KSL Movie Show review: ‘American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden’ is a masterpiece

Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.

I know this is a bit out of the norm, since we usually review a couple of theatrical releases each week. Unfortunately, this particular week features a stylized existential psychotic breakdown featuring the artist known as “The Weeknd” and yet one more “Final Destination” movie (this is the sixth) where Death comes after first responders, which seemed pretty darn rude, so here we are.

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This particular documentary was supposed to come out in mid-March, but Netflix told me they had to make some scheduling changes, so it was delayed until now. And may I say, it was worth the wait, as it might be one of the most comprehensive examinations of 9/11 and Osama bin Laden that I’ve ever seen.

Never-been-seen visuals

This documentary is broken into three parts — the first deals with the attack itself and some historical background. The second covers the exhaustive search by the intelligence community to find bin Laden. The third part focuses on the decision to go into Pakistan, even though there was no certainty that he was actually there at the compound.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20-plus years since the Twin Towers came down, the destruction at the Pentagon, and the United 93 heroes who did not stand idly by and thwarted the efforts to take out another target. Some of the visuals have not been seen before and they are devastating to relive these tragic events.

Also included are a number of CIA analysts, who felt like they had let the country down and would not rest until justice was served. We also see and hear from members of Seal Team Six, who raided the compound and took out bin Laden.

A daring raid to capture bin Laden

From the perspective of the Obama Administration, we see all these anxious faces in the White House situation room, as at one point, they waited an agonizing twenty minutes as the Seal Team entered the compound with no communication to the outside. The blending of all of these factors, the months of searching, the weeks of preparing – all came down to this one daring raid.

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If I may suggest, this is an historical masterpiece that should be studied in classrooms and living rooms across this country. This is a part of American history that all should learn, understand and appreciate.

I will be watching this every September 11th to remind myself and my family about how this all went down and those people that suffered and sacrificed so much. It brought tears to my eyes to see the thousands that gathered at Lafayette Park (across from the White House) after all was said and done, chanting U-S-A and shouting for joy. Job well done.

AMERICAN MANHUNT: OSAMA BIN LADEN (A) TV-MA for disturbing images, profanity and violence. This is a three-part Netflix documentary in the American Manhunt series, directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan. Part one – 59 min. Part two – 43 min. Part three – 81 min.

The KSL Movie Show with Andy Farnsworth and Steve Salles airs Fridays on KSL NewsRadio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow the show on Facebook, and join The KSL Movie Show Club for exclusive perks by texting MOVIE to 57500. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Message frequency varies.