I found the short engaging and innovative in portraying the similarities between the two shootings, however, it fell far short in conveying the differences.
The trailer culminates on the issue of gun ownership. In the film, however, it is covered in a very isolated way: a 2 minute segment on the opinion of the priest in Dunblane and the introduction of tighter gun laws in the UK (already far stricter than the US) and then the text at the end of the film which compares changes to gun laws in the UK and US.
Rather than the issue only being presented to the viewer, there should have been dialogue between the priests and the communities about the issues. The reason a school shooting hasn't happened in the UK since Dunblane is not because of the support and hope in the community (valuable as this is), it was because of the action taken and a wholly different mindset on gun ownership. For me it was a missed opportunity.
9 Reviews
Lessons (not) learned
kosmasp20 March 2019
A very brief and short documentary that could have put some light on the gun debate/reform many (if not all) Americans wish for. In light of the recent tragedy in New Zealand (a mass shooting that was born out of hate against a religion different than the one the shooter believes in), the people in power there will not build a wall, but rather get strong gun laws.
Now this obviously could not included this, but not just I realized the missed potential in the documentary. It's a short, but you could do more than show how politicians reacted or what they said after the mass shootings. And while I highly doubt that America will get the gun restrictions they desperately need, at least in my lifetime, the documentary still could have put a spot light on that. As it is and because it is just over 20 minutes, it is ok - which you can take either way I guess. Thoughts and prayers to the survivors and those affected - but those alone will not help the inevitable next tragedy from happening
Now this obviously could not included this, but not just I realized the missed potential in the documentary. It's a short, but you could do more than show how politicians reacted or what they said after the mass shootings. And while I highly doubt that America will get the gun restrictions they desperately need, at least in my lifetime, the documentary still could have put a spot light on that. As it is and because it is just over 20 minutes, it is ok - which you can take either way I guess. Thoughts and prayers to the survivors and those affected - but those alone will not help the inevitable next tragedy from happening
Lesson (not) learned
kosmasp11 March 2019
Hey how about a gun reform? Well only if it is not too soon to talk about it ... because as you know that's the "best" argument: Now is not the time to talk about this. And that gets repeated so long, until the next shooting occurs. Now this does not show any real solutions, it does show a couple of interesting facts/notes, but does nothing to show us a solution.
Or that anything has been learned from that now or for the future. It is is a short documentary, which if it had dug deeper into the real issues could have been more substantial and longer. As it is I'm not sure I can really recommend it. On the other hand, I've seen worse, so ...
Or that anything has been learned from that now or for the future. It is is a short documentary, which if it had dug deeper into the real issues could have been more substantial and longer. As it is I'm not sure I can really recommend it. On the other hand, I've seen worse, so ...
An Ode to Priests and a Desire for More
natmavila30 October 2023
This documentary was okay, but it left me wanting more. The subject matter is undeniably heavy, and the film does a decent job of addressing it. However, I couldn't help but feel that it should have been longer to explore the depths of the emotional aftermath of such a tragic event. It's not every day you come across a documentary that tackles this kind of sensitive topic, so it had the potential for greatness.
One standout aspect was the portrayal of priests as pillars of the community during such a challenging time. It's refreshing to see them depicted as genuinely supportive figures, providing comfort and guidance to the affected individuals. In a world where clergy often get a bad rap, it's heartwarming to witness their positive impact. So, while "Lessons from a School Shooting" may fall short in some areas, it's worth a watch for its unique perspective on the role of priests in times of intense hardship.
One standout aspect was the portrayal of priests as pillars of the community during such a challenging time. It's refreshing to see them depicted as genuinely supportive figures, providing comfort and guidance to the affected individuals. In a world where clergy often get a bad rap, it's heartwarming to witness their positive impact. So, while "Lessons from a School Shooting" may fall short in some areas, it's worth a watch for its unique perspective on the role of priests in times of intense hardship.
You need the substance to bring out huge emotions
Horst_In_Translation2 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
"Notes from Dunblane: Lesson from a School Shooting" is an American 22-minute documentary movie from 2018, so very recent, very new and also award-winning already. We will see if this one can also make an impact at the Oscars. This is about a school massacre from 2012, Sandy Hook very well-known of course, and how a priest deals with it and how he gets help from an unexpected shourne, namely another priest who lives/lived nearby the place of another school shooting everal 1,000 kilometers away and years earlier and this is Dunblane in Scotland, by the way one where tennis professional Andy Murray has a special connection with. But lets not go into detail there. Back to this short film we have here. i think it wasn't a bad watch, but something was missing. The story is interesting and it could have been 30-35 minutes too without dragging, but the substance was somewhat missing, a more neutral news-like look into the events during both shootings and what consequences arose from them. This would have also made it easier for audiences to really mourn the losses here and make more of an emotional connection with the priests and everybody else who was left devastated by the two tragedies. So it is not a bad film by any means, actually a pretty good watch, and touching too, but it is also a bit of a missed opportunity as I believe the subject offered a lot more, even could have made for a great 90-minute documentary with the priests' meeting could have been included towards the end. Another minor criticisms is that it is over 6 years now since 2012 Sandy Hook and I think it could/should have been a more contemporary film with fewer years passed since then. All in all, a thumbs-up though. Go watch it.
Disappointing...
dylanpowell-453677 October 2018
The trailer shows the main focus of this short being centred around gun control, but for less than 5 minutes, this issue is discussed. Most of this documentary is just about the two priests talking about their experiences and meeting up. This could've been so much more. An hour long documentary would've been nicer, they could've spent equal amounts of time on everything.
Can't believe people are disappointed in this
alice_ok_21 June 2019
It touched my heart deeply. To me this short documentary is about the two priests who are both citizens of their different towns but also the ones who have as their work to hold the community in grief together. I don't understand the negative comments because this is a documentary about two priests in two towns that have had school shootings. Nothing else.
Very disappointing
james_geddes-2494923 October 2018
A poor overview of the relationship between two priests after a school shooting in their respective towns. No analysis within the show that breaks down any lessons learned and how the UK hasn't had a mass shooting since this event. At the end I felt like it was more of a religious documentary than anything else.
Short, sweet but refreshingly beautiful tale of two tragedies
charlyparly17 April 2020
Amazed at the low ratings and poor reviews seemingly from those missing the point.
I stumbled accidentally on this at 4am idling my way along Netflix and decided to watch given that it was only short and not overly taxing. It was really a beautiful and thought provoking glimpse into how these two tragedies affected those whose lives, calling and purpose is to be the ones offering the healing, supporting victims / bereaved loved ones and helping them to make sense of the most senseless act.
The lack of graphic detail or political viewpoint at either side is refreshing and the focus remains solely on how the tragedy affected these two priests and how they reached out to each other from opposite sides of the pond.
Father Bob visibly at the verge of breakdown was hard to watch and that simple email all the way from a fellow priest in Scotland to give support, thoughts and prayers must have been a huge comfort and did raise the question of how difficult it must be for those expected to be an unwavering support and have answers to the questions they don't understand.
It doesn't aim to review or pick up and renew the arguments about gun control legislation - it's half an hour long.
It's not a preachy religious half hour. It's not a political half hour either. It's purely from the heart of the two gents and others seldom considered as being in need of support.
I stumbled accidentally on this at 4am idling my way along Netflix and decided to watch given that it was only short and not overly taxing. It was really a beautiful and thought provoking glimpse into how these two tragedies affected those whose lives, calling and purpose is to be the ones offering the healing, supporting victims / bereaved loved ones and helping them to make sense of the most senseless act.
The lack of graphic detail or political viewpoint at either side is refreshing and the focus remains solely on how the tragedy affected these two priests and how they reached out to each other from opposite sides of the pond.
Father Bob visibly at the verge of breakdown was hard to watch and that simple email all the way from a fellow priest in Scotland to give support, thoughts and prayers must have been a huge comfort and did raise the question of how difficult it must be for those expected to be an unwavering support and have answers to the questions they don't understand.
It doesn't aim to review or pick up and renew the arguments about gun control legislation - it's half an hour long.
It's not a preachy religious half hour. It's not a political half hour either. It's purely from the heart of the two gents and others seldom considered as being in need of support.
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