Untold

Here's another entry in the Untold series that discusses a sporting controversy that forever changed the lives of Manti Te'o, Ronaiah 'Naya' Tuiasosopo, and their respective families. The private lives of sportspersons have always been in the limelight of the media. And back in 2013, the media did play a key role in blowing this story out of the water, because it was scoop and boy, do people love scoop! Netflix decided to walk back upon this story and present a more informed, well-rounded version of it, focusing on the two key folks mentioned.

It lets both Manti and Naya breathe easy, and take into consideration that they were young, naive, and vulnerable when it all played out. Of course, I'd have liked more accountability on Naya's part than merely admitting to her offense, but it also presents a more worldly and empathetic view. Manti, on the other hand, feels more relatable and unworried at this point, when he narrates his side of the story. The latter episode in this two-part documentary carries all the emotional impact, and it's definitely worth a viewing!

The first episode is good and all but the second episode really hit home. It makes me feel so bad for Manti, and frustrated at the people that destroyed Manti's life. And it makes me feel amazing that Manti found hope in his dire place.

P. S. I don't want to talk about Ronai.

I've never watched an NFL game (I watch real football!) nor heard of Manti T'eo before. That meant I could watch this without knowing the outcome first.

It was enjoyable, but it was also similar to an episode of Catfish. What made this for me was Manti himself. What a lovely chap. 7/10 for the programme. 10/10 for Manti.

Manti Te'o, definitely a guy that had it all, super talented, wholesome, handsome, someone that radiated goodness, however he fell in love with someone, online, someone he believed was Lenaya.

I wasn't aware of this story, not was I aware of Manti Te'o, but I know the effects of catfishing, it's a disgusting act. It's a really interesting story, and as you'd expect, it's very well made, with some fascinating and insightful interviews. Plenty of passion, a lack of respect shown by one party.

Naya, just loathsome, utterly self absorbed, selfish and lacking in any degree of humanity or remorse, I'm not without compassion for people, I understand that people of all sexes, creeds, sexualities etc, can have problems, but you DON'T take someone down because you're in a bad place, and the one thing you say, is I'm SORRY, what a disgusting person, it was treated like a joke.

Respect for Manti, 8/10.

This was probably one of the most difficult things I have watched in a long time. It's so sad how it's usually the most kind hearted people that get cheated by life. This story really broke my heart.

What made this documentary worse, was the way the adults were going on about the dude being gay. That was such a shame.

Manti Te'o is a strong young man, very gifted, kind hearted and I wish you nothing but the best. All my love from South Africa.