Every week, Netflix drops at least two new documentaries. This week, we have Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case now streaming on the platform.
While the documentary is obviously based on a true story, it is inspired by the book “Elegy for Detectives” by Shoji Takao.
The total duration of Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case is eighty minutes and the film sheds light on what led the investigators to solve the crime. Or, was it really solved?
Read my review to learn more.
Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case Synopsis
It is a documentary surrounding the disappearance of Lucie Blackman, a 21-year-old British woman. Lucie went missing on July 1 2000 in Tokyo, where she worked as a hostess in a nightclub.
The mystery behind her disappearance took around seven months to reveal. Don’t forget to visit the FAQs section of my review to know more about the Lucie Blackman case.
The documentary is directed by Hyoe Yamamoto and produced by Deborah Barillas.
What Works for Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case?
The documentary takes a fast-paced approach, engaging viewers with its chilling screenplay and captivating background score, ensuring it never becomes dull or tedious.
It offers insightful glimpses into Lucie’s family’s inner turmoil, particularly her father’s remarkable composure amidst the worst ordeal of his life.
The interviews with the detectives stand out for their natural and genuine demeanor, possibly a result of the politeness of Japanese people or the specific cops’ nature.
The calm and composed answers they provide add authenticity to the documentary’s narrative.
Through Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case, viewers experience a rollercoaster of emotions, as they witness a real-life case unfold before their eyes, invoking feelings of trepidation and captivation.
The documentary not only recounts the events of Lucie’s disappearance but also raises questions about whether the crime was truly solved.
This aspect keeps the audience engaged, pondering the mysteries surrounding the case.
The storytelling skillfully captures the complexity and depth of the investigation, highlighting the challenges faced by the authorities in bringing justice to Lucie and her family.
As Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case sheds light on the harrowing journey of finding the truth, it also addresses broader issues regarding the safety of foreign workers, especially those involved in the hostess industry in Japan.
The film serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of individuals in such environments and the importance of ensuring their protection and well-being.
What Doesn’t Work for Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case?
There is nothing off about the documentary.
Should You Stream or Skip Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case?
Overall, the documentary proves to be a compelling and informative watch, striking a balance between unraveling the facts of the case and paying tribute to Lucie Blackman’s memory.
I would recommend you give it a go.
FAQs about the real Lucie Blackman Case
Q: Who was Lucie Blackman, and what happened to her?
A: Lucie Blackman was a 21-year-old British woman who disappeared on July 1, 2000, while working as a hostess in a nightclub in Tokyo, Japan.
The case was internationally discussed and even the UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, met the Japanese PM and appealed to him to solve the case on priority.
Lucie’s remains were later discovered, leading to a high-profile investigation and trial.
Q: What was the duration of the investigation to find the suspect in Lucie Blackman’s disappearance?
A: The investigation into Lucie Blackman’s disappearance took around seven months before the primary suspect, Joji Obara, was identified and arrested.
Obara was eventually connected to several crimes, including the ghastly drugging and rape of other women.
Q: Was Joji Obara convicted of Lucie Blackman’s murder?
A: While Joji Obara was found guilty of other crimes, including dismembering Lucie’s body, he was not convicted of her murder due to a lack of conclusive evidence.
However, he received a life sentence for his other offenses.
Q: What impact did the case have on discussions about safety and foreign workers in Japan?
A: The Lucie Blackman case brought significant attention to issues surrounding the safety of foreign workers, particularly those involved in the hostess industry in Japan.
It raised awareness about the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in such environments and sparked discussions about worker rights and protection.
Q: How did Lucie’s family react to her disappearance and the subsequent investigation?
A: Lucie’s family was devastated by her disappearance and showed immense strength throughout the investigation.
The documentary captures the inner turmoil of Lucie’s father, who remained remarkably composed despite the heart-wrenching circumstances.
Q: Was the Lucie Blackman case ever fully resolved, or are there lingering mysteries?
A: The case remains somewhat ambiguous, and some questions about the events leading up to Lucie’s death and the exact circumstances remain unanswered.
The documentary leaves room for viewers to contemplate whether justice was truly served, contributing to the enigmatic appeal of the case.
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