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Knife Skills (2017)
Directed by Thomas Lennon
A businessman attempts to open a high-end French restaurant while employing a staff made up almost entirely of ex-convicts.
This is another one of the Oscar nominees for Best Documentary Short Subject. The film was directed by Oscar winner Thomas Lennon (The Blood of Yingzhou District). The short focuses on skills taught to recently released convicts in an effort to give them better opportunities.
This is an interesting film that highlights the struggles facing ex-convicts as they re-enter society and the workforce. This documentary does a good job avoiding judgment and allowing the people to tell their own stories. There is a level of honesty in this one that is important to see. The good will of the owners is balanced by their high standards and the stress of the restaurant industry. The strength of the film comes from the candid interviews given by a number of the people involved.
This is a great examination of one small group and their efforts to help those in their community. This includes the successes and failures of the people involved. If you’re interested in documentaries, you should check this one out. I would also suggest this one to people who want to see how business and community can come together. I give this one 4 out of 5 stars.
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 40 Minutes
Did You See That One? 
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