Jessie's Dad (2011) User Reviews

Left me thinking

[taliachiariello · 7/10 · 12 January 2018]

Jessie's Dad was a touching documentary that focused on all aspects of Mr. Lunsford's life after the death of his daughter Jessie. The movie is segmented into chapters of his life to give the audience the full view of all the problems surrounding the death of his daughter. There were many things that I liked about the documentary including: the use of the clips from the trial, the use of confession tapes and the use of news clips because they showed the ripple effects from one incident; the death of Mr. Lunsford's child. The utilization of these clips left me as an audience member thinking about the changes that our country needs to make to protect the innocent lives of children. I was left feeling connected to Mr. Lunsford, his struggle and his need to do more for children.

One of the best I ever seen

[dandvir39 · 10/10 · 25 October 2013]

Watching Jessie's Dad is a unique experience. Like its subject, Mark Lunsford, this award-winning film manages to turn a tragedy that's too gruesome for words into an inspiration. This documentary is not depressing but it is, at times, maddening. It makes viewers think, question and debate. It opens our minds and our hearts. It helps us become far more aware of the complicated child-protection issues that plague our society. It's not easy being a kid these days. It's even more challenging to be a parent. Every parent must watch Jessie's Dad. Every parent must think, question and debate the issues that the film so elegantly surfaces. Watch Jessie's Dad and decide for yourself. It will be an inspiring, eye-opening experience you will never forget.

Moving beyond emotion

[gjadesh · 9/10 · 2 July 2018]

Just through the story of a life taken too soon and a father's grief, Jessie's Dad has the capability to touch viewers through the emotions it evokes. This film takes it a step further, however, and shows how that tragedy had lasting implications.

Jessie's Dad follows Mark Lunsford as he travels the country and educates those watching about laws dealing with violence against children. It also shows how much it takes to change different society's mindsets and gives viewers a peek into the lawmaking process. The documentary does a great job of engaging the audience's emotion while also educating them about a variety of subjects, and it has a strong call to action. Even if it does not convince people to go out and fight for Jessie's Law, it should at least spark curiousity into looking at how laws currently stand and the desire to be more educated on the subject.

This Issue is Still relevant.

[scottmarissa · 9/10 · 20 November 2017]

This issue is still relevant today, despite the hard work of people like Mark Lunsford. It is amazing to see the transition of Mark and watch him grow. It is good to see that out of the darkest time in life, that light can be found through the legislation of Jessie's law, so that other parents don't need to feel what Mark has felt. I hope this issue, can be brought back to the forefront of people's minds and more change can continue to happen.

Raw and Painfully Inspiring

[noritelliott · 10/10 · 25 October 2013]

Boaz Dvir managed to place us with Mark Lunsford, feel his agony and watch as he turned that horrendous tragedy into life saving laws. I am thankful for people like Mr Lunsford, he inspires us to think and speak out... educated or not, tattooed or tailored... The fact that he can carry on his daughters name for the better of other children is the positive we can see in this horrific crime. I cant imagine how anyone could 'fight' Mark Lunsford or hate on him, the man suffered one of the worst tragedies man can deal with and people hate him? Whats wrong with us? Thanks Boaz for making this about Jessie and her dad and hardly about the haters... Thank you.

Former truck driver makes as an unusually inspirational hero

[mckenziebarney · 10/10 · 30 March 2011]

Dvir's "Jessie's Dad" captivates the audience with the horrific tragedy that haunts Mark Lunsford's daily life. After the death of his precious young daughter, Lunsford takes revenge in an unfamiliar fashion: he decides to buff up on litigation and become one of the most proficient child protection advocates to this date.

Dvir does a fabulous job of following Lunsford's path toward justice, all the while capturing the heartfelt emotion of Lunsford's loss and, ultimately, motivation to carry on. Mark Lunsford time and time again is established as the unlikely hero, surprising people across the nation with his "never give up" attitude and efforts to pass a law in the name of his beloved daughter.

This documentary is for people who want to be touched, inspired, and motivated to protect America's children.

Touching FIlm

[jessi-suzanne · 10/10 · 30 March 2011]

The film is definitely touching. It hits close to home for most Floridians since the disappearance of Jessica Lunsford happened in Florida.

I definitely recommend looking into the film and understanding Jessie's Law.

The film isn't too long and really takes the viewer in for some unexpected turns that occurred during Mark Lunsford fight to change law.

The film is inspiring for parents. It is unique in the sense that a rugged, truck driver actively pursues these changes in the law.

Profoundly Moving and Life-Changing

[Wystieedwards · 10/10 · 25 October 2013]

This film gives an insider's glimpse into the resiliency of the human spirit and a paternal love that could not be stolen by violence. No one will be the same after viewing. A tremendous film. Beautifully documented. We watch the anguish of Mark Lundsford at the trial of his daughter's killer and his refusal to allow a predator destroy his daughter's legacy. With the support of his family and friends, he begins a journey of changing laws to ensure that predators will suffer stiffer consequences through law making. We watch him transform from a single dad with a limited education to a child advocate. This documentary is an honest look of those left behind in the wake of a sexual predator.

Moved me to tears

[mckenz4 · 10/10 · 15 April 2011]

Outstanding film. An emotional tale about a father's commitment to protecting America's children. I would recommend this to anyone who seeks a motivating experience.

Mark Lunsford is a hero to us all, and Dvir shows this throughout the film. The courage and strength it must take Lunsford to do what he does day to day is astounding and overwhelmingly inspirational.

Jessie's Dad makes us all take a step back and make sure we are protecting our children, rather than protecting our pocketbooks.

Bravo, Mark Lunsford. He takes life's most burdening loss and turns it into a proactive fight for what seems to slip all of our minds. Bravo, Dvir. Long live Jessie's Law.

Tough yet tender

[kathanne1 · 2 August 2011]

A truck driver with a long ponytail, tattoos and a homespun manner, Mark Lunsford stands out from the clean-cut lawyers and legislators he travels miles to petition. While he is initially an object of public pity for the loss of his daughter, these sentiments turn sour as he doggedly pursues justice through controversies that include lawsuits against local law enforcement for letting the "whole system" fail Jessie. In a cruelly ironic twist, Lunsford's own 18-year-old son is accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor and, according to Jessie's Law, could be incarcerated for life.

While people routinely accuse Lunsford of selfishly seeking money and attention, Dvir and his team reveal a man zealously focused on keeping the issues—not himself—in the media. "What happens when the cameras go away?" Lunsford asks bluntly, his sad eyes obscured by sunglasses. "These are your kids, too."

Perhaps the film's most striking facet is the dramatic transformation Lunsford undergoes in just a few short years. He still has the ponytail, but by the end of Dvir's 130 hours of raw footage he's learned to keep his emotions in check and to focus exclusively on his cause.

"You have to understand, I don't have a girlfriend," Lunsford explains, sitting in the half-light of a dingy hotel room. "Because I've already settled in my mind, we're not normal anymore… You can get a new girlfriend; you might even find a better one. But you ain't never gonna get a kid like the one you had."

This film is moving on the deepest frequency. It manages to be simultaneously raw and refined, capturing Lunsford at some of his most frank moments yet beautifully crafted. Throughout the entire film I was riveted, because there was never a moment where the emotional intensity subsided. Also, the original music is haunting and adds depth and art to the story.

Despite the heaviness of the back story and subject, this documentary offers hope. "Jessie's Dad" is one of those films you won't forget anytime soon, that will stay with you long after the last credit rolls.

Grabs you no matter what angle your coming from!

[jshfortune · 10/10 · 7 October 2015]

This film grabs your attention within the first couple of minutes, the plot is well set to affect viewers from many backgrounds.Mark caused a pivotal wave in society and the justice system of sex offenders. He also turned a spotlight to many of the everyday mistakes that our law enforcers make. Jessie's dad shows us just how a hurt everyday average Joe utilizes his pain to influence positive change.His new found drive to see justice served among child predators is very motivating and important towards laws that we live by today. On a technical perspective the B-roll was touching and heartfelt. Also the vintage aesthetic of a "scrapbook/home videos" is a great touch, well done.

important story and important issue

[bLLUi15 · 10/10 · 17 June 2018]

This movie tells the incredibly important story of Mark Lunsford, whose daughter Jessica was brutally raped and murdered by a registered sex offender who lived across the street and worked in her school. This story follows Lunsford as he went around the country to get "Jessie's Law" passed. This story is so important because Jessie's Law has been enacted or partially enacted in most states (though it really should be in all of them) and it lays out provisions that include a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and lifetime electronic monitoring of adults convicted of sexually assaulting a victim less than 12 years old. Basically, you probably live in a state that requires the sentencing and tracking of some of the most dangerous people in the country and you and your children are safer for it. This also means kids in those states will go to school where everyone has been properly vetted to to be around them to ensure their safety from sex offenders. We can't take that for granted just because it's been around for a while now. It's important to know why this law came to be and know the story of the mourning person who championed this change. This also comes at a time when we're faced with a new epidemic of gun violence in schools. If Jessie's dad was able to make children in schools safer from sex offenders maybe someone or some group of people could champion some way to do the same for gun safety. Watching this film will show you the power an individual has to make a change, even if they don't have previous experience in helping to change legislature. This is a truly powerful story that is also relevant to all of our lives so I fully recommend taking the time to watch this.

Let me ask the public WHY

[j-98172 · 10/10 · 31 January 2016]

The reason why they oppose Jessie's law is because the law reinforcement doesn't LIKE mandatory sentencing because it take discretion away from them. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

I found people, or we should say the public 'funny' The reason why they oppose Jessie's law is because Mark's hair? His tattoos? I can say I won't vote for Donald Trump because I don't like his hair, but no. I would say I hate his hair, but it's not the reason why I won't vote for him. The reason why is I don't agree with his political opinions.

The public shouldn't be concerned with his appearance and worry about whether Mark uses drugs or has long hair or not because it has nothing to do with his appearance. What the public should really evaluate is the quality and the plausibility of his ideas and if it can be carried out to improve the living environment for the younger generations.

People judge too soon, too harsh, too stupidly sometimes.

' THE PUBLIC IS ALL ABOUT THE CRITICISM, MAN'

I hope one day the public can stop blind-folding themselves with other people's empty hatred and start living and thinking for themselves and make better judgment.

WOW! A Must-See

[niakai · 10/10 · 23 May 2018]

This outstanding film is about a father's undying love for his daughter. Through great courage Mark Lunsford takes the terrible loss of his daughter and creates Jessie's law. Mark is was and still is a true American hero. He endured his daughters death with great fortitude and committed himself to protecting America's children.

But I feel as though "Jessie's Dad", being that it is an older film, has been forgotten. I recommend that more people watch this film and remember what happened to Jessie and remember that this is STILL happening in the world today. SO LETS NOT MAKE THIS A LOST CAUSE! We need to continue to fight just as Mark did for the children who are or might be in danger.

Incredible Story. Fantastic Film.

[cherishfong · 10/10 · 22 May 2018]

This captivating story following Mark Lunsford and his search for justice is so incredibly moving and the ups and downs of his journey will leave you speechless.

The summary itself instantly fascinated me and the film did not disappoint. This documentary captured the raw and authentic emotions behind this heartwrenching story.

To witness such bravery and courage from Lunsford was truly inspirational. Instead of sitting and dwelling on the loss of his beloved daughter, he took action.

His motivation, persistence, and bravery can be a reminder that the victory of justice does not happen without a fight. Highly recommend this film.

Award winning work of journalism

[sydneygrau · 10/10 · 14 January 2016]

It's incredible to me what the power of TRUE journalism can do. An honest film like this gives a holistic insight into Marks journey and transformation from grieving parent to social activist, a step that many of those struck by tragedy are too disheartened to move to. The fact that a man with not even a high school education so passionately pursues a complex legal understanding in order to do what he feels he must do to help make a difference makes Lunsburg such a fascinating character to follow, and connect to. This film has since helped him pass Jessica's law in 46 states. Projects like this are the reason I love working on documentary films. They move and inspire people to make changes--as nothing is more honest and emotionally heartbreaking then seeing the raw human condition devoid of theatrical expression.

Jessie's Dad's message

[hinaanoor · 10/10 · 29 January 2017]

Jessie's Dad played a great role in helping influence awareness and significance of child protection, when it got released, it took the cause by storm. However, despite the great effort of the film and its popularity, child protection cause has become pale over the years. The cause has lost its grip domestically among people, politicians and the media, but hundreds of dangerous predators, who prey upon children still remain openly free in high numbers on U.S. soil. They are still lurking, planning their next hunt and dumping more bodies in our next-door backyards like Jessie's murderer, who was Lunsford's neighbor. The film did its job by spreading about this cause across the country and the world, but we also have the responsibility to do our jobs by remaining alerted and serious about this issue. We must continue to spread the message of Jessie's Dad and prevent the next hunt of a child predator from being successful. This issue is as important as any other issue because the fear still remains active and we must not let this cause become pale; instead, become stronger and visible.

Jessie's Dad raises interesting question

[myersmtaylor · 1 May 2016]

JESSIE'S DAD is an insightful documentary that shows who is really protected by politics and laws, and how activism is important in improving it. Seeing the transformation of Mark, Jessie's father, into an activist working to protect children under the age of 12 helps to reveal just how much Jessie's Law is necessary. I was shocked to see how much the police missed during the investigation to find Jessie. In the end when the police sheriff decided to work with Mark on changing policies, it made me think, how can activism change and improve the world we live in? An excellent doc that, in the words of Mark, show how "Conversation is awareness. Awareness is education. Education is power."

Everyone needs to see this film!

[rachelwolkenhauer · 10/10 · 16 August 2013]

This film masterfully tells Mark Lundsford's story in exactly the way Mark approaches his advocacy work: by making it available enough to be "universally understood." "Jessie's Dad" shows Mark's transformation from an "uneducated trucker driver" to a "savvy activist utilizing intimate, observational footage that gives clarity to the complexity and layers of depth to the surface impressions we've gotten from the media over the years. It is not a depressing film. In fact, it is inspiring. I am all at once aching, angry, and humbled by Mark's story. I am thankful for documentaries like "Jessie's Dad." We need more of them. Everyone needs to see this film.

Heartbreak and Inspiration

[kerryaodonnell · 10/10 · 17 October 2013]

Mark Lundsford is living every parent's worst nightmare - the horrific daughter of his 8 year-old daughter Jessica. Even if you think you know Mark and Jessica's story, you need to watch this film.

The failure of the justice system, the failure of the police investigation when Jessie went missing, and the failure of too many state legislatures will leave you outraged.

And watching Mark's crusade will leave you in tears.

Filmmaker Boaz Dvir has captured glimpses of Mark's journey in such a way that you will feel as if you are right there with him, behind the camera.

Moving, powerful and masterful

[liza-shurik · 10/10 · 20 October 2013]

This movie is a must-see for anyone who questions the strength of the human spirit when it has been beat down in the worst way imaginable - the murder of an innocent child. The non-archetypal father-turned-child activist together with a brilliant filmmaker, Boaz Dvir, teach their viewers a tremendous lesson in patience, acceptance, forgiveness and, most importantly, the capacity of individuals to take the unfathomable pain of tragedy and transform it into a force for change. In this captivating account of a father and family trying to peace and justice where there seems to be none, the director explains in layman's terms the complexities and failings of existing child abuse laws and provides a context for what needs to be done to keep children in this country safe and out of the hands of men like the one that took the life of little Jessie. An absolute must-see for everyone.

I was absolutely in tears

[m-rios81 · 10/10 · 30 March 2011]

A very moving and touching story of a fathers fight to win justice for his only daughters abduction and murder.I was absolutely in tears following this mans years of struggle to deal with the many obstacles set before him and the incompetence of the police force that could have either saved his daughter or brought her murderer immediately to an arrest.I greatly admired Mark's determination & drive as he tirelessly set out to to become one of America's most effective crusaders for our children despite some misunderstandings from the public as to his intentions most of which I believe were no fault of his own but from the newspapers and television press. he eventually set the record straight and came to terms with the police. I would highly recommend this film to all.

Father = Crusader

[jessi5738 · 10/10 · 30 March 2011]

Unlike most situations in which the mothers act like a crusader for rights in such a sensitive subject, a man stands up prevent other parents from losing their kids to possible sexual offenders and predators.

Mark L is a truck driver who puts his life on pause in order to pursue a law that will protect children.

The film tugs at your emotions.

It's interesting to see this macho man break down and have to pull himself together in order to pass a law nationwide.

Definitely a must see for activists in the fight to make sexual predators and offender laws more stringent.

A heart wrenching tale of a Dad's journey to justice

[adhyaksh98 · 9/10 · 26 February 2017]

An emotional experience of a dad's search for justice, Jessie's Dad is a true story about a dad who lost his daughter to the hands of a criminal, rapist and murderer John Couey. Following Mark Lunsford's biopic, exploring how he became an activist fighting for the juvenile justice. It is hard to look at this documentary and not care for the many families torn apart to the hands of Sex Offenders.

A Great Unbiased Story

[aakashshewakaramani · 9/10 · 22 November 2015]

like what Boaz Dvir has done with the story- instead of trying to put his personal perspective in, he records everything in an unbiased manner- as much as he can. The story itself is very sad, and heartwarming- how far would you go to bring justice, not only to yourself, but to others who may face a similar situation? This is the question that 'Jessie's Dad' answers, and it does so excellently. SPOILER: What I love best about Dvir's film is that it unbiasedly records the twist that takes places at the later stages of the film. Lunsford's views, on what should be considered right and wrong in terms of age and sex, are revealed in regards to his son. Dvir does not state his preference, or present Lunsford as right or wrong. Rather, he just documents the truth, as it should be.