Watch Give Up Tomorrow

Give Up Tomorrow is a documentary film released in 2011 that delves into the controversial case of Paco Larrañaga, a young man from a wealthy family in the Philippines who was convicted of the kidnap, rape, and murder of two sisters in 1997. The film traces the investigation, trial, and aftermath of the case, highlighting numerous instances of corruption, bias, and procedural irregularities that raise serious questions about the legitimacy of the verdict.

At the heart of the film is the story of Paco, a charming and outgoing teenager who was studying in Manila at the time of the crime. Despite having numerous alibis and no physical evidence linking him to the crime, Paco was arrested and charged based solely on the testimony of witnesses who later recanted or were shown to have lied under oath. The film examines the various factors that contributed to Paco's conviction, including a biased judge, a press eager for a sensational story, and a corrupt police force with a history of abuse and brutality.

The film also explores the broader socio-political context of the case, showing how the Philippines' deeply entrenched class and racial divisions played a role in shaping public attitudes towards Paco and his co-defendants. As a member of a wealthy and prominent family, Paco was seen by many as an entitled and arrogant youth who deserved to be punished for his crimes, regardless of the evidence or lack thereof.

Despite these challenges, Paco refused to give up and fought tirelessly to prove his innocence. The film documents his numerous appeals and legal challenges, as well as the efforts of his family and supporters to raise awareness about his case and pressure the government to grant him a fair hearing. Along the way, the film raises important questions about the nature of justice, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the power and influence of political elites.

Overall, Give Up Tomorrow is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that offers a chilling glimpse into the dark side of justice in the Philippines. Through its powerful storytelling and richly detailed exploration of the case, the film raises important questions about the rights of the accused, the validity of witness testimony, and the politicization of the legal system. It is a must-see for anyone interested in criminal justice, human rights, and social justice issues.

Give Up Tomorrow is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.