Review of Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory (2012) by Ryan O — 12 Jan 2012

Those that know me, know how much I love the Paradise Lost documentary series. In fact, each time I've seen parts 1 and 2, it renews my desire to implore everyone to see these films. I still stand by that notion.

Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory is a fantastic conclusion to the story of the West Memphis Three. While the first film, Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hills profiled the crime, the suspects and subsequent conviction of the West Memphis Three. The second film, Paradise Lost 2: Revelations revealed new thoughts on the crime and raised more questions on the trio's innocence. Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory details the final events of the West Memphis Three's time in prison, the discovery of new evidence that could point to a new suspect who has been under the noses of investigators since the crime was committed.

While this film is not easy to watch at times, this is a story that needs to be told and needs to be seen.

Paradise Lost 3 displays the power of grassroots organization and in some cases how the American justice is not perfect and at times, can produce false results. While this entry does not pack the emotional resonance that the first two films did, Paradise Lost 3 offers a series of explosive events revealing new evidence that after 18 years gave 3 men their freedom.

This is the final chapter (purportedly) of the story of the West Memphis Three who were wrongly convicted based on their looks, anti-social behavior and the heavy metal music (Metallica) they listened to. Its a sad commentary on how broken the American justice system has become because of hysteria and emotion. Justice was not found in this case. A murderer still walks free. And the family of three boys, brutally murdered will continue to live the nightmare of losing their sons with no answers or justice.

If you haven't seen the first two films, that's ok. (Although I recommend you start at the beginning of the series). The film makers successfully recap the first two films in the first 30 minutes with scenes from the first two films and of course new footage that you didn't see.

The Paradise Lost documentary series will stand as a milestone in documentary film making.

Don't be surprised to find Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory on the list of Academy Award nominees for Best Documentary this year. It wholeheartedly deserves every bit of accolades its going to receive.