Rewind (2019) Poster

(III) (2019)

User Reviews

Review this title
42 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
9/10
Well-done documentary on a very disturbing subject, with important lessons for all
MzKarizzma23 May 2020
In this documentary, filmmaker Sasha Neulinger takes a brave, bold, and personal look at issues of familial child sexual abuse through his lens and the lens of his father, a videographer who scrupulously filmed family events around the same time as the abuse occurred. As a survivor, Neulinger shines a light on how this abuse can be passed down through generations, even among families that appear "normal" and successful. He also explores the ways in which the criminal justice system re-victimizes the survivor in its attempt to address the issue. Disturbing as the content may be, this film is definitely worth watching for anyone concerned about this important topic.
28 out of 29 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
An important & unflinching documentary
eddie_baggins3 August 2020
Unflinching and uncompromising, Rewind is a documentary that isn't afraid to dive deep into the issues of abuse and trauma that it explores across its relatively brief 80 minute runtime as documentarian and main subject Sasha Neulinger delves into his own childhood and his families horrific experiences that spanned generations.

Given access to 100's of hours of home video footage that was shot by his various family members over the course of his childhood and teenage years, Rewind is a unique experience for both Neulinger and us as audience members as we witness first hand the effects of his traumatic childhood events take hold on him, despite these occurrences now years in the past.

Now an advocate and supporter of networks established to support those that have unfortunately become victims of abuse, Neulinger should be commended for opening up the wounds of his past to help heal the present and offer hope for those that to have had their childhoods sullied by the evil acts of others.

We bare witness to Sasha as a care free and happy natured boy that slowly but surely morphs into a repressed and angry being in past footage, while in more present day scenes Sasha interviews those that were prevalent in his life such as his mother, father, therapist and detectives that eventually worked on his case that made headlines across the globe.

Rarely have issues such as the ones raised in Rewind been so openly put forward on film and explored in such a no fuss manner, there's no hidden agendas here or ulterior motives that make themselves apparent, this is simply a warts and all expose of the long-lasting effects and first hand experiences that abuse has on its victims.

It's stirring stuff, heart-wrenching more often than not but its material and subject matter we as humans need to readily explore and understand as to this day actions that we see in Rewind remain far to common in today's society.

Final Say -

Tough viewing but the type of viewing that enhances ones understanding of issues that would be much easier to ignore than confront, Rewind is a gripping documentary and a hugely important one, with credit to Sasha Neulinger who was brave enough to embrace his own past for the betterment of the future.

4 roast turkey's out of 5
23 out of 24 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Finally the whole subject of abuse
Arts-student16 January 2020
Unlike other documentaries on this subject, like LEAVING NEVERLAND, this film spends the time to show evidence and the full emotional impact of its circumstances and the people effected. Most importantly this film discusses the cycle of abuse which sadly remains absent from so many other abuse documentaries. And does all of this while having the director's voice and yet without forcing your opinion of the people involved. Truly it's about the devastating gray area of abuse, not the black and white.
52 out of 58 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Perfect description of the perverse nature of the world
koofasa25 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The man who abused the child most violently got no prison time because he is an elite member of the community while the others got hard time. This is how the world works. If you're wealthy and protected, you are free to destroy the lives of whoever you want to abuse. Society is terminally sick because they protect the worst among us.
33 out of 35 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Well made documentary lets us peek into what we regret even seeing
dale-5164916 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Well made documentary by a man who as a kid just happened to have had much of his childhood documented on film. His dad was a video cam freak, and his uncle was a ham to boot. They seemed like a nice typical if somewhat goofy jewish family, but things are not always as they seem.....Sasha Neulinger is the main character, and we see him as an entertaining child, with his cute "cabbage patch kid" looks mugging for the camera . You get the impression he is a typical larval "class clown" with a slightly more cynical bent than average. But it turns out there is more than meets the eye.

As he ages he becomes more obese, and he develops a dark side to his sarcastic wit . As time progresses he gets downright scary, physically hurting his innocent, cherubic little sister. Later, he is filmed doing lewd, wickedly disturbing looking dances in his under-roos, which for good reason seem to shock and appall his mother .....

Sasha's "acting out" goes beyond even a boy at the bottom of the social food chain with his peers, and you wonder "what is going on ?" Turns out there is reason to be concerned- there were multiple pedophiles within the family abusing these poor children, and what makes it particularly chilling is that we have gotten to know them already on camera, and other than being an amusing gaggle of hamish goofballs there was nothing out of the ordinary you could pick up. The media and plaintiffs lawyers has led us to obsess over Catholic priests, somehow forgetting that the incidence of pedophila is the same across all denominations , and it can happen anywhere, most often actually within our owns families .
14 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
AMAZING AND BRAVE
squallpendragon3 September 2019
A documentary from a brave person about himself. Hearing the story told in a thoughtful way about his upbringing and full family. It has a clear message and is informative. Very important film that will help people recognize and prevent child abuse.
30 out of 33 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Travesty of Justice; All Evil Sanctioned by Religious Leaders
takegoodcare8 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The worst offender gets off relatively scot-free? His religious congregation comes to his aid in supporting child sex abuse? The younger brother who was least involved, and was damaged by his older brother, gets the most time? How is this fair?

Money and religion win the day again and Sasha's worst abusers go free to enjoy their lives. Meanwhile, the synagogue is still doing the weekly car washes to raise money for the oldest, most abusive brother. Sick.
29 out of 32 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
It stopped with Sasha
mls418231 December 2021
This was a well done documentary. In fact it is one of the best I have seen lately. It is organized and concise, unlike the others I have seen lately.

Of course the subject matter is upsetting. I'm sure too many families can relate to this. The encouraging side is Sasha. Even during Sasha's darkest times, he did not follow the pattern. He grew up to be a fine, decent, strong and highly intelligent man.. Good for him! I hope he is proud of that fact.
12 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
The chain of abused to abusers is crazy
KiddNicole5239028 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It's good, very sad. I couldn't even imagine being the dad and having the realization of him recording the whole thing and not knowing.

The dad ABSOLUTELY failed his kids, knowing they were molesters and still allowing them to come into his home and be alone with his kids. But both parents failed them for sure.
10 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
A very powerful documentary
brentgray7323 June 2020
You and your sister are so very brave. Thankyou for sharing your story
28 out of 31 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Yes but what about the sister??
aprlrnld6 January 2021
There's absolutely no documentation about her ordeal. I get it. It totally sucks and I feel for Sasha but his sisters' story is completely ignored. How is that even possible?
7 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Brilliant Beyond Words
helenahandbasket-9373423 August 2020
I'm so incredibly sorry to Sasha and his sister for the horrific abuse they endured, and no child should ever have to suffer in silence.

You've brought into the light that which has been buried in darkness, and have shone a brilliant light on to the path that can lead to healing and hopefully prevention of this occurring.

Please continue this important and worthwhile work you've done and continue lighting that path for others to find the courage to overcome these abhorrent crimes.

This was such a well-done and intimate story told in the most compelling manner; from start to end I found myself wholly immersed in the tale and filling with anger and rage at these monsters who betrayed this family. The storyline was concise, direct and makes you feel connected.

While it can be a very difficult story to tell and some tend to carry on with melodramatic and labored points- this absolutely gets to the heart and the soul and you're immediately awash in empathy, apathy and rage for these children and hope when you're left with the closure of the final scenes.

Again, a brilliant film and one that should be mandatory viewing for anyone who doubts this could ever happen to them/their children- because it's much easier than anyone wants to believe and within the blink of an eye, your family is thrust into a tumultuous and chaotic place from which few ever emerge unscathed.
16 out of 18 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
Did we see the same thing?
miasmolka12 March 2022
I had a hard time following. A lot of the scenes involving the mother felt so forced that I could hardly take it. Idk man I just don't see how the reviews are so good for this.
1 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Incredibly well put together
johnevans-459328 August 2020
Incredibly well made film, especially considering the topic.

Dear lord I cried when that therapist guy talked about the yamaka, and several other times.
18 out of 21 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Insane
milansmith6719 July 2020
We're you one of the people who liked Abducted in Plain Sight? Buckle in because this documentary is Amazon Prime's version of Netflix's roller coaster of a documentary. The details of the abuse in this documentary are literally going to make you sick. I watched while high and sobbed for about 10 minutes. Please watch this documentary.
20 out of 25 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
So brave
dawn-622626 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I was afraid to watch this because I thought it would be so devastating. But Sasha has handled this so well and his family helped him properly . It has a hopeful ending , but we all need to do more for these kids in our own communities.
12 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
So incredibly brave...
mattoid-4560528 August 2020
Just to echo others, amazing and brave to actually put this out there as a cautionary piece. Sasha is one brave dude. Must see for yourself.
14 out of 17 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Thank you Sasha for telling your story
kristinesklarz7 August 2020
Such a brave young man and doing such amazing work today because of what he went through.
17 out of 22 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Beautiful and heartbreaking story of strength
nikrife11 September 2020
As an educator i have seen children endure abuse at the hands of their trusted circles and I found this documentary a powerful voice for the survivors of sexual abuse. What a brave and chilling story.
10 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Haunting
theunshackledmind22 August 2020
This isn't easy to watch. It's real, and it is haunting. But, the story is also empowering and optimistic.

This is a story of the cycle of sexual abuse. It's the story of family, and influence. Of silence, and courage.

This isn't easy to watch, but you should.
7 out of 8 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Tears of anger.... Tears of Victory
silvasiembra8 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This story moved me to a crying mess. I was shocked, angered, and saddened. Then.... I was surprised with joy by the heroes who come together for the sake of fighting for justice. I'm glad to see people stand for what is morally correct..... minus defense lawyers who sell their souls. A must-see to those who want to experience the nauseating battle against child abuse and the powerful victories which result from it.
13 out of 17 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Very deep & hard hitting
filbaxter7120 May 2020
Very insightful, moving & sometimes hard to watch. A very well made document of what seemed a fairly normal family.
9 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
I don't rate movies, but this was a masterpiece.
colorguardian7 September 2020
Haunting, gutting, uncomfortable, devastating, and yet it pours out hope and displays the best of humanity all the same. So beautifully well done, in the storytelling and also the cinematography. This needs to be seen by everyone.

P.S If you like "Fear of 13", then this is 100% your speed.
10 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
My God!!!
Mehki_Girl28 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know what was more offensive - what these people did to each other and those innocent children or their false, pathetic attempts to be funny when they so obviously were not as they tried to hide in plain sight.

Everything with this family was fake, including the supposedly good, "funny" times together.

What an obnoxious disgusting bunch! The father is, too, because he knew what his brothers did to him and then did nothing to protect his children from them. How did the mother manage to stay with him after that?

He claims he couldn't kill himself because he loves his kids too much, but didn't ban his abusers from his home or tell their mother, even as his bright, engaging children were obviously becoming upset and suffering.

And the question is who molested them? Browbeaten dad, who was emasculated by mom everyday because she knew? Was it mom? Or was Howard just a sick duck?

They passed this down like a family heirloom!

The looks on the son's face while dad talks about what his brothers did to him and when mom came upstairs because things felt off, but knocked on the door, first. Why? Because she was afraid to know what Howard was doing to her son behind that closed door.

When the son asked why she didn't open the door. She lied.

As far as I'm concerned, the dad was an abuser by proxy.

Dad's a liar. As an adult he certainly knew what child sex abuse was. Even if what he claimed was true and he didn't know what that was, he should have recognized the grooming behavior.

And then you get the injustice system and protection by the church and by money.

Also co-abusers.

Disgusting.

I hope both children, now adults, will heal as fully as the human spirit can.

Peace be with them.
13 out of 18 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Thank you, Sasha!
robinwoodpdx17 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Thank you, Sasha, for living your life so courageously, including the making of this documentary. You let your pain be harnessed for the good of others: especially for awareness purposes (vital!), and for illustration of how our legal system functions in these cases (there can be justice, but it is a hard row to hoe, and punishments do not necessarily match crimes). Even beyond that, thanks to you, the system is getting improved, at least in one region--reducing the amount of repeated testimony (which causes retraumatization for victims) required to press prosecution forward. May your future be as bright as you are--the original, wonderful Sasha you were made by God to be--and may no harm, but only blessing, come to you in all your future days!
8 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
An error has occured. Please try again.

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed