On February 12, 2007 a famed US missionary by the name of Sister Dorothy was shot six times at point blank range and left to die in the muddy swamps of the Brazilian Amazon. What would unfold days and months after her mysterious death would send the US into absolute turmoil. Who was this woman? And who would want her dead? The answers and the legal process might surprise you; however, one thing is for sure, the way things turn out could have a much larger effect that neither you nor I could have imagined.
Taking a look at the life and teachings of Sister Dorothy as well as the controversy of her actions, They Killed Sister Dorothy excels far beyond its story, giving its audience a reason to grieve and care.
One of the main reasons that this film works as well as it does is that the story is outlined to emotional perfection by director Daniel Junge. From the get-go we are greeted by Dorothy and told the story of her tragic death. From the intense and emotional courtroom scene to the heartbroken looks of despair by her brother, and main physical focus feature of the film Dave, your heart cries out for justice as the film takes on a humane theme, making you care for all those involved.
Another great thing about this film is its flow. While most documentaries suffer from being too long, that is not the case with this film. Instead of decreasing in intensity, They Killed Sister Dorothy actually speeds up, giving you the impression that you are watching a "˜Hollywood' film rather than a true live account. Every role is covered as the defense attorney serves as the archetype villain and Dorothy's brother, Dave, serves as the warrior, and even though you think the film would never have been made without a favorable outcome, you find yourself holding your breath as the verdict to the climatic murder trial is read aloud. The conclusion is unforeseen and because of this I have to commend director Daniel Junge for his clever use of editing as the viewers are so consumed with the characters that they hardly notice the sneak attack that is forming against the nun and her cause.
But that is not all. Taking a story as strong and emotional as this one and turning it into an entertaining, but true documentary is no easy take; however, Jungle was able to grasp the emotion, heartache and drama without ever losing sight to the end goal: the conviction. His angles were precise and his editing was cohesive as he presented a story for what it was, not what he wanted it to be. Throw in some unexpected interviews with the family, friends and accused murders of Dorothy and you have yourself a well rounded, unexpected documentary that will bring light on a dark subject and give the dramatic outcome to a trial that could change the way a group of people live and breathe"¦literally.
Do yourself a favor and be sure to catch this film this week at the SXSW film festival, you will not be disappointed.
