Watch Lost for Life

Lost for Life is a compelling documentary film that explores the lives of juvenile murderers who were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole in the United States. The movie was released in 2013 and directed by Joshua Rofé. It is a thought-provoking and emotional film that raises important questions about justice, responsibility, and the ethics of punishing juvenile offenders.

The film follows four teenagers who were involved in separate murders and subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The first story is that of Nathan Ybanez, who was only 15 when he murdered his best friend's father in a drug-fueled rage. The second teenager, Jacob Ind, was also 15 when he participated in the murder of his girlfriend's parents. The third teenager, David Barnett, was 16 when he killed a homeless man in a robbery gone wrong. The final story is that of Brian Deneke, who was 19 when he was killed in a brawl with a group of teenagers, one of whom was sentenced to life in prison for his murder.

The film explores the circumstances that led these teenagers to commit such heinous crimes, as well as the legal and ethical implications of sentencing them to life in prison without the possibility of parole. We hear from the teenagers themselves, as well as from their families, psychologists, lawyers, and advocates.

The film does not shy away from the brutality of the crimes committed by these teenagers, nor does it try to excuse their behavior. However, it does seek to understand the complex factors that contributed to their actions, such as mental illness, addiction, and trauma.

One of the most powerful aspects of Lost for Life is how it humanizes these teenage murderers. We see them as flawed and damaged individuals, but also as people with families who love them and who are devastated by their imprisonment. We also see them grappling with remorse and the consequences of their actions.

The film also raises important questions about the justice system and the ethics of punishing juvenile offenders with life imprisonment without parole. It highlights the fact that the United States is the only country in the world that imposes this sentence on juvenile offenders. The movie challenges the notion that teenagers are fully responsible for their actions and questions whether it is fair to deny them the possibility of redemption and rehabilitation.

The film features a range of expert interviews, including psychologists, lawyers, and advocates. They provide valuable insights into the psychological development of teenagers and the consequences of imprisoning them for life. We also hear from families of the victims and from prosecutors who argue that life imprisonment without parole is necessary to protect society from dangerous offenders.

One of the most emotional moments of the film is when we hear from Bill Pelke, the grandfather of one of the victims of Paula Cooper, a teenage murderer who was sentenced to death and later had her sentence commuted to life imprisonment. Pelke speaks candidly about his journey of forgiveness and how he has reconciled with the woman who took his granddaughter's life. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unspeakable tragedy, humanity and forgiveness are possible.

Overall, Lost for Life is a powerful and thought-provoking film that challenges our assumptions about justice, responsibility, and the ethics of punishing juvenile offenders. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in criminal justice reform and the moral complexities of the justice system.

Lost for Life is a 2013 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.