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Excellent and balanced insight into the treatment of young offenders.
by Quaker P&SW Crime, Community & Justice Group, on 05/03/2010 This excellent production gives a balanced insight into the problems that abound in our judicial system and, in particular, the scandalous issue of the current high levels of children that are taken into custody. The film reveals that this is not only very expensive but also largely counter productive. In fact it makes the case that the taking of young people of 12-14 years into custody is a sure way to create the criminals of the future. We heard from all parties in the film: young and older offenders, politicians, and charity workers. It has to be hoped that the film can find a much wider audience on national TV as it could potentially prove to be a pivotal tool for positive change.
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Very informative
by Junior Smart SOS Project, on 04/03/2010 I really enjoyed this film - it strongest asset is its ability to inform the viewer and at the same time remain incredibly objective.
At first I didn't know what to expect - especially as - at present, the story of ex-offenders up and down the country hardly has a happy ending. The truth hurts as they say. And this is a truth that needs to be shown and realised for the vast majority of people who have been mis-informed by the fear inducing media determined to capitalise on the fear of crime without showing the truth of how much offending and re-offending costs society.
The interviews are incredibly down to earth, some conflicting - showing both sides of an argument. At other times there is some really good commentary, and there is a lovely mix of images and words.
Overall a great piece!
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thought-provoking and informative stuff...
by matt rimmer, on 03/03/2010 excellent. although statistic-heavy, it felt like it needed to be; the film was well-directed and without too strong a political bent.
i look forward to seeing what the TV audiences will make of it, and can only praise the forming of the coalition. an unfashionable issue well-presented, and with undoubtedly good intentions.
good luck
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Really powerful and thought-provoking film
by Victoria, on 03/03/2010 I thought this film was really powerful and thought-provoking. It really brings home the urgent need for a turnaround in approach to youth crime - moving investment away from custody and in to alternative schemes, such as intensive fostering, and early intervention schemes such as mentoring programmes. Still, days after seeing the film, the issues it raised are still racing around my mind. I think it's really important viewing for anyone who works with young people who are at risk of entering, or are already involved in, crime and the criminal justice system.
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Insightful, with viewpoints not often considered by the wider population
by Ben, on 03/03/2010 The documentary provided a lot of insight into the way jail affects young people and the wider population. And how it generally doesn't help.
There were a lot of facts and statistics that surprised me, and there are no strong views forced on the audience.
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Very Good
by David and Pat , on 03/03/2010 We thought well researched and thought provoking.
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A useful tool to spark the debate on the scale and fear of youth crime
by MTW, on 03/03/2010 Overall, very good. I was pleased that someone had taken the time to highlight this issue that often seems to be swept under the carpet.
There were some very powerful speakers who spoke a lot of sense (as well as a few who didn't!) but I was disappointed by the lack of time given to young people and the shots of them not saying anything, which made it look like they didn't have anything to say.
I also felt bombarded by statistics. I realise that was part of the point but the headlines would have sufficed as the most important ones were lost in the sea of figures.
Finally, I agree with one of the comments during the panel debate. I'm not sure what the call to action is and what will actually come of the film. I understand that this isn't necessarily up to the film makers but it should be more than to 'keep on campaigning'. I hope that talks to ensure it reaches a wider audience are further than was suggested too.
Hopefully, the above isn't too critical. I did enjoy it and we discussed it at length over lunch so the aim of generating the debate was achieved!
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a real eye opener
by p., on 03/03/2010 A facinating public debate should follow this documentary. Politicians have a lot to answer for...
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Powerful
by Kate, on 03/03/2010 I thought the film was very powerful, and would work well for an audience of politicians, and the media. It made the argements well.
However, I am not sure it would appeal to the general public. It was long (it kept my interest until the end, but I am already interested) and there were too many talking heads.
It could have shown the inside of a prison which would surely be the best way of refuting the "holiday camp" claim, rather than having Juliet Lyon telling us prisons are not holiday camps.
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Powerful film
by LP, on 03/03/2010 I was incredibly impressed with the Fear Factory and what a powerful message it delivered. It made a clear and evidence backed case for the changes that Government need to make to address crime rather than being unduly influenced by the media whe they set their their policies for a quick headline. I hope the message of the film can be translated into action that will result in our young people being given the support they should be entitled to. Well done to all involved.
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excellent
by mary, on 03/03/2010 I really enjoyed the film, it was very interesting to hear all the views. I felt it was very balanced and shows that the same information can be used to suit individual views.
Should be on tv.
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Very good!
by The Kid, on 02/03/2010 I really enjoyed watching The Fear Factory. The honesty of the people talking was amazing. Get it on TV asap! So more people can see it!
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Such an eye opener!
by Ex-Mentor, on 02/03/2010 Amazing stuff, it was such an eye opener for me! I just hope that this film will go out on BBC to the main public so it may put a grain of caution into those Sun and Daily Mail readers when they look at all those sensational headlines and they then ask for 10 year olds to be locked up for the rest of their life after a serious crime, rather than think about what could be done so that those 10 year olds don't even get to the point of committing the crime. Fantastic documentary, let's hope it gets the ball rolling!
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The media and politicians are worse than young offenders
by Jailhouselawyer, on 02/03/2010 I saw the uncensored version which some critics thought was too strong, and the audience at the premiere watched a diluted version. In my view, the original version packs a more powerful punch. If war is being waged on the arms race of which political party is going to be the toughest on crime and criminals, and the media which causes the arms race, then it is not wise to pull punches because this indicates a sign of weakness. And, the original packed a powerful punch...
If the commissioning people at Ch4, ITV and BBC, cannot see the film as pre election showing, then it may not be piles causing the pain in their backsides. It is after the 9pm watershed viewing. There are those who have been through the sytem, those going through it, and those who, unless steered away, will be going through it. The politicians and media people who make the system as bad as it is, reformers, and those who work in the system. On the whole, truthful accounts. Some porkies.
An honest attempt to portray things as they are. On the whole successful. I liked the shot of the Houses of Parliament just after The Fear Factory title came up. There is a very close connection between prison and the Houses of Parliament. A criticism might be that the film did not go deep enough for my liking. I feel that it was just scratching the surface. It needs to be followed up with a more in depth programme.
Neither Dominic Grieve nor Maria Eagle come across as the sort of people you would sensibly let any where near the criminal justice system. They may well have qualities which might shine in other areas of government or in Opposition. Justice needs people who know what they are doing and do not go blundering about like Blunkett in Blunderland! Dominic Grieve's confession of having committed the crimes of assault and criminal damage should rule him out of being in charge of people in prison for having committed assault and criminal damage.
Once it is established that it is the perception of fear rather than the fear itself which is the problem, Dominic Grieve stated that his policy would be to go along with this false perception! What ever happened to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? And, the media stating it was unsure whether its job was to lead or teach. In my view, the media should just report the facts. Stay out of campaigning, and lobbying, because all this achieves is knee-jerking politicians. Policies need to be thought out and not the result of a reflex action.
Every day those with an interest in the criminal justice system should read the full speech given by Winston Churchill in 1910, which was quoted in part in the film. And reflect upon the fact that he has so far been the only Home Secretary in history to cut the prison population by 50%. Having been a POW during the Boer War, Churchill knew all about what being in prison means.
Hopefully, The Fear Factory will be the start of a sensible debate on criminal justice?
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thought provoking & insightful
by cts, on 02/03/2010 the fear factory is a genuine glimpse into the hold the media has over our fears, our future & our politicians. i am sad for all the lives affected negatively by the need to sell papers & gain political points at any cost. The interviews and editing were superb, in depth & yet accessible, not too heavy handed and the cast of characters genuinely interesting and thought provoking.
thanks for illuminating this issue.
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Watch this film, be inspired, join the coaltion and change our children's future
by Gracia , on 02/03/2010 The Fear Factory is a fearless look at the disgraceful way we treat our children and young people in the UK when they get into trouble. It looks at the causes of our lack of tolerance as well as the history of how we got to the state where we imprison so many of our children and young people. Those in power who have played politics with the lives of our children are named and shamed, as they should be.
We cannot ignore the part that the media have played in the escalation of our intolerance of any misbehaviour and film looks at the headlines and those who carelessly make money out of vilifying our children.
I was delighted to see that many of the particpents, even the most senior politicians detailed their own youthful crimes. For all of us who committed crimes in our youth and got away without a criminal record we know that our futures could have been very different if we had been caught.
I urge you to watch this film, be inspired, join the coaltion and change our children's future.
Gracia McGrath OBE
Chief Executive
Chance UK
Shoplifting, underage drinking, drug taking and criminal damage
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1st class
by carol symons, on 02/03/2010 extremely informative, beautifully presented.
