NCR: Not Criminally Responsible

NCR: Not Criminally Responsible

NCR: Not Criminally Responsible
| 1 h 39 min
Free
streaming

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Directed by John Kastner, this feature documentary about violence, mental illness, and the rights of victims tells the story of a troubled young man who stabbed a complete stranger 6 times in a crowded shopping mall while gripped by psychosis. Twelve years later, his victim, who miraculously survived, is terrified to learn that he’s out, living in the community under supervision. He’s applying for an absolute discharge, and if he succeeds, he’ll no longer be required to take the anti-psychotic drugs that control his mental illness. With unprecedented access to the patient, the victim, and the mental institution, the film looks at both sides of the debate and puts a human face on the complex ethical issues raised.

This film deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised

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NCR: Not Criminally Responsible, John Kastner, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

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Credits
  • producer
    John Kastner
    Deborah Parks
    Silva Basmajian
  • director
    John Kastner
  • writer
    John Kastner
  • executive producer
    Silva Basmajian
  • production executive
    Mark Starowicz
    Michael Claydon
  • creative head
    Bruce Cowley
  • editor
    Michael Hannan
  • director of photography
    John Westheuser
    Derek Rogers
  • location sound recording
    Doug Kaye
  • composer
    Bruce Fowler
  • associate producer
    Nicole Rogers
  • researcher
    Nicole Rogers
  • additional photography
    John Tran
  • additional sound
    Richard Nault
    Don Stewart
  • location photographer
    Geoff George
  • supervising sound editor
    Stephen Barden
  • recording mixer
    Stephen Barden
  • sound effects editor
    Niall Collins
    Patton Rodrigues
  • dialogue editor
    Ryan Ongara
  • violin
    Bridget Hunt
    Wendy Rose
  • viola
    Kent Teeple
  • cello
    Marie Gélinas
  • music preparation
    Rebecca Pellet
  • music score engineer
    Mike Duncan
  • online editor
    Andrew Mandziuk
  • graphics
    Mark Alberts
  • transcription
    Chris Warren
  • production accountant
    Anne Sinclair
  • production auditor
    Steven Friedman
  • entertainment lawyer
    Gigi Morin
    Iain MacKinnon
  • publicity
    Jennifer Mair
    David McCaughna
  • production insurance
    Judy Heron
  • production supervisor
    Mark Wilson
  • centre administrator
    Josiah Rothenberg
  • production coordinator
    Rachel Punwassie
  • technical coordinator
    Marcus Matyas
  • consultant
    Lisa Ramshaw
    Shawn White
    Hy Bloom
 See also
Social Issues
Law and Crime
Psychology and Psychiatry
All subjects
Mental Health
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Add a new comment
  • None

    Very moving.

    None, 27 Oct 2021
  • whoamI

    Such a beautiful documentary which evoked such a wide variety of emotions. I went from feeling sorry for Sean to hating him to admiring him. It takes a big person to apologize for such an act, and it takes an even bigger person to accept that apology. The Bouvier family showed incredible understanding and grace which I don't often see in people who have no first-hand experience with mental illness. I had a niece with bipolar - she suffered for 14 years before taking her own life; it was just too painful for her to continue living. I am happy to see Sean fighting for his life.

    whoamI, 26 May 2017
  • sjeffery

    Saw the film at the Ottawa Public Library last night and met the family. Wow, what a story of the lost being found and the long journey through faith to forgiveness by a family broken by a crime. Thank you John Kastner! Awesome work.

    sjeffery, 4 Mar 2014
  • kruscito

    @mauricejosephkelliher - the film will be released today!

    kruscito, 5 Nov 2013
  • mauricejosephkelliher

    When will this be available? [I clicked on 'watch movie' only to be told it is 'coming soon'.]. Date please??

    mauricejosephkelliher, 3 Nov 2013
  • Li54

    I have been waiting to see this for months! It was well worth the wait. Well-written, well-produced and very courageously presented by all who participated. My first response -- having just finished watching -- is that everyone involved is a victim. Sean is a victim of his upbringing and those who could have perhaps helped in time to prevent the illness from robbing him of his faculties. Catherine and her family are victims of ghastly circumstance. All are examples of exemplary and inspiring healing and rehabilitation. Thank you.

    Li54, 18 Oct 2013
  • wrikent2500

    CBC Documentary Channel is airing it in the next few days

    wrikent2500, 3 Oct 2013
  • sandi9876

    I am REALLY looking forward to this film. I heard about it on CBC radio this morning. I work in a related field- and plan to watch this and share it with my coworkers. I will be watching for information about when and where it will be available for viewing.

    sandi9876, 25 Apr 2013

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