Killing Them Safely

Name: Killing Them Safely
Genre: Drama, Documentary
Released: November 27, 2015
Duration: 100 min
Rating: 70

2015

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 8 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 12 Ratings

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6.0	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 12 Ratings

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Killing Them Safely

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Movie Details & Credits

IFC Films | Release Date: November 27, 2015 | Not Rated

Summary: Hundreds of deaths. Zero oversight. In the early 2000s, brothers Tom and Rick Smith revolutionized policing by marketing the Taser to law enforcement agencies. This supposedly safe alternative to handguns was supposed to curb the use of deadly force—so why have over 500 people died from Taser-related injuries since? At a time when questionsHundreds of deaths. Zero oversight. In the early 2000s, brothers Tom and Rick Smith revolutionized policing by marketing the Taser to law enforcement agencies. This supposedly safe alternative to handguns was supposed to curb the use of deadly force—so why have over 500 people died from Taser-related injuries since? At a time when questions about police methods are at the forefront of the national dialogue, Killing Them Safely brings together startling archival footage and eye-opening interviews with experts on both sides of the debate to shed much-needed light on an urgent issue. [IFC Films]… Expand

Director: Nick Berardini

Genre(s): Drama, Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 100 min

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Critic Reviews

The Playlist Zach Hollwedel

Nov 28, 2015

Berardini’s film follows a narrative trajectory impressive in any documentary, let alone one by a rookie filmmaker. The debut effort is commendable, both for its handling of a complex issue, as well as for its engagement factor. Read full review

Daphne Howland

Nov 24, 2015

Footage of the now-wealthy Smiths being deposed is damning, the brothers' legal jiujitsu is appalling, and the stories of deaths are heartbreaking. Read full review

David Edelstein

Nov 30, 2015

The documentary could hardly be more timely or essential. Read full review

Nicolas Rapold

Nov 28, 2015

Mr. Berardini’s packed documentary makes its case early and often, perhaps too often, but it’s more chilling than your average issue film. Read full review

Robert Abele

Dec 3, 2015

With the intensified focus on use of force in police departments, the unsettling documentary Killing Them Safely couldn't be timelier. Read full review

John DeFore

Nov 28, 2015

If Berardini isn't very generous to the company's execs, shortchanging what is likely a genuine belief that they're doing good while making a ton of money, he does spend time with officers who, for a time, embraced the Taser eagerly. Read full review

Gersh Kuntzman

Nov 25, 2015

This feels like a documentary about legal cases against TASER, not a documentary on the Taser. Read full review

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User Reviews

Lambo442

Apr 1, 2016

The brilliant and shocking documentary highlights the large number or deaths caused by the supposedly not-lethal Tazer gun. What sticks with you the most are the lies perpetuated by the company themselves for no other reason than to make money and the lack of training and truthfulThe brilliant and shocking documentary highlights the large number or deaths caused by the supposedly not-lethal Tazer gun. What sticks with you the most are the lies perpetuated by the company themselves for no other reason than to make money and the lack of training and truthful information given to the officers that use them. Also, I couldn't help but think about the dangers of giving this kind of weapon to power hungry, sadistic cops who will fill you full of electricity for nothing more than, as one person puts it, not paying your parking fine fast enough. Very illuminating stuff but be warned, there are some graphic scenes that really get under your skin.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

EpicLadySponge

Apr 2, 2016

A movie about killing people safely means a movie about killing people without getting caught. Sounds like a nice way to clear the Earth, I suppose... right?

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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