Leaving Neverland
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 3, 2019
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 295 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 156 out of 295
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 295
  3. Negative: 128 out of 295

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  1. karltanner
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Badly acted, bad scrip. bad filming, score, sound, color. Everything about it is made in an amateur beginner way. Those two where far from believable "actors". I am gonna call them actors because it felt like they where reading of a script. 90 hours of footage was recorded and this is the best they got? I wonder how many times they filmed one scene. Ne emotion, not one tear was shreddedBadly acted, bad scrip. bad filming, score, sound, color. Everything about it is made in an amateur beginner way. Those two where far from believable "actors". I am gonna call them actors because it felt like they where reading of a script. 90 hours of footage was recorded and this is the best they got? I wonder how many times they filmed one scene. Ne emotion, not one tear was shredded during the entire film. One scene he holds something he claims belongs to Michael Jackson. With out proof of course. While holding it... i dont know why he would still have that. He barely flinches. Makes no reaction. Acting school aint that expensive is it? In summary, i just wasted four hours of my life watching two people talk, just talk. Thank you so much HBO… Expand
  2. JT1967
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Horrible. There is not one inch of evidence anything they said in this movie is true. For that this is more than disgusting that it even exist. It is basically a 4 hour tabloid gossip special.
  3. AdrianLorio
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    This is everything but a documentary. It omits facts or evidence. While it shows stories that they claim happened with out having any evidence to support any of it, just words. Here is some facts the movie avoids. Clearly because bad news sells and the director had a clear agenda and biased. Which is why he interviews the two accusers and no one else. No one from the other side. That isThis is everything but a documentary. It omits facts or evidence. While it shows stories that they claim happened with out having any evidence to support any of it, just words. Here is some facts the movie avoids. Clearly because bad news sells and the director had a clear agenda and biased. Which is why he interviews the two accusers and no one else. No one from the other side. That is what we call propaganda and the actual definition of fake news. Ok. There are three cases against Michael Jackson. 93, 03 and 2013. The father who accused him in 93 is literally on tape talking about framing and blackmailing Michael Jackson with false allegations(not in the movie.. wonder why). The family who went to trial in 05 have a long history of falsely accusing others and companies for a living(there is no mention of that. Again, wonder why?) Everyone who went to trial called it a mess and a circus. They said that it should never even go to trial. It was as stated by the jurors so obvious that no molestation that ever occurred. Now these two men in the film sued the Jackson estate for huge sum of money in 2013/14 together, under the same lawyer. They where caught lying in there own lawsuit and there case was thrown-ed out. The judge did not find these two credible. The judge stated that the amount of contradictions and lies made made both of them lose credibility. Now they are appealing the lawsuit for money yet again. Thinking probably that this movie will help by having the public with them. Both of them owe the Michael Jackson estate thousands of dollars btw. Again not showned in this so called "documentary". For all the reasons I stated and believe me, there is more. This movie is a failure and a disgrace. Shame.… Expand
  4. commodore128
    Mar 4, 2019
    0
    Here are two people whom have changed their story numerous times. Now in an attempt to influence their court appeal for millions of dollars they concoct these utterly disgusting stories about someone whom cant defend themselves. The FBI investigated MJ for 10 years including tapping his phone and found absolutely nothing. This is nothing but a cynical cash grab and it the worst thing IHere are two people whom have changed their story numerous times. Now in an attempt to influence their court appeal for millions of dollars they concoct these utterly disgusting stories about someone whom cant defend themselves. The FBI investigated MJ for 10 years including tapping his phone and found absolutely nothing. This is nothing but a cynical cash grab and it the worst thing I have ever had the displeasure to watch.… Expand
  5. Forzamilan
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    I went in the theater to watch the movie thinking this would be a game changer. Considering all the promoting and hype for the movie by the media. Bare in mind. I was also suspicious considering all the interviews made by the three behind the film, which is not normal for something like this. That made it feel more and more like fiction than reality. The first 20-30 minutes seemedI went in the theater to watch the movie thinking this would be a game changer. Considering all the promoting and hype for the movie by the media. Bare in mind. I was also suspicious considering all the interviews made by the three behind the film, which is not normal for something like this. That made it feel more and more like fiction than reality. The first 20-30 minutes seemed realistic and true. After that it went downhill. The allegations was some ridiculous. Some badly how do I say this.. it was like they where reading of a script. As if it was not there own words. Very sloppy. I expect better for HBO since they have done some fine television over the years. This felt more like a cash grab than a real documentary.
    Summary: Not what I expected, but still not surprised    … Expand
  6. ShameThoseWFame
    Mar 4, 2019
    0
    "Wonderful" times we are leaving in, right? A notorious liar and violator of the constitution being the US Americans' President, the media frenzy at their height of unverified bogus stories everyday, the infamy of people who are too bugged to live a righteous life, instead seduced by the profit of ratings / fast deals / attention.

    It's interesting how biased the so-called "critics" are    "Wonderful" times we are leaving in, right? A notorious liar and violator of the constitution being the US Americans' President, the media frenzy at their height of unverified bogus stories everyday, the infamy of people who are too bugged to live a righteous life, instead seduced by the profit of ratings / fast deals / attention.

    It's interesting how biased the so-called "critics" are with sensationalized crap like Dan Reed chose to deliver - going the same route of evil as Martin Bashir who preferred ratings through shady remarks and manipulative editing over actual documental work - that cannot even remotely be compared to the true work of investigative journalists such as Bob Woodward.

    Through Dan Reed's distracting statements you'll get the picture: the director and the two alleged "victims" (rather profiteers) can deny and lie about it as much as they want but they are on the same boat and have headed for the treasure of gold that is the big name MICHAEL JACKSON that conveniently guarantuees sensational stories such as this to easily be big sellers due to his uncommon life, with decades of tabloid trash from people allegedly knowing just about everything regarding his private life.

    Unlike Reed's attempt to say this would not be tabloid trash because it lasts over 4 hours - as if time would suddenly justify public character assassination - this shows pretty well how you do NOT investigate facts, how you do NOT claim your "work" would be the result of proper research.

    This very kind of slanderous work is only possibly because the deceased persons have no voice in the court of public opinion - which due to the free riders of the "#metoo" has been misused by insincere people that come up with bogus allegations. The real victims are those whose voices cannot be heard. In many countries it is also not easy to file a lawsuit for defamation for a deceased person, especially if any such tabloid trash would be "in the public's interest" as courts might argue because the public does not always seek the truth but rather wants to read stories about persons of interest, be it true or completely false.

    As you can see, Michael Jackson is being lynched in the court of public opinion - as it has ever been popular since the first bogus allegations. In the USA and other countries there are CURRENTLY no laws that would stop the (malicious) exploitation of popular figures in death by defamation / slander / libel...

    Dan Reed knows very well - such as Martin Bashir - how to properly build up the mood he wants to achieve. As, for example, you are being taught in literature in school, you first act as if you had a true intent of being objective and then you present the side you don't want to acknowledge because it doesn't fit with your narrative - here painting Michael Jackson as a pedophile - with very trivial and random arguments.

    Part 1 skilfully ends on a cliffhanger, having built up its viewer to be convinced that they are listening to two real victims of sexual abuse - even though that's not the case. Part 2 then acts as the coffin nail to literally destroy MJ while ignoring his naivety made him a sort of "monster" and "text book pedophile" in the eyes of those who do not wish to understand that a man that had no proper childhood, still behaved like a kid when he was grown up and saw the world differently, not wanting to understand he could not be "Peter Pan" and have children in his bed because humanity will rather believe the families and boys that could turn against him when they could no longer be near to him and benefit from his generosity regarding money, gifts and sharing his property with them.

    It also distracts from real perpetrators such as Harvey Weinstein. That's why Oprah Winfrey (a friend of Weinstein) rather gives the two leeches a platform instead of providing her audience with real victims' reports about actual sexual harassment.

    Ironically Weinstein has power & money but it is Michael Jackson who the media portrays as someone who could get away with it... because of money and power. MJ could not silence the bad news about him. And his lawyers did rightfully show to the world what horrible families the Chandlers and Arvizos have been when their lies have been well-documented, yet the media wants to sell tabloid stories as the truth doesn't make similar headlines, the damage will last forever and bad news are good news as it is well known by business people.

    Wade Robson has messed up his career and in order to be relevant again (getting money via production credits and royalties + possible choreography deals) he had no issue with spitting on the person that is no longer alive to defend himself. It is easy to turn against someone who is no longer here and if you are not near to his relatives, there's nothing that would hold you back. Right, Wade?

    Do what the director of this "fake-umentation", Dan Reed, won't do. Get to know Robson's and Safechucks's real life issues!    … Expand
  7. LiamCross
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    "Just because you read it in a magazine
    Or see it on the TV screen
    Don't make it factual" - Michael Jackson
    This quote above says all you need to know. Leaving Neverland takes baseless debunked allegations and treat it like fact. How shameful and sad by HBO
  8. Reuben1
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    The entire story is a copy past version of a fictional NAMBA pedo book in the late 90s. That Michael sued for making up stories about him, the NAMBA member who wrote that fictional book lost the lawsuit. He ran away from the US, instead of paying. It is clear that these two men used that book as a script for this film. They did not even try to hide it. Its so obvious for anyone who hasThe entire story is a copy past version of a fictional NAMBA pedo book in the late 90s. That Michael sued for making up stories about him, the NAMBA member who wrote that fictional book lost the lawsuit. He ran away from the US, instead of paying. It is clear that these two men used that book as a script for this film. They did not even try to hide it. Its so obvious for anyone who has studied the case.… Expand
  9. kobiesmart
    Mar 4, 2019
    0
    Not an honest picture of what most kids says did happen at Neverland. I think those should have been heard. Brett Barnes and Macaulay Culkin was alluded heavily to be victims in the film. But both of them till this day have nothing but praise and love for Michael Jackson. Brett is even threatening to sue HBO for this shameful act. This is very disgraceful by HBO. Brett Barnes is a veryNot an honest picture of what most kids says did happen at Neverland. I think those should have been heard. Brett Barnes and Macaulay Culkin was alluded heavily to be victims in the film. But both of them till this day have nothing but praise and love for Michael Jackson. Brett is even threatening to sue HBO for this shameful act. This is very disgraceful by HBO. Brett Barnes is a very private person and you cant just make up stories about him. That is not right. About the film itself, i did not find anything Wade or Jame say to be truthful. The way they talked did not seem sincere at all. I did not like the predictable spooky music in the film, very cliche. What really was the point of this film. Wade and James claim they are not getting paid directly for this film. But they certainly are getting some percentage of what the movie makes. Wade did open a found me donation in his own website and they are both appealing the case, and what they are asking for is money in there lawsuit. All of that put together makes this film even more ridiculous and just plain wrong.… Expand
  10. MoeKson
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    This was a disturbing watch. I find it very disturbing that the person who is being accused is not here to defend himself. Is this allowed?

    I can only give this a one out of ten stars. Nothing can be said to make this attack on a dead man acceptable.
  11. TheCore
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    There is no possible way that anyone with a brain can watch this and not see that those guys aren't finally telling the truth- their interviews are way too meticulous and detailed. Leaving Neverland is horrifying, and one of the most riveting documentaries you'll ever see. The idiots who've bombarded this comments section with zeros are more blind to Michael Jackson than Trump supportersThere is no possible way that anyone with a brain can watch this and not see that those guys aren't finally telling the truth- their interviews are way too meticulous and detailed. Leaving Neverland is horrifying, and one of the most riveting documentaries you'll ever see. The idiots who've bombarded this comments section with zeros are more blind to Michael Jackson than Trump supporters are to our fake "President"- your denials and misconceptions are fully baked in and there is simply no talking to you.… Expand
  12. finofin
    Mar 4, 2019
    0
    These guys went on the stand and told the truth, that MJ did not molest them. Now with secret powers behind them and no money trail on how they could afford to do this, they make a secret attempt to go after the estate of MJ. But what it really boils down to is the embarrassment that MJ caused Sony and others from his purchase of the Beatles catalog and others sony had to buyback. at aThese guys went on the stand and told the truth, that MJ did not molest them. Now with secret powers behind them and no money trail on how they could afford to do this, they make a secret attempt to go after the estate of MJ. But what it really boils down to is the embarrassment that MJ caused Sony and others from his purchase of the Beatles catalog and others sony had to buyback. at a cost of 750 million. David Geffen, Oprah and Tommy Mottola, MJ had accused of coming after him appears to have legs. This is a dreadful and despicable documentary and I would advise you not to waste your time.… Expand
  13. NicoCarey
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Boring, long and i did not believe a single word they said. you can only lie to many times until you lose it all. money seems to be the motive. I could not wait for the film to end and when it ended. I realized what a waste of time it was. The film is more than deserving of a zero score
  14. Ulfemanuel
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    This was one of the worst Michael Jackson "documentaries" i have ever seen. And I have seen plenty. I seen lot of negative hit piece movies about him. But this still takes the cake as the worst one of them all. Not to mention everyone from the family/estate/the people mentioned in the film have written a letter threatening to fill a lawsuit for the lies in it. 1 out of 1
  15. trollkiller55
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    Essential viewing for anyone who still wonders if he was a pedophile. He was. He was also a seminal musician. Any fan must handle these contradictions in their own way
  16. Raven1999
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    In the age of the #Metoo movement I find it incredible that more people aren't on the side of the victims. When I first heard about Michael Jackson surrounding himself with children, red flags immediately went up. But, like most of the public, I hastily dismissed them because like everyone else, I was star struck and blinded by Michael's amazing talent and public persona, after all, I'dIn the age of the #Metoo movement I find it incredible that more people aren't on the side of the victims. When I first heard about Michael Jackson surrounding himself with children, red flags immediately went up. But, like most of the public, I hastily dismissed them because like everyone else, I was star struck and blinded by Michael's amazing talent and public persona, after all, I'd been a fan of Michael's since his Jackson5 days. After he settled out of court, I began to have doubts once again. After he went to trial, I believed that I was in fact, worshipping a hero/celebrity that was a pedophile. He seduced the boy's parents/families by catching them up in a world wind of expensive trips etc. He groomed those boys to convincingly lie to their own parents. He isolated them because he wanted them to need him for validation of worth. He promised to help their careers and open doors for these kids. Who wouldn't have been seduced by that to the point of being blinded by what was going on under your own nose. What little boy would want to admit to his parents or even to themselves that they'd engaged activities that could have lead to them to being persecuted for their actions by ignorant people that would have blamed their actions on them. I must admit, the details of Michael Jackson's depravity sickens me. But it also leads me to believe that Jackson was also the victim of a pedophile. Nobody automatically knows how to groom children like that unless they themselves have been groomed. I will admit that the two men kind of lost their credibility by perjuring themselves in court and then asking for money. I'm glad they're both getting help but all the money in the world isn't going to change what was done to them. I believe they are telling the truth, but that's just me.… Expand
  17. Johnjaysmith
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    A one sided manipulated documentary. When you think of a documentary you usually think of something based on facts. But this one had no such things. Just the words of two very unreliable people who have lied multiply times that they cant even keep up with there own lies.
  18. Affe
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Only reason this movie has got good reviews from so called critics is that they are afraid to give anything that is related to the me too movement a bad review. Like, it does not matter to them how bad or ridiculous cringe something is. They do not have the balls. Leaving Neverland had not a single redeeming quality about it. It is quite simple a propaganda piece. The Michael JacksonOnly reason this movie has got good reviews from so called critics is that they are afraid to give anything that is related to the me too movement a bad review. Like, it does not matter to them how bad or ridiculous cringe something is. They do not have the balls. Leaving Neverland had not a single redeeming quality about it. It is quite simple a propaganda piece. The Michael Jackson estate made 400 million last year. More than any other celebrity dead or alive. 20% of that money went to charity. the rest to his children and mother(as in his will)

    This is the Adam Sandler of documentaries. Its that bad.    … Expand
  19. Rickyrick1
    Mar 5, 2019
    0
    Fake news. Biased propaganda film with no real evidence to back up anything they say. We don't believe these people. They have lost all of there credibility many years ago. They have lied multiply times and changed there stories multiply times. Shame on them
  20. erolsabadosh
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    Very disturbing but essential viewing, you will be shocked and appalled at the graphic recounts and recordings, anybody that still defends Michael after this needs help.
  21. juniortopwb
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    Michael Jackson was a monster, a sociopath, a pedophile. There's just no denying that.
  22. katezoe
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    Incredible jaw dropping documentary. “Leaving Neverland,” is the story of predatory child sexual abuse, told in such painful and sober detail that it’s impossible to dismiss. Kudos to HBO for not being intimidated by the Jackson's $100,000,000 lawsuit in order to protect their piggy bank AKA Michael Jackson.
  23. SuperMax156
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    The level of delusion on display by fans is truly sad. While I understand how hard it is to find out that your hero is actually an awful human being, compassion really should be reserved for the victims of this monster. It was pretty obvious there was something off about Michael Jackson, the only thing that is amazing is how long it has taken for the truth about this pedophile to come out.
  24. tearsofjoy
    Mar 4, 2019
    0
    Both men are so untrustworthy. They are perfect actors with no actual proof. This film is a complete failure as a production and as a "documentary".
  25. markymark
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    One of the most believable and balanced accounts of sexual grooming and abuse that I have ever seen. What Jackson did to these boys was despicable, and yet they clearly still love him. It really opened my eyes as to how someone with that kind of power can emotionally devastate a young life for decades to come. A devastating but empowering documentary.
  26. DrewJim
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Long boring never ending drone shots. The people interviewed did not seem real. Looked more like b Hollywood actors. The stories did not seem believable. There is so many problems with this movie its not even funny. Complete waste of time.
  27. Domeeno12
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    The film and stories said in the film was hilarious. It was hard to take anything they say seriously. I was laughing my ass of when watching this with my friend. They could at least rehearsed more to make it more believable. The directing, sound and colors are also so bad. They try the hardest to make it look as creepy and negative as possible. Using the oldest most beginner techniques inThe film and stories said in the film was hilarious. It was hard to take anything they say seriously. I was laughing my ass of when watching this with my friend. They could at least rehearsed more to make it more believable. The directing, sound and colors are also so bad. They try the hardest to make it look as creepy and negative as possible. Using the oldest most beginner techniques in the book. And I here i taught i was going to see a well made serious film. I was wrong.… Expand
  28. Skreedmann
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    Great Documentary so much emotions in this I truly feel bad for all of Michael Jackson's Victims. It had me in tears I don't see how anyone that Watched this would ever listen to this scumbags music again.
  29. SnowProblemo
    Mar 3, 2019
    10
    Surprised how many people still work for Michael Jackson, protecting an obvious pedophile on this website. There's been nobody in the history of fame who has been able to sleep with children and con his way out with a soft voice and innocent behavior. Imagine any other celebrity (especially nowadays) who invites a 5 year old on stage and then 2 years later for a sleep over. He was a greatSurprised how many people still work for Michael Jackson, protecting an obvious pedophile on this website. There's been nobody in the history of fame who has been able to sleep with children and con his way out with a soft voice and innocent behavior. Imagine any other celebrity (especially nowadays) who invites a 5 year old on stage and then 2 years later for a sleep over. He was a great singer and performer but a very sick and twisted person. If cell phones were out in the 80s Michael would still be alive...just in prison for child abuse and rape. True story.… Expand
  30. Fabrod269
    Mar 19, 2019
    10
    I never understand the people that cant difference the star from the human being. I loved MJ as a performer. I danced his music. But this has nothing to do with the horrible stuff he did to little kids. Shame on the people that attack the victims. Poor of you. I hope you never have to suffer that a Kid or a woman in your family is molested. Think on them and think in all the mothers andI never understand the people that cant difference the star from the human being. I loved MJ as a performer. I danced his music. But this has nothing to do with the horrible stuff he did to little kids. Shame on the people that attack the victims. Poor of you. I hope you never have to suffer that a Kid or a woman in your family is molested. Think on them and think in all the mothers and relatives that suffered this from priests common people and stars like MJ and they didnt noticed. If this documentary served for ONE to notice that his kid is molested, it worth more than all the MJ music… Expand
  31. MB_
    Mar 13, 2019
    9
    Very well put together, unafraid to shy away from Jackson's grim reality but more importantly telling two men's horrible stories. Leaving Neverland illustrated a convincing pattern of behavior which seems so apparent after watching the film it's a wonder why it wasn't so obvious before.

    Documentary aside, it looks like there needs to be review screening for this one. Just a simple    Very well put together, unafraid to shy away from Jackson's grim reality but more importantly telling two men's horrible stories. Leaving Neverland illustrated a convincing pattern of behavior which seems so apparent after watching the film it's a wonder why it wasn't so obvious before.

    Documentary aside, it looks like there needs to be review screening for this one.
    Just a simple test, ask specific questions about the film and filter out the maniacs.

    Because only a maniac fan would still protest innocence whilst at the same time insulting the victims.
    Even if they are lying, which they are not, they're dancers not actors, showing people telling the truth and that telling the truth will encourage other victims to come forward and see more criminals meet justice.

    Please actually watch the documentary before leaving a review, that would be the honest thing to do. And if you want to suggest that anyone is after just money look to the Jackson family who are making millions and live on these residuals.    … Expand
  32. scarh791
    Mar 12, 2019
    10
    The comments here prove some people have a sick level of attachment to celebrities. Oprah said in her after special "we're gonna get it for this..." Whatever people consider "molested," Michael should not have been in bed with pubescent minors. It's incredibly inappropriate. The people who base their identity around defending such a monster are so sad,
  33. foxgrove
    Mar 18, 2019
    10
    A balanced and absorbing documentary in which two victims tell their story of sexual abuse at the hands of Michael Jackson. The film unfolds without histrionics, tears or anger. The facts and stories of the two boys and their families are told in a compelling and all too believable manner, with all the pent up emotion being unleashed at the end. Rumours have plagued Jackson for years. Yes,A balanced and absorbing documentary in which two victims tell their story of sexual abuse at the hands of Michael Jackson. The film unfolds without histrionics, tears or anger. The facts and stories of the two boys and their families are told in a compelling and all too believable manner, with all the pent up emotion being unleashed at the end. Rumours have plagued Jackson for years. Yes, he was an amazing artist, singer and dancer, but he was also very strange individual who was always hanging around with young boys. Talent does not excuse bad behaviour.
    I am quite shocked by the number of zeros accorded this film by people who are obviously fans unwilling to believe that he could, or did, do anything as appalling as is delineated in this film. With this in mind they should refer back to the testimonies of the two mothers, and the sister of one of the boys, all of whom would also not believe it of him when the first accusers came forward. It should be remembered that all the boys and families hurt by him are the victims, not poor Michael!
    Wake up and smell the coffee people!    … Expand
  34. jjlamore
    Mar 16, 2019
    10
    Incredible documentary. I didn't know much about Michael Jackson before this, but I found his victims convincing and the production very moving. Wow what a monster.
  35. DukeJon
    Mar 7, 2019
    0
    Was Michael Jackson guilty of these heinous crimes? Maybe. Maybe not. Though in a court of law in 2005 he was declared innocent of all counts, and you can bet your bottom dollar the FBI checked everything in gathering a case against him. Why should we now believe the work of two individuals, both proven liars under oath, and both standing to receive a significant financial windfall,Was Michael Jackson guilty of these heinous crimes? Maybe. Maybe not. Though in a court of law in 2005 he was declared innocent of all counts, and you can bet your bottom dollar the FBI checked everything in gathering a case against him. Why should we now believe the work of two individuals, both proven liars under oath, and both standing to receive a significant financial windfall, against a deceased celebrity who is not here to defend themselves. Not one shred of evidence in the entire film. The only grooming going on here is the grooming by the director.… Expand
  36. mariola
    Mar 11, 2019
    0
    Here in Europe, we do believe in Innocent Until Proven Guilty. Not many in this continent have fallen for this documentary, given the background information available. Unfortunately, too many Americans are so gullible just because the descriptions shock people. Then again, their country mistreats black people even today, even the successful ones.
  37. PedroH5523
    Mar 8, 2019
    0
    Pure garbage, it's pure lies, pure trash, I will never believe in this lies, facts don't lie, people do, Michael suffered A LOT with the trial and the accusations, it's unbelievable that someone suffered so much and have helped so many people had done such disgusting things, Michael was and STILL innocent, this mockumentary is trying to get money over Michael Jackson's painful and fakePure garbage, it's pure lies, pure trash, I will never believe in this lies, facts don't lie, people do, Michael suffered A LOT with the trial and the accusations, it's unbelievable that someone suffered so much and have helped so many people had done such disgusting things, Michael was and STILL innocent, this mockumentary is trying to get money over Michael Jackson's painful and fake accusations, using fake and graphic testimonies from two so-called victims, don't believe in this lies!!!… Expand
  38. forestation
    Mar 12, 2019
    10
    The film's two main protagonsts speak with quiet but devastating persuasion. They tell eerily similar stories but in different manners - Robson is articulate and measured, Safechuck is taciturn but emotionally expressive. Ignore the reviews from people who obviously have not seen the film but are here to press their cultish agenda.
  39. cmakemesay
    Mar 13, 2019
    10
    I'm sorry for all the MJ fans that still live in denial. There are too many red flags to ignore, and too much money to cover it all up.
  40. ECD80
    Mar 8, 2019
    0
    The FBI investigated Michael Jackson for more than 10 years - tracking his whereabouts, his computers, phone calls, and released more than a three hundred page file completely vindicating him, stating there was nothing to suggest he was an abuser of children. The general public, the media and critics completely ignores these facts. Yet two admitted liars and perjurers (one of whom evenThe FBI investigated Michael Jackson for more than 10 years - tracking his whereabouts, his computers, phone calls, and released more than a three hundred page file completely vindicating him, stating there was nothing to suggest he was an abuser of children. The general public, the media and critics completely ignores these facts. Yet two admitted liars and perjurers (one of whom even refers to himself as a ‘master of deception’) can come out with a well corroborated, completely one-sided, sensationalized story, which contains literally no evidence whatsoever (and is full of inconsistencies) and it is embraced by the court of public opinion and by the media as truth!?

    I keep asking myself why that is? Is it because the public and media are pressured to embrace all victims and are afraid to not be in support with the #MeToo movement? Is it because Surviving R. Kelly was so dark and upsetting and successful? Could it be because Michael Jackson looked strange and acted strangely compared to typical adults? Is it because a once highly respected cable network and quite possibly the most famous woman on the planet supported this hate piece - so then it must be true! Well, here is some more interesting information mainstream media doesn’t seem to be covering - Oprah Winfrey lost 48 million with Weight Watches recently, and coincidentally signed a deal with HBO too (desperate to stay relevant much?!). HBO is struggling to compete with Netflix and Hulu. Interesting, isn’t that?

    The jurors who found Michael Jackson not guilty in his 2005 trial agreed with the FBI. Juror Paulina Coccoz said: ‘It was pretty obvious there was no molestation done, it was pretty obvious that there were ulterior motives on behalf of the family. And the mother, she orchestrated the whole thing, there wasn’t a shred of evidence”

    Just because a story is graphic and disturbing does not make it factual. Before you judge anything do your research and think for yourself. Facts do not lie, people do.

    The bottom line is...

    The #MeToo movement is very important. Generally, believing victims is crucial and helps our society evolve. And If you want to view Michael Jackson as a pedophile, you will. It is easy to do. He admitted to allowing children to sleep in his bedroom and has been accused of child molestation more than once (both cases completely discredited). He was not the guy next door, was undeniably eccentric, and most certainly did not live a conventional life. But that does not make him guilty of abusing children.

    Anyone who has bothered to look into the allegations against him - and I mean really look into them - there is more than enough evidence to demonstrate that he was a victim of extortion and of copycat false claims for the past twenty five years! Yet despite the Los Angeles Police Department stating that Jackson should be presumed to be innocent, despite a jury finding him not guilty on every single charge against him, despite the LAPD and Family Services twice investigating and clearing him of wrongdoing, despite the FBI conducting a thorough investigation in which no evidence of wrongdoing was found, and despite the cash grab lawsuits of his posthumous accusers being tossed out of court (one of those being Wade Robson’s case from 2013) this crap still makes headlines and believers.

    Well, the court of public opinion and media and critics agendas may sadly be what defines this saga and a large part of his legacy, and that is depressing. The wave of critics and news outlets supporting this character assassination piece and the ignorant people sharing hateful nonsense is upsetting to me. Michael Jackson was actually a great humanitarian, and sure he was a deeply haunted individual with issues, but a sexual attraction to children was not one of those issues. Leaving Neverland is nothing more than slander and personal agendas for self gain. MJ deserves more than this. RIP    … Expand
  41. wales7388
    Mar 11, 2019
    0
    ABSOLUTELY VILE FULL OF LIES and it jsuts goes to show how these two rats easily wanted a paycheck to ruin a legend's career that has so much evidence that obviously cleared him from these ridiculous allegations to a point where he's not even alive to testify
  42. emerypacific
    Mar 7, 2019
    10
    If anyone has ever been 'groomed' and molested this documentary is a solid kick in the stomach. In 1962 I was molested by my 6th grade teacher who went on to become the Principal of our small town grammar school and for whom my mother worked as his personal secretary. My father had died when I was 10 and I was a particularly difficult child. Ripe for grooming. I was not the only oneIf anyone has ever been 'groomed' and molested this documentary is a solid kick in the stomach. In 1962 I was molested by my 6th grade teacher who went on to become the Principal of our small town grammar school and for whom my mother worked as his personal secretary. My father had died when I was 10 and I was a particularly difficult child. Ripe for grooming. I was not the only one molested by this POS, but it wasn't until years later and many 'groomed' young boys down the road that someone finally came forward and exposed him. In all those intervening years I never told anyone. I still know several fellow students that he abused that refuse to come forward or speak about it to this day. The process used on myself could have been taken from the words of Safechuck and Robson verbatim. My mother was thrilled that this man took an interest in me and was only too willing for him to help with her problem son. Gifts, day trips, dinners at his home. The guilt I still feel for not coming forward is oppressive. How many others were molested because I was too ashamed to speak up. One of my closet friend's son was molested by this man years later. The suicide rate for young men in our town during those times is statistically absurd. If it ever happened to you.....the descriptions of events provided by these men is spot on.......and...I don't believe it's really about the money for them.....as for the potential financial damage to the Jackson Estate......you be the judge.… Expand
  43. TalulaGrey
    Mar 8, 2019
    0
    It's so easy to attack a dead man but impossible to go after the living, breathing pedophiles isn't it? It is obvious that hollyweird and cohorts have an agenda and that is to allow those same living, breathing pedophiles to escape justice. They have no shame. This is a disgusting campaign to go after someone that cannot defend himself. Nice try but every one knows who the real pos criminals are.
  44. SoBirdieFlyAway
    Mar 5, 2019
    6
    I'd say that this documentary was less about trying to tarnish Michaels name or "bring to light" his pedophilic behavior, and more to do with bringing to light what child exploitation, child grooming, and child molestation is and can look like. It helps people understand what to look for in order to stop anything before it even begins.

    However, despite what the main desire for this    I'd say that this documentary was less about trying to tarnish Michaels name or "bring to light" his pedophilic behavior, and more to do with bringing to light what child exploitation, child grooming, and child molestation is and can look like. It helps people understand what to look for in order to stop anything before it even begins.

    However, despite what the main desire for this documentary is, we can't ignore the elephant in the room: Michael himself. This documentary doesn't show anything that may conflict with the two boys experience or have anything that would be in Michaels defense which begs the question on whether or not they're trying to push an agenda. This documentary was very much more for the boys to share their alleged experience rather than for people to investigate it.

    I've got to say, though, that it's an extremely uncomfortable watch. The boys go into deep detail about their experiences and their pain that they feel is believable - there was no idea that they might be "actors" or faking it, even if they are.

    Whether or not you believe Michael is innocent or guilty of the allegations, I'd say you should give this documentary a watch. It's informative on many things, and it is an enjoyable watch in the sense that it makes you question if he's guilty or not, but it does have major flaws that drag the quality of it, and the stories being told, down.    … Expand
  45. 3ebfan511
    Mar 28, 2019
    8
    A lot of emotional responses to the film. As a film though, it was a very engaging and compelling documentary, even at 4 hours....I definitely recommend anyone to see it. It goes quite slow though but what it accomplishes...is to slowly introduce you to the world these children were in, and at some point in the film...you now as the viewer feel as though ...you were molested by MichaelA lot of emotional responses to the film. As a film though, it was a very engaging and compelling documentary, even at 4 hours....I definitely recommend anyone to see it. It goes quite slow though but what it accomplishes...is to slowly introduce you to the world these children were in, and at some point in the film...you now as the viewer feel as though ...you were molested by Michael Jackson yourself. Very creepy, unsettling, but compelling, and the truth must be told. I ended up feeling sorry for both Jackson and his victims.… Expand
  46. RaduA
    Mar 19, 2019
    8
    84/100

      It was hard to look at this ... Many disturbing things ...
      If they were actually molested, we will never find out but Michael certainly slept with them.
      Leaving politics to one side, the documentary is done well. Filmed nicely, edited nicely, and those involved were pretty convincing.
  47. Junglistflex
    May 31, 2019
    0
    People will do ludicrous things for money. Here in the UK a man accused multiple MP's (Politicians) of child rape, torture and even murder. He was lying for compensation and is now on trail looking at a long time in prison. We'll never know for sure with Jacko, even though every sinew of me is saying yes.
  48. espereunmomento
    Aug 1, 2019
    0
    Bad acting, and yes, they're actors. Zero evidence, just words. They're trying to destroy MJ's legacy, or at least steal some. I feel sorry for the true cases that are being ignored.
  49. Tymunia
    Apr 20, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dirty liars. This is a trash. Please leave Micheal alone. Rest in peace MJ. Someday people will know the truth. MJ is innocent and he is always a good person.… Expand
  50. vovin999
    Apr 4, 2019
    10
    It is pretty sickening seeing all these 0 point reviews of people who obviously have not even watched this harrowing documentary. These star-struck people's reactions reflect very tellingly the same emotions that the two families share in this film. Michael Jackson the eternal 9 year old, in his Neverland prison of the mind, yet his actions depict the actions of an adult pedophileIt is pretty sickening seeing all these 0 point reviews of people who obviously have not even watched this harrowing documentary. These star-struck people's reactions reflect very tellingly the same emotions that the two families share in this film. Michael Jackson the eternal 9 year old, in his Neverland prison of the mind, yet his actions depict the actions of an adult pedophile megalomaniac with disturbing clarity. You cannot watch this film and not recognize the brutal honesty in the retellings, nor recognize with clarity the obvious grooming routine this monster used on these kids to satisfy his own desires. It is scary, to say the least, to see the same naive blindness in the fans of Michael Jackson to this day ignore all the obvious signs, as the parents of these victims did when it was happening to their own children. Just the thought of a grown, very strange (9 year old mentality!) man sharing the bed with your child should make anybody ring warning bells, but NAH it is Michael Jackson so that must be OK, right? Michael Jackson is a hero and a star, right? Never mind his jarring, strange behavior, right?
    I truly hope that this film will make more people realize what a "man" this monster truly was, and make more of his "One Favorite Friend" people come out, now that he can no longer buy them out. These people need to be exposed.
    I loved this film, and kudos to you two darling boys - now men - who dared to potentially ruin your own careers and respectability to expose him. To even think this would be a good money-grab is disgusting.    … Expand
  51. moonlite
    Jun 25, 2019
    0
    honestly disgusting and false im honestly sick all of this to try to ruin a dead icon's career... it remains untouched
  52. Ronhall
    Mar 5, 2019
    0
    Why should we believe them? They gave no evidence whatsoever. Not one. Also they have a shady past which makes it hard to believe them. Also the film was boring and obviously one sided and clearly biased. I could see the agenda from a mile away.
  53. bartiorama
    Mar 11, 2019
    10
    It made me speechless. I have never imagine such calculated evil.
    I were a fan of Michael, now I cant look at his photos, videos, and cant listen to his music. I feel bad and mad. And scared now when I see now this evil in his eyes. I were very sceptic on this production but now I can fully understand why those two men lied for so many years and I can just imagine how they are broken for    It made me speechless. I have never imagine such calculated evil.
    I were a fan of Michael, now I cant look at his photos, videos, and cant listen to his music. I feel bad and mad. And scared now when I see now this evil in his eyes. I were very sceptic on this production but now I can fully understand why those two men lied for so many years and I can just imagine how they are broken for the rest of their lives. Its very recommended as a caution for all you parents.    … Expand
  54. DGPony
    Mar 8, 2019
    10
    Impressive. Not a single person with a neutral outlook could doubt the honesty, rich detail and complex reality to the stories of both victims and the devastating impact the lies had, as well as the consequences to finally speaking out and telling the truth. Not only for them but to their families too.
  55. Mayfieldja
    Mar 10, 2019
    8
    Leaving Neverland is a brutally uncomfortable watch as we get two accounts of child grooming and sexual abuse. The depictions are graphic, heartbreaking, and gutwrenching as the documentary gives these victims a chance to speak out and share their stories of survival as they search for closure.

    (No matter how you feel about this documentary, knowledge is incredibly important in    Leaving Neverland is a brutally uncomfortable watch as we get two accounts of child grooming and sexual abuse. The depictions are graphic, heartbreaking, and gutwrenching as the documentary gives these victims a chance to speak out and share their stories of survival as they search for closure.

    (No matter how you feel about this documentary, knowledge is incredibly important in preventing child sexual abuse. Please look into organizations like Darkness to Light to gain education and training in how you can help prevent future instances of abuse.)    … Expand
  56. PrinceP20
    Mar 6, 2019
    0
    When people choose to swing their story to the media system, it's not easy to believe them. When we want to tell the truth, we do not need to make a documentary with dramatic music in the background, shocking speech with a sad voice and wet eyes and acting faces. They are clearly trying to make us believe their story by manipulating public opinion. The media loves sensationalism. But IWhen people choose to swing their story to the media system, it's not easy to believe them. When we want to tell the truth, we do not need to make a documentary with dramatic music in the background, shocking speech with a sad voice and wet eyes and acting faces. They are clearly trying to make us believe their story by manipulating public opinion. The media loves sensationalism. But I think the most important thing is to really ask what gives these two guys credibility? Nothing really. Their story is wobbly. And anyone with a critical mind would have a hard time believing them. Michael Jackson does not have the right to have the presumption of innocence? He never had it in this media circus, because no one really seeks for the truth. You prefer mournful entertainment rather than real justice, for the simple reason that for you, Michael Jackson is no longer even a human being.… Expand
  57. Filmfeva
    Mar 5, 2019
    0
    The documentary is delusional and I can't take it seriously. Brett Barnes had his lawyers send in a letter, days before it aired, informing them that Mike never touched him and to remove his likeness. Of course they did not and kept the lie in the documentary. This documentary has no facts. Just fictional stories from two men, one of which had his case tossed out in 2016 when he sued theThe documentary is delusional and I can't take it seriously. Brett Barnes had his lawyers send in a letter, days before it aired, informing them that Mike never touched him and to remove his likeness. Of course they did not and kept the lie in the documentary. This documentary has no facts. Just fictional stories from two men, one of which had his case tossed out in 2016 when he sued the estate for 1.6 billion dollars (Wade). Many people from Corey Feldman to Emmanuel Lewes, Brett Barnes, Macauley Culkin all said that he never touched them YET Mike supposedly touched these guys? Also, why do the lies from both men on the documentary parallel sick fetishes from Victor Gutierrez's fictional banned book?. The whole thing is ridiculous and laughable.

    Wade is a demented mastermind. Nevermind the fact that someone also came out and stated that Wade admitted to him in confidence ten years ago that someone tried to pay him to lie on Michael but he refused but now 10 years later, here he is lying for money because he's broke and his 1.6 billion dollar case was tossed out, not to mention that the MJ estate passed him over for several job opportunities which he applied for. Also the story of Jonathan Spencer, whom Wade tried to pressure to speak against Mike failed when he denied. The list goes on with this sociopath. Harvey Weinstein has a pre trial case this week which I believe is on Thursday. Okrah of course is trying to overshadow it with this trashy mess. Unbelievable.    … Expand
  58. kayhamed
    Jan 14, 2020
    0
    It's impossible to judge what those victims have experienced as kids, but in my point of view it's also impossible to forget all great things Michael Jackson has done to music and to the world. that's what makes this one-sided documentary garbage.
  59. frey290
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    A powerful, heartbreaking documentary. It's well made, and well worth watching.
  60. faircritic
    Mar 9, 2019
    10
    Well there were other works that depicted this MJ horrible person but is well to know that there are voices overthere denouncing what this lowlife did for a future reference. So I have to aplausse this daring director and the victims for this production. Keep yourself together, this slimebag must´nt be covered anymore,no matter who is covering him Sony ,Pepsi, etc This companies willWell there were other works that depicted this MJ horrible person but is well to know that there are voices overthere denouncing what this lowlife did for a future reference. So I have to aplausse this daring director and the victims for this production. Keep yourself together, this slimebag must´nt be covered anymore,no matter who is covering him Sony ,Pepsi, etc This companies will squeeze this criminal for every cent that he owed to them. No matter how strong is the evil industry behind him TRUTH WILL BE KNOWN. This persons actions should be known for the public and is up to people to judge him whatever if he was a good singer or not, its about his poor mentality that lead him to the shadows.… Expand
  61. Enviro3
    Mar 11, 2019
    10
    Interesting documentary showcasing the inappropriate behavior of Michael Jackson. Did he molest? We may never know. Did he sleep in beds with young boys alone? Yes, and that's wildly gross and inappropriate behavior. Grown men: please don't sleep in bed with someone else's child.
  62. TCP
    Mar 19, 2019
    10
    Powerful, captivating and shocking. Brave men who tell their stories of child abuse at the hands of a pop icon.
  63. BlacklWhite
    Mar 15, 2019
    0
    What a sad thing.people are more willing to believe this kind of not factual, paradoxical, unfair "documentary“ and "victim's testimony“, rather than FBI's 196 pages report that proving Michael Jackson are innocent.
  64. Oldhuckfinn
    Mar 16, 2019
    0
    Didn't know what to make of this garbage. Michael Jackson is an icon of the 80s/90s for me growing up in that era. I did loose interest in him after the Dangerous album which was around the time when the allegations showed up. I got older too but still respected his talent and legacy. Unfortunately, after the allegations of child abuse it was difficult to even really think about him thenDidn't know what to make of this garbage. Michael Jackson is an icon of the 80s/90s for me growing up in that era. I did loose interest in him after the Dangerous album which was around the time when the allegations showed up. I got older too but still respected his talent and legacy. Unfortunately, after the allegations of child abuse it was difficult to even really think about him then but I could still appreciate his music. This documentary though is a complete joke and the two in it are obviously out to make a chunk of change. Why would they continue in their careers Michael helped build for them if they were being sexually abused? Were they really victims? I blame their parents above all else if that is true. Michael Jackson is gone and he already went through the justice system. It's disgusting they want to dig up his past and start all over again now that he can't defend himself. Don't give this documentary any money or support.… Expand
  65. ThereIsNoSpoon
    Mar 5, 2019
    10
    I believe the victims. They were clearly not reading from a script. Their testimonies appeared genuine, and their stories filled with SO MUCH detail. After watching this, finally it all just clicks together and makes sense. This film is the missing piece in the puzzle. Most people knew there was some truth to MJ's repeated accusations of pedophilia. If you never felt any doubt, youI believe the victims. They were clearly not reading from a script. Their testimonies appeared genuine, and their stories filled with SO MUCH detail. After watching this, finally it all just clicks together and makes sense. This film is the missing piece in the puzzle. Most people knew there was some truth to MJ's repeated accusations of pedophilia. If you never felt any doubt, you really let his talent and power blind you. So many people knew "Michael Jackson", the showman; very few got close enough to know "Michael", the person.… Expand
  66. j1train
    Mar 10, 2019
    10
    Unsettling, powerful and comprehensive. You may fault the producers for not showing "the other side," but you do hear plenty from Jackson, his lawyers and the estate -- even if it is in previously recorded clips of the singer. As Dan Reed says in the Oprah follow-up, there is no journalistic value in new interviews with the Jackson estate, who have a vested financial interest in smearingUnsettling, powerful and comprehensive. You may fault the producers for not showing "the other side," but you do hear plenty from Jackson, his lawyers and the estate -- even if it is in previously recorded clips of the singer. As Dan Reed says in the Oprah follow-up, there is no journalistic value in new interviews with the Jackson estate, who have a vested financial interest in smearing the two men who were not paid to be in this documentary. This is a moving document of the power of celebrity, seduction and "grooming," and the complexities of childhood sexual abuse and its ripple affects.… Expand
  67. solideater
    Mar 9, 2019
    7
    i felt like it could have been shorter in length, but otherwise it's a good documentary. i'm pretty sure that someone who just "sleeps" with several different children does not have good intentions. he was a twisted and sick individual.
  68. NonnasDangerous
    Mar 13, 2019
    0
    DISGUSTING! The fact that they are making up false lies with no evidence in order to gain some cash from a dead man. The law doesn't protect dead people from defamation, so they can just get away scot-free with what they are saying. THEY SHOULD BE LOCKED UP THEY ARE DISGUSTING!
  69. MozzerRocks
    Mar 11, 2019
    0
    Poorly shot tabloid docu that just did not do it's job of establishing a reasonable doubt. To drop this following the courts declaration of innocence means it was up to the filmmaker to show us new evidence, something compelling. There is none to be found here. In the end it's sensational but also questionably believable and leaves you feeling this was almost surely about money. I do notPoorly shot tabloid docu that just did not do it's job of establishing a reasonable doubt. To drop this following the courts declaration of innocence means it was up to the filmmaker to show us new evidence, something compelling. There is none to be found here. In the end it's sensational but also questionably believable and leaves you feeling this was almost surely about money. I do not and would not participate in victim shaming and if these two gentlemen really believe in their stories they should be pursuing justice through the courts not tabloid journalism. There is no statute of limitations on child molestation. Let's the courts decide (again). Not worth watching this one sided shock doc.… Expand
  70. Gods_Son23
    Aug 8, 2020
    0
    Such a one-sided hit piece with people who should be in prison having said the opposite under oath . The leftist media do not believe in due process. The dead not being able to be defamed under current law needs to be change. "The idiots who've bombarded this comments section with zeros are more blind to Michael Jackson than Trump supporters"... You sound like someone who believesSuch a one-sided hit piece with people who should be in prison having said the opposite under oath . The leftist media do not believe in due process. The dead not being able to be defamed under current law needs to be change. "The idiots who've bombarded this comments section with zeros are more blind to Michael Jackson than Trump supporters"... You sound like someone who believes everything they read. A mainstream media follower.… Expand
  71. shivj80
    Mar 7, 2019
    0
    The fact that there are actually people believing this one-sided hit piece is hilarious in and of itself, but it's also boring as hell and badly acted. #MJinnocent
  72. JLuis_001
    Mar 17, 2019
    7
    It's ironic that the little that was going to be talked about this documentary will be of its cinematographic virtues and everything else will deal with the theme of which it speaks.

    Needless to say, many people will be unable to be objective when they talk about what this documentary tells. Especially when they're talking about how one of the greatest music stars this world has ever    It's ironic that the little that was going to be talked about this documentary will be of its cinematographic virtues and everything else will deal with the theme of which it speaks.

    Needless to say, many people will be unable to be objective when they talk about what this documentary tells. Especially when they're talking about how one of the greatest music stars this world has ever had was a pedophile who abuse many children throughout his life.
    Maybe it sounds strange to say it in such a basic way even in spite of everything that Michael Jackson was accused of, but the truth is that everything is reduced to that simple thing.
    That man, that man of such enormous talent and loved by millions of people around, was a damaged human being who committed sexual abuse against children.

    This work distributed by HBO is dense. It lasts 4 hours and is not a comfortable documentary to watch. I will not say that it was difficult to see because after all the investigative work is in order and it never tries to be sensationalist. Leaving Neverland is simply that: expository, and in a way also a reminder.

    Yes, justice acquitted Jackson but honestly we will never know the whole truth and in this case the victims have the right to speak and be heard. Even beyond the hatred and criticism they may receive. After all a horrible and obscure side of Jackson's fans also proves that they might even doubt that he raped children even if there were video proof of it.
    It's a natural response, after all there have always been people covering up those monsters. Just look at it in the catholic church or someone like R. Kelly right now.

    That's what Leaving Neverland is about; remembering and questioning. And if you just want to think that they only want to smear Jackson's legacy, you may have to ask yourself some difficult questions in the immediate future.    … Expand
  73. Doowop666
    Mar 14, 2019
    0
    The movie pulls on the heart strings but as we know, so did Jussie Smollett, for a short while. I call it a movie instead of a documentary, because it's a partial take on the subject thru the lens of two accusers, who are established liars who have changed their stories more times many times throughout the years.

    When one reflects on some of the claims made side-by-side with the    The movie pulls on the heart strings but as we know, so did Jussie Smollett, for a short while. I call it a movie instead of a documentary, because it's a partial take on the subject thru the lens of two accusers, who are established liars who have changed their stories more times many times throughout the years.

    When one reflects on some of the claims made side-by-side with the evidence, the tale woven by the two accusers appears far less compelling. Dozens of raids, FBI investigations over a decade, and multiple courts cases found MJ not guilty. Fortunately courts rely on more than just teary eyes and allegations.

    The movie has the insidious feel of a project made to create controversy and dollars. It's the #metoo movement come full circle where accusations can be made even after the accused has been exonerated, and they're taken at face value. But it's worse, because in this case, it's a dead man that is being accused.

    The two young men seemed genuinely hurt that MJ abandoned them in favor of new kids for tour props and gimmicks, and that their taste of the high life with MJ was only temporary. They supported MJ into adult hood and have only come out after his death, coincidentally seeking $1 billion in a lawsuit. The timing of this propaganda film is clearly an attempt to bolster their public profile.

    Some of the stories told are almost too fantastic to take seriously. Molestation in a hotel room while the family is in another room down the hall - behavior that could blow up Jackson's tour. They want us to believe MJ was calculating and simultaneously embarrassingly sloppy. Yet no shred of evidence for any of this has ever been found.

    It's incredible that after all the lurid tales of masturbation and oral sex that neither of these men could draw MJ's penis (which is apparently uniquely blotched) nor could they tell authorities whether MJ was circumcised or not. The obvious reason is that they never saw MJ's genitals so there is no way they could know these things.

    It's doubtful that even under modest scrutiny that this movie and its participants will age well. It's littered with lies (claims that have been debunked) and contradictions that are too egregious to be believable - defending MJ after Chandler's father's accusation came to light among the most glaring.

    Tarnishing a famous dead man for 15 minutes of fame, to court controversy dollars, and extend the hope of winning bogus lawsuits is shameful.    … Expand
  74. CriticoDubioso
    Mar 19, 2019
    0
    Innocent or guilty, there's something fishy going on. This is not an actual documentry with verified facts, in fact it's quite fudging the facts and completely flipped a previous story. The Michael Jackson scandal is an interesting one, as Brett Barnes now demanded to be removed from the doco "Leaving Neverland" saying it created false impressions about him. Others who would of beenInnocent or guilty, there's something fishy going on. This is not an actual documentry with verified facts, in fact it's quite fudging the facts and completely flipped a previous story. The Michael Jackson scandal is an interesting one, as Brett Barnes now demanded to be removed from the doco "Leaving Neverland" saying it created false impressions about him. Others who would of been mostly affected also left out. Wade Robson also said he was innocent back when he was 11, okay could of been a scared kid fearing jail too. But then again when he was 22, huh his career still going good. Now just suddenly flips his entire story just after falling off the radar. Plus then there's this back from 1999: The Plot to destroy Michael Jackson - which clearly shows a kid off the streets used to try frame MJ who confessed but that pattern still continues for some. I guess you can't get charged for slandering someone when they are dead? I would suggest taking this movie with a grain of salt and looking up some of the facts yourself before jumping to bias conclusions.… Expand
  75. UncleWillard
    Mar 12, 2019
    6
    The 6 is for the quality of the show, but I gotta ask, why? Why now? The man is dead and he was acquitted once and settled with the family(s). And one of these kids lied on the stand when he had the chance to expose him. I get it, he was much beloved by some (I always preferred the Jackson 5 over his solo stuff), and this was a young kid who was taken advantage of (I don't know if IThe 6 is for the quality of the show, but I gotta ask, why? Why now? The man is dead and he was acquitted once and settled with the family(s). And one of these kids lied on the stand when he had the chance to expose him. I get it, he was much beloved by some (I always preferred the Jackson 5 over his solo stuff), and this was a young kid who was taken advantage of (I don't know if I believe or not, but something happened to these kids), but no excuses for this kind of behavior. Having said that, it's a little late to bring this up now, isn't it? Unnecessary documentary if there ever was one.… Expand
  76. Dsros96
    Mar 16, 2019
    0
    Full of lies, using a dead man's name for clout. Now that he can't defend himself. He was already proven innocent. HBO should stick to Dragons & Kings because everything else is just trash.
  77. ADoB
    Mar 14, 2019
    0
    Long, boring, lies. HBO production bet on the wrong horse. Couldnt even finish it.
  78. RidleayRomero
    Mar 13, 2019
    0
    It's almost become a recurring cycle now for people to accuse Michael Jackson of molestation. Back when the trials were still ongoing, several people already had accused him and yet the two people in this "Documentary" are not among the people that he allegedly molested. From obvious actors to possible scam artists, it's like a conga-line of lies parading around as half-truths. The factIt's almost become a recurring cycle now for people to accuse Michael Jackson of molestation. Back when the trials were still ongoing, several people already had accused him and yet the two people in this "Documentary" are not among the people that he allegedly molested. From obvious actors to possible scam artists, it's like a conga-line of lies parading around as half-truths. The fact that this docudrama (yes, I'm calling it that) was released well after the passing of Michael means that he has no way to sue the producer for defamation. Did everyone just forget about the actual trial that he had? And came out of it not guilty? Still, people will just forget about it like last time then something exposes the producer as a fraud and then we'll get another one defaming him again.… Expand
  79. Martinos
    Mar 19, 2019
    0
    A lesson on how propaganda and slander work even in a world where the claims and allegations are easily disproven.
  80. finnmccool1985
    Mar 3, 2019
    5
    Our current culture has been usurped by Neoconservatism- on the left, ironically, as much as the right. The obsession w sex with what amounts to literally fourteen percent of the population- the far left and far right, respectfully (check The Hidden Tribes Study), is clearly a resurgence of anti-scientific, anti-evolutionary, puritanism- hyperbolizing sexual offense at large, and chalkingOur current culture has been usurped by Neoconservatism- on the left, ironically, as much as the right. The obsession w sex with what amounts to literally fourteen percent of the population- the far left and far right, respectfully (check The Hidden Tribes Study), is clearly a resurgence of anti-scientific, anti-evolutionary, puritanism- hyperbolizing sexual offense at large, and chalking all sexual behavior up to a problem with volition. This has resulted in a ton of false accusations, hoax hate crimes, manufactured outrage, death threats- an unsustainable position as a culture. Along w it has come news articles & documentaries obsessed w rape, sexual misconduct, racism, which treat allegations as truth, and are an attempt to subvert the legal system and turn it into an intuitive/emotional, theocratic system. So overall- this is all more manufactured outrage unless there is concrete proof. It is no one's responsibility to 'just believe' anyone- regardless of what is being discussed. Never in human history has dismissing evidence, critical thinking, and disciplined observation served any culture well. And it's not going to change just because documentaries about racism and rape make headlines, and capture ad revenue. We have libel, slander, and equal protection laws in the west- we cannot put people's lives and careers in danger over rumors and allegations- esp in an age where social media allows using such defamation as a way to boost your career.… Expand
  81. Ravivenk
    Mar 10, 2019
    0
    I would normally give a show like this a 7 or 8 (well produced, convincing, but can drag at times and needs to be about 45 mins shorter) but the fanboys have me irritated and I'll do give it a 10 just to help balance the score against their blind devotion.
  82. wesseldj
    Mar 12, 2019
    4
    While I think Michael Jackson cannot entirely wash his hands in innocence, but the men allegedly let Michael abused them until they were about 16. Thats an age were you can distinguish right and wrong, and letting a grown up man sexually abuse you and refuse to say something about it back then, not even to their parents, doesn't create sympathy with me. Especially when Michael didn't evenWhile I think Michael Jackson cannot entirely wash his hands in innocence, but the men allegedly let Michael abused them until they were about 16. Thats an age were you can distinguish right and wrong, and letting a grown up man sexually abuse you and refuse to say something about it back then, not even to their parents, doesn't create sympathy with me. Especially when Michael didn't even threaten them or something like that. I truly believe Michael needed help, he was psychological not very sound in many aspects, while that insane part also made him an entertainment genius, but people should have gotten him professional help, instead of demonizing him. I also believe that Michael truly loved these children, he was a big child himself and was not set out to abuse them, or he didn't thought he was abusing them, because he truly thought he was loving them. But I guess most pedophiles believe that and that doesn't make it right. But whats more disturbing is that the parents of these children were perfectly sane people, and they should have picked up the signals that abuse was going on. Doesn't matter what celebrity it is, if there is any notion about abuse, then you either call the authorities or bring your child to safety and away from the abuse, but they didn't. This documentary is therefore not about Michael Jacksons sexual abuse, but it is more the negligence of the parents and authorities and the legal system in the United States. Having said all that, during the entire documentary there is absolutely no video footage or sound recordings that can proof Michaels sex abuse, not even from private investigators or some sort. With years of abuse, but leaving absolutely no proof, that is peculiar to say the least. How much I understand that the victims want to speak out, but this documentary has been made a little too late, and in that regard has failed its purpose. Sadly it only adds and makes the Michael Jacksons sex abuse story to become ever more an unresolved Myth......… Expand
  83. Gaston_Veil
    Mar 25, 2019
    2
    If you want to know about the claims made by the accusers then look up the clips on the internet because this documentary is a waste of time.

    With 4 hours dedicated to two people making serious allegations, I was expecting a thorough and detailed examination of the claims but instead, only 15% of the documentary is actually about the alleged sexual abuse and the rest is about irrelevant    If you want to know about the claims made by the accusers then look up the clips on the internet because this documentary is a waste of time.

    With 4 hours dedicated to two people making serious allegations, I was expecting a thorough and detailed examination of the claims but instead, only 15% of the documentary is actually about the alleged sexual abuse and the rest is about irrelevant stories. The time that could have been spent, on investigating the claims made by the accusers and investigating the claims made by people defending Michael Jackson, is instead spent showing footage of Michael Jackson and presenting irrelevant stories from family members, of the accusers, who didn't appear to understand what they were interviewed about. The entire thing is a boring mess and it's easy to get confused by all the pointless stories.

    The actual stories about the alleged abuse are suspiciously detailed and nobody was bothered how the accusers could remember so many details from their childhoods after decades. Nobody questioned why there are so many recordings of phone conversations but no recordings of the damming phone conversations, which Michael Jackson supposedly did even while being under investigation. The makers of the documentary didn't bother investigating the claims, the inconsistencies and how Michael Jackson had the time for all of this. The makers were so lazy that they didn't even notice the omissions about the career failures and billion dollar lawsuits against The Jackson Estate.

    With no investigation and no evidence, the documentary is only going to cause controversy. This will probably be forgotten as another sexual abuse claim against Michael Jackson without evidence, with probable monetary motivation.    … Expand
  84. Bertaut1
    Nov 13, 2020
    8
    A difficult-to-watch examination of grooming and the psychological scars of abuse

    Leaving Neverland is not about Michael Jackson, Wade Robson, or James Safechuck. It's about how paedophiles groom not just their victims, but their victims' families. It's about the relationship that victims can form with their abusers. It's about the reasons that can conspire to prevent victims from coming    A difficult-to-watch examination of grooming and the psychological scars of abuse

    Leaving Neverland is not about Michael Jackson, Wade Robson, or James Safechuck. It's about how paedophiles groom not just their victims, but their victims' families. It's about the relationship that victims can form with their abusers. It's about the reasons that can conspire to prevent victims from coming forward. It's about how the effects of childhood sexual abuse linger into adulthood. Undoubtedly, it's unbalanced in favour of the accusers, with director Dan Reed omitting anything on their ongoing lawsuits against the Jackson estate. Irrespective of this, however, it's a hugely important document on grooming and the psychological effects of abuse.

    The film tells the similar but separate stories of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, each of whom met Jackson in 1987, when Wade was five and James was ten, and both of whom claim Jackson abused them for much of the following decade. Despite the 240-minute runtime, the only interviewees are Wade, his mother Joy, sister Chantal, brother Shane, grandmother Lorraine Jean Cullen, and wife Amanda, and James, mother Stephanie, and wife Laura.

    Aesthetically, the film is as plain as possible. Whereas Wade and James's accounts are graphic, they're never sensationalised, with Reed allowing their words to speak for themselves – there's no cutaways to experts telling us what to think, no montages to suture us into the timeframe. Indeed, at times, Reed waits patiently as an interviewee formulates their thoughts – a kind of "dead air" that one doesn't find in most documentaries.

    This tendency to leave the stories unadorned ties into the small pool of interviewees – this is Wade and James's story, and anyone which can't speak to that specific rubric isn't featured. For example, there's no attempt to portray Jackson as less culpable because he didn't have a childhood. In fact, it makes no attempt to portray him at all. Again, this is Wade and James's story only.

    Within that, it's as much about the complex relationships that victims can develop with their abusers as it is with the abuse itself. This speaks to why both Wade and James lied for so long (each man defended Jackson when he was accused of molestation in 1993, and Wade again defended him against similar accusations in 2005) – they weren't just lying to other people, they were lying to themselves. And ultimately, the film suggests that rather than being indicative of fabrication, such falsehoods are an understandable reaction to sustained abuse.

    A major theme is the manipulative nature inherent to grooming. As much as it is about the manipulation of the boys, so too is it about the non-sexual manipulation of the families - Joy and Stephanie were both talked into granting permission for a man they didn't really know to take their child into his bed, and the two are working today as much to forgive themselves as they are to atone to their children.

    Of course, there are problems. The imbalance for example. I understand why Reed confined his interviews to just Wade, James, and their families, but by doing so, he has opened himself and the film up to a not illegitimate form of attack. And because this makes the film easier to critique, it makes it easier to dismiss, and thus easier to ignore, which is pretty much the opposite of what you want to happen as a documentarian.

    Another problem is that it doesn't need to be four-hours long. There are several lengthy narrative digressions that, although they help to flesh out the home lives of Wade and James, do very little to inform the allegations against Jackson. Reed also tends to overuse drone shots of LA, which act like paragraph breaks. It's an interesting idea, but there are far too many, becoming repetitive and, eventually, irritating. And then, of course, there are the omissions, which have proven to be a red flag to a bull for Jackson fans. For example, that Wade is suing the Jackson estate is mentioned once, very briefly, and never alluded to again. That James is also suing the estate is never mentioned.

    In the end, the lack of balance is a significant problem, but not to the extent that it undermines the way Reed presents the accusations, the way he teases out the process of grooming, the way he unflinchingly presents the abuse itself, the way he comes to focus on the years after the abuse ended – the film's cumulative effect is startlingly raw and generally persuasive. It looks at the process by which Jackson manoeuvred himself into a position to abuse the boys as much as at the abuse itself and at the psychological effects of telling the lie for so long as much as at the lie itself. In this sense, this is a hugely valuable document, not necessarily in terms of the specifics of Wade and James's stories, but in relation to the broader issues of child sexual abuse, and the misconceptions that permeate the zeitgeist.    … Expand
  85. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 4, 2022
    8
    In the age of the #Metoo movement I find it incredible that more people aren't on the side of the victims. When I first heard about Michael Jackson surrounding himself with children, red flags immediately went up. But, like most of the public, I hastily dismissed them because like everyone else, I was star struck and blinded by Michael's amazing talent and public persona, after all, I'dIn the age of the #Metoo movement I find it incredible that more people aren't on the side of the victims. When I first heard about Michael Jackson surrounding himself with children, red flags immediately went up. But, like most of the public, I hastily dismissed them because like everyone else, I was star struck and blinded by Michael's amazing talent and public persona, after all, I'd been a fan of Michael's since his Jackson5 days. After he settled out of court, I began to have doubts once again. After he went to trial, I believed that I was in fact, worshipping a hero/celebrity that was a pedophile. He seduced the boy's parents/families by catching them up in a world wind of expensive trips etc. He groomed those boys to convincingly lie to their own parents. He isolated them because he wanted them to need him for validation of worth. He promised to help their careers and open doors for these kids. Who wouldn't have been seduced by that to the point of being blinded by what was going on under your own nose. What little boy would want to admit to his parents or even to themselves that they'd engaged activities that could have lead to them to being persecuted for their actions by ignorant people that would have blamed their actions on them. I must admit, the details of Michael Jackson's depravity sickens me. But it also leads me to believe that Jackson was also the victim of a pedophile. Nobody automatically knows how to groom children like that unless they themselves have been groomed. I will admit that the two men kind of lost their credibility by perjuring themselves in court and then asking for money. I'm glad they're both getting help but all the money in the world isn't going to change what was done to them. I believe they are telling the truth, but that's just me.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best TV Season of 2019
7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019
39
#39 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The Times
    Reviewed by: Carol Midgley
    Jan 7, 2020
    80
    Reed did not over-egg the material. ... This is a strange, dark and complex story, but I believed them [Wade Robson and James Safechuck].
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  2. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Ed Cumming
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    For all its gripping testimony, Leaving Neverland is not a great documentary. It is too long, for one. ... None of this diminishes the power of the interviews, which show how much damage Jackson did and continues to do, 10 years after his death.
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  3. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Tim Robey
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    The film has to pick its way through some troubling thickets of motive, and frames earlier denials as proof of the psychological damage he wrought. Setting about this side of things with necessary tact, Reed bolsters the case using only the building blocks of what these two families have to say. No authorities weigh in, no lawyers. The purity is that it begins and ends with survivor testimony, chillingly credible in its details, from Safechuck and Robson.
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