Das Versprechen

This has just been shown on BBC4 in the UK as "Killing for Love." The BBC gave no indication that this is a German production. But it explains why Jens, who speaks excellent English in court, speaks German here. The original title also may have been too partisan for the BBC. The corporation is perhaps not as convinced as the film makers of Jens's innocence. Whatever the case, the film will fascinate those unfamiliar with the 1990 trial, allegedly the first in the US to be televised, which resulted in long jail terms for Jens and his accomplice Elizabeth. Both were found guilty of the murder of Elizabeth's parents. But Jens claimed that Elizabeth was the killer and he took the blame. It is an unusual murder mystery in that both are intelligent and articulate. He's a diplomat's son, she's the child of wealthy Canadian parents, who affects an English accent. From the beginning the film makers feature participants who are on Jens's side. One says that he could tell Elizabeth was an accomplished liar. But their investigation brings in private detectives who uncover a third suspect (who denies culpability) and unknown DNA at the crime scene. This is surely sufficient to re-open the case. But the authorities in Virginia, where the crimes were committed, will not consider this. Nor will they allow Jens to complete his sentence in Germany or for him to be interviewed again. Much of the footage is of the trial, which was shot on videotape that is now showing its age. But the story is extraordinary, horrible, romantic and shocking and will enthrall all lovers of true crime mysteries.The BBC's iPlayer VOD service features another hour of material.

Extremely extended and a diffuse drama. A square narrated history that has enormous potential. A lot of non-verbal and marginal persons occur and give us their opinions. But what about those who could interpret Jens and Elizabeth's story from a different perspective? However the trial shows that the US is a very legally unsafe part of the world, where gnomes like this may engage in law. Just add water.

This is a great documentary about a horrible crime, spanning decades as the filmmakers slowly peel back public appearance to reveal new information and the emotional lives of the people involved. It reminded me yet again how complicated true life is, and that we must always stay open, must always resist the rush to judgement. I grew up in the Virginia area and remember well when these murders were committed. This doc painstakingly presents alternate versions of the event itself, and allows us to exist in the contradictory space created between two people, a swirl of deception and self-deception, loyalty and guilt - the human ecology. An intense, engrossing, deeply emotional film - I so enjoyed being invited into Mr. Soering's mind over the years. The filmmakers cannot deliver us a pat ending - it doesn't exist and probably never will - but I appreciate their intention to be fair, and to investigate. A great crime doc that turns the tables on a prevailing narrative. There are always other sides of the story.

"It was like stepping inside a slaughterhouse."

So one observer in the documentary Killing for Love reports about the brutal murders of Nancy and Derek Haysom in 1985. More lurid than the photos is the court conclusion that lovers Elizabeth Haysom and Jens Soring murdered them, she being their daughter.

What makes this an audience pleaser is the archival footage that shows her to be a cunning beauty and him an almost innocent lamb to her romantic slaughter. This, the intrigue is that after confessing to the murder, Jens tries to recant saying he lied to mitigate the sentence of his love. The court wouldn't accept the confession of the confession.

Directors Karin Steinberger and Marcus Vetter cut between time and testimonials to create a dynamic if confusing, disjointed set of circumstances filled with lies and ambiguity. Both conditions would ordinarily fulfill the needs of soap opera, but here, as truth is the end game, energy for sympathy is sapped by conflicting facts and sentiments.

Yet, the salacious elements endure for audience interest such as the fact that Elizabeth's mom photographed her nude and allegedly abused her. Additionally, Jens adds a sardonic attitude toward the proceedings that hypnotizes those who would like to think this not a laughing matter.

Filled with striking moments - such as the courtroom revelation that Elizabeth's mother took nude photographs of her and may have abused her sexually, and a tour of the house in which the murders took place, conducted by its current owner who doesn't seem at all fazed by its horrific past

For history buffs, the archival footage is nectar. For those of us who find the DNA evidence now compelling, it looks as if a part II may be in order for Jens Soring's future.

The film is a very entertaining and moving documentary in the mode of past films about wrongful convictions that have wrenching consequences. I didn't know about the case or the media coverage that it generated back in the day, so appreciated the patient narrative build up towards the heartbreaking conclusion along with updates about how Jens Söring is inexplicably still in jail because of mystifying motivations or past and present politicians in Virginia. I saw a Los Angeles screening of the film that featured a rousing affirmation of the need for justice for Jens Söring. I feel the same way and hope that others can come to the same conclusion and lend their support to his cause before it is too late.