and not having a gut feeling about the reality either way.For all intents and purposes, this was a model family and every home movie reflects smiles and affection. The inner workings of the relationships are strange to me and the personalities are certainly unusual, but still, there seems to be love. And being unusual isn't indicative of evil doings in and of itself.It's hard to think about but fascinating to imagine the possibility of it all being a planted idea.

A controversial documentary about the Friedman family, a seemingly typical, upper-class Jewish family living in Long Island, New York. Their very normal and somewhat happy world was turned upside down when the father and his youngest son were arrested and charged with some very shocking and disturbing crimes.'Capturing The Friedmans' is a film of which 95% was watched with a very bemused expression on my face. It's one of those stories you'd happily accept as a work of bold and slightly twisted fiction; the fact that it's all reality is awful. It won't be a spoiler to reveal that the crimes in question were all related to the sexual abuse of children, and the description of those supposed crimes is horrific.Supposed though, because what the film does so well is point out that the actual truth still really isn't known. It's hard to doubt the evidence against Arnold Friedman, the patriarch and alleged main abuser, but it's the involvement of son Jesse that raises the most doubts. Only seventeen himself when the allegations were made, it is difficult to believe that he could be involved. However, it is very plainly shown that he was one of three sons that had a deep affection for their father, but could it really extend as far as agreeing to assist in his sordid acts? That is one of the conundrums of the movie.What really fascinates me about the documentary is the portrayal of Elaine Friedman, the victimised wife and mother. Not victimised just by the outside world, but by her own family. Unlike the rest of the family, she doesn't blindly trust her husband, which leads to some heated arguments and an eventual alienation from everyone. Her testimony is possibly the most impactful, being the woman who has known Arnold the longest and could cite moments which gave credence to his guilt.Director Andrew Jarecki is fantastic at making sure he stays as neutral as he possibly can, given the circumstances. It would have been very easy to turn it into a biased look at an evil family; but Jarecki makes sure to not go down that route. Through the use of home video footage and interviews, we are made to look at the story from every perspective. The ending of the movie is a very emotional and, somehow, happy one, giving a level of sympathy we probably didn't want.'Capturing The Friedmans' is a very good documentary, but it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. However, get past the fact that this is people who potentially committed heinous crimes against innocent children, and what you get is a story about family and loyalty. Excellent.

Even though I have yet to finish watching the whole film I will write a few thoughts on where I am currently.I have tried to convince myself that this is a regular suburban family but based on the evidence and testimony that I have seen so far, I cant help but be led to believe that this may in fact be the most delinquent family I have ever seen. How can Arnies(I believe that is the main characters name) wife, after everything that was uncovered about her husband stick around after Arnie admitted to molesting children? And how can these people admit guilt in court and still try to maintain their innocence? I really cannot wrap my head around this family. The more I see the more disgusted I get. If this was not a class assignment to watch the film I would never have considered to watch it. Perhaps once I finish the movie I will have a different opinion but for right now I am dreading having to watch the rest of it.

The Friedmans are your typical middle-class Jewish family. But when Arnold Friedman and his 18 year old son Jesse Friedman got arrested by the police for abusing and molesting young children's in the Friedman home. They got arrested at Thanksgiving in 1987 for hundreds shocking crimes. The oldest son David Friedman doesn't believe it as first, including his mother Elaine and his brother Seth. Documentary filmmaker Andrew Jarecki (All Good Things) interviews David, Jesse, Elaine including the reporters, victims, the prosecutors, sex crime unit, the judge, formers students of Arnold's computer class, Jesse's former friend and Arnold's brother. All the interviewers with the filmmaker are searching the truth of what did happen with Arnold and his son Jesse along with the students were sexually abused and some students claimed that nothing sexual happened in class. So, who is telling the truth?Director Jarecki makes an fascinating documentary with the now infamous "The Friedman" family. David Friedman, now he's an entertainer for children. Who seems to be still in denial of what happened to his family, although he's an intelligent person, who loves to entertained and being an magician to please young children. "Capturing the Friedmans" does have some darkly comic moments including some truly disturbing moments during the interview and the vintage news footage. The documentary is at its best during the amazing home video footage of the family to witness an better understanding of the family falling apart.Disc One has an good anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) transfer and an fine Dolby Stereo 2.0 Surround Sound. Disc One also includes an running commentary track by the director and producer/editor:Richard Hankin. An interesting commentary track if you truly liked the documentary. Disc Two includes unseen home movies from inside the Friedmans house, Great Neck Outraged, New witnesses and evidence and more. "Capturing the Friedmans" is certainly an difficult documentary to watch. But it is extremely admittedly powerful and unforgettable. Director Jacrecki and Producer:Marc Smerling received an Oscar nominated for their solid work. Since the documentary is not for all tastes. But this documentary shouldn't be missed and also is what to make of all this is wisely left to the viewer, what he or she thinks of the damaged family. (**** ½/*****).