At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal

A superb film, meticulous in explaining how a pedophile operated, and how enablers in positions of high responsibility allowed him to victimize hundreds of people for about two decades. We see from this film what a blessing it is that courtroom trials are routinely videotaped for the historic record. The structure of the film is excellent, first introducing us at proper length to the joys of athleticism and the commitment required, and then how the predator won the trust a vulnerable population, culminating in the courtroom drama, the victim impact statements especially. In contrast to a perpetrator who was entirely self-interested and self-involved, this movie puts the victims front and center - it is their story. The picture does not overly advocate for them (the facts do that), it simply gives them a voice, after decades in which they were not listened to, or were not believed, or were not protected. Finally, it's a constructive report: We come away knowing pretty much exactly what we all must do - as individuals and institutions - to prevent future life-long injury to each other, in this case to one of the many acutely vulnerable groups in our community.

Nassar speaking in his letter about scorned women is the essence of the phenomenon: if men can't have their way with women/girls, then the latter will act out of scorn. Men are never guilty. At the most, they are sick. There's always an excuse. But this is inexcusable. And a lot of- apparently- decent people will support this type of attitude; and will speak in favour of the abusers, either knowingly or unknowingly. And victims are gaslighted into silence. Others don't even realize the abuse.Do you know where I happened to notice a rather similar way of inappropriately touching? In gyms, where some personal trainers tend to have too much physical contact with their female clients. This film should be shown in all schools, so girls become aware of what is/isn't acceptable and where the line must be drawn, before it's too late.All those girls put up a strong smile, but how much has it cost them? Watch again, please, at 1:17:00, the expression on the face of the former president of MSU- a woman- when asked about compensations: " ... includes past expenses." with that condescending raised brow, as if to say: "Yeah, yeah, I know it's all about money..." Not all the money in the world can ever compensate the harm that predator did, with the ample complicity of his milieu. The father who committed suicide, I get it. The father who lunged at Nassar in Court, I get that too. What I don't get is how the Nassar specimen escaped any physical abuse, how no one spit him in the face- at least. I hope he'll get his due in prison, though. I also hope that all the others who stand trial will get what they deserve. In this appalling instance, the victims are the only ones whose innocence cannot be denied.

There's impact in numbers and that's apparent here even when it shouldn't be. It was nauseating listening to the things Nassar did to these young women-but I found it incredibly moving how the voice of one gave voice to many. I do hope that the changes that have been set in motion actually pan out and real change can be made. As a documentary, this was well put together and the emotional beats are placed appropriately for the subject matter. If there's one thing I got from this that I hope others do as well, is that we need to do better when it comes to listening and offering support to people who place their trust in us and come forward.

First I must say I am a male , and can not imagine what these women have gone through. I will keep it short, but the women who came forward and participated in this are amazing. This guy Larry Nasser is a bully and disgrace to the human race. This film was unbelievable and raw. It did not hold back or hide any organization above the other. They were all guilty . From the USAG to MSU and the youth groups. They all hid the truth about this monster. The dominos continue to fall on this earth shattering story, and more and more people and organizations are going down, and rightfully so. Laws were passed and it seems that the entire sport is going through a total reformation. This is a must watch and god bless the victims of this monster and all his "co defendants" . They are all getting what they deserve.

Incredible eye opening documentary. Really well done. Makes you so proud of the girls who stood up there and addressed him and the court. Brought me to tears.