Reckless Indifference. USA 2000. Directed by William Gazecki

A group of teenage boys were having fun, drinking beer and got eventually in a fight. As a result, one of the boys got killed. Although the facts and details were pointing out that this was fatal and terrible sum of coincidences, the toughness of the verdict was simply unbelievable. Four teenagers spend the rest of their lives in State Prison, but only one used the knife (to protect his brother) that led to death of son of LAPD police officer.

Documentarist William Gazecki seems not to be afraid of the subjects he chooses for his films. When there is parents of their killed son involved and interviewed, I started to feel uneasy to watch the film. After awhile, the big picture became clearer and clearer. The vengeful LAPD officer dad got what he wanted and so did the greedy media.

William Gazecki uses pretty much same method of constructing the story, as he did with Waco : The Rules of Engagement. First the viewer is introduced to the subject, which can be understood in either way. Then the surprising and unexpected facts suddenly hit your face, and you're hooked for the rest of the film.

I can point out only complaint and that is the use of music, which simply does not fit into imagery in many cases. Otherwise I can only respect that the filmmaker lets the people speak, no matter which side they're on. This sure isn't the easiest subject to handle, when you have to interview grieving parents of the dead - or the imprisoned. And that's not enough - Gazecki is not afraid to show the real people's dark side of the sorrow, when it turns to hatred and vengefulness.