The Most Hated Family in America

I found this film/documentary to be truly disgusting, and the people involved in this so-called "Church," to be just the opposite of what Christianity is supposed to be. Before I go any further, I don't believe in the lifestyle that homosexuals have, but at the same time I don't hate them either. I also was raised in the church although I am no longer active in it, and was taught that homosexuality is wrong. I am mixed on the whole gay debate or whatever it is called. Just as the bible says, "He without sin, cast the first stone." I despise the fact that these people are so pathetic/purposeful-less in their lives that they go to funerals of those that have lost members in their family protesting the U.S.A. and their policies. My feelings are that it is terrible that all these children believe in this crap too, because they don't know any different. My biggest complaint is that this "Church" hates the United States so much, well then they should get the hell out of here! They are an insult to all TRUE Americans and are a big reason why so many hate us! I am glad that none of these people have friends outside of their disturbing Hate group/CULT. I just hope that the children someday think for themselves (it's doubtful) and realize that HATE isn't the answer. This was truly well done, and the interviewer is one of the best in the business, and would like to see more of his work here in the States. An overall truly disturbing look at some of the screwed up people here in the U.S.

Originally, due to a deep and endless hatred of Fred Phelps and his congregation, I didn't think I would be able to watch this film without punching a hole through the TV or tearing my hair from my head. But, I was in a good mood (which I increased more by a few pints of Boddington's), so I figured I should give it a watch and see if I can get through it.

Funnily enough, I don't think I even needed a mood boost. While, yes, the Phelps are a truly despicable and condemnable family and Fred Phelps is one of the few men that I would personally no problem wishing death upon, British journalist Louis Theroux presents these horrible people in such a way that seamlessly blends their disgusting hatred with some smooth and hilarious humour.

Regardless of the humour and comedy that is sewn into the film, it is difficult to watch (especially to those who vary from their opinions. . . which is about 99.8% of people I've met) and takes some self-control to handle the issues. Theroux does a fantastic job of fairly allowing the Phelps family to speak their minds about the issues without seeming smug or mean, and makes it clear that while is obviously against their message, he wants them to have a fair chance to express themselves.

To anyone looking for an interesting documentary, regardless of your views, I highly suggest this one.

Final Verdict: 9/10

-AP3-

One thing I got out of this documentary about the small group of wrong-minded hateful cultish people of the Westboro Baptist Church. A group that constantly rails against Homosexuals, the military, and America in general, was not hatred of them, but a feeling of great sadness especially for the little children of the flock, who have absolutely no clue what it's all about yet, but are still indoctrinated enough that one can feel that none of them have a chance in life anymore. Documentarian Louis Theroux does a remarkable job staying semi-objective while still trying to open some of the groups eyes a little. Not seen in the film proper, but as an appendum on the BBC site, Theroux shares a story of how during a picketing of a milittary man's funeral, the members of this group, told the daughter of the man that just had died, that her father is now in hell. That is a very good barometer of how evil these people truly are.

This is one of the most amazing documentaries I have ever seen. It is sad, terrifying, and from a foreigner's perspective - one great reason not to live anywhere near Kansas.

No matter what you think of the Phelps' family though, one thing you have to agree: they stand up for what they believe in. What this documentary doesn't address is: why such a group can even exist in modern day society? They accuse all and sundry of being "fag-enablers". Basically any person or group (or country) who even vaguely supports homosexuality is off to hell. And that's what they proselytise. They don't hate those people - they just inform them that god hates them.

People accuse them of "hate crime" but the atheist reporter was given nearly a week's access and they were (nearly) all very pleasant and friendly to him. I found that remarkable.

His interviewing skills were brilliant. Very similar to our own Andrew Denton.

But back to the original question. How can such a group even exist? Well unfortunately the bible says everything the Phelps' preach. You cannot accuse them of hypocrisy on that front. So anyone who believes the bible also must accept the Phelps' position. It must be a terrible conflict for christians out there. Because those very US Christian values have "enabled" the Phelps family to exist. The US is a "Phelps enabler".

The Phelps family protested across the street from my daughter's high school and the students responded with hundreds of kids on the other side of the street. The Phelps family was restricted by police, the students were respectful and didn't engage in name calling or violence and it all dissipated in the news. This was three years before I saw this documentary. I had been aware of the Phelps family for 15 years before that but this documentary really brought their lunacy front and center. "What's Wrong With Kansas" -- Indeed. These people, and many more like them in the Midwest (my roots) are what is wrong with America. I don't doubt for an instant that they believe in the purity of their cause. But they are dead wrong. From a religious standpoint, an ethical position, a moral position, and a political position. These people and their supporters are what is making America a laughingstock to the rest of the world. I pity them.