Lorena

I rated this documentary high because, technically, it's editing was so well done; by choice of editing certain scenes, juxtaposing spoken words with focus on different people and actions, the viewer could glean so much more of what was left unsaid and implied. When this incident actually occurred in the '90s, I gave it only my cursory attention, since I've never been a "tabloid" follower. But, the filmmaker recreates here the era, including the politically vacuous attitude toward women's issues even after the "Second Wave" of feminism was winding down, and the ultimate resiliance of Lorena Bobbitt that brought her to reclaim a life beyond being a tabloid joke. This is an important film. I am in awe of the filmmaker for having the inspiration and guts to make it. In this era of #MeToo, this should be required viewing in all high schools.

I'm enjoying it but I loved those neighbors. It's a dark story but there's something so sweet and sincere about them.

I read many of the reviews and it seems most of the one star reviews I read seem to be a result of stopping during or after the first episode. I agree with you, the first episode is all over the place. I recommend continuing on to episode 2 in which the style of the documentary finds it's footing. Episode 4 contains a lot of information that most people were probably not privy to since it occurred after both trials concluded.

This series shows factual evidence of news clips, video clips from the courts and testimonies from all that are involved such as family, friends, neighbors, doctors, psychiatrists, etc. As a survivor of abuse, it was hard to hear everything that was being said. But the footage of the entire Bobbit trial gave all the evidence needed to see another side of the story.

This comprehensive documentary throws a lot of light on the circumstances of this infamous event. Yes, most people knew what had happened and I like many others in those days, gave it a superficial overview and made up our minds who was guilty. Full stop.

Now many years later and really beginning to understand the many facets of this complex story, I have come to a different conclusion. John Wayne Bobbitt was no angel, but an abuser and liar, yet also a victim, but not because of Lorena's action. He had also been abused in childhood. Lorena committed a crime, but under the circumstances, perhaps not in control of her own free will.

I am glad to have watched this show, with actual video recordings of the trials. A real eye opener, giving food for thought. There were no winners, only losers. We have all done annoying things in our youth, but with age you may become wiser.