Scout's Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America

Even though I personally had a positive experience with Boy Scouts sans a few racist leaders these revelations are extremely upsetting. Is there a lawsuit for victims of racism?? The documentary did a good job finding victims to share their horrible experiences and a few good investigating teams it would have been great to feature more opposing viewpoints. Also to feature positive aspects of scouting. Many troops were completely different from each other! I do hope all of the victims are receiving extensive therapy and support! And whatever criminal men are locked up for life! Nasty! Compensation should be hefty!

Brian Knappenberger is like a dog with a bone when it comes to documentary filmmaking. He is not afraid to ask the right questions of the right people and doesn't let anything keep him from telling the story authentically. As a result, we are left with an anger inducing, no holds barred dose of reality as it pertains to the Boy Scouts of America and their history of protecting their image at the expense of thousands of boys who were subjected to criminal rape at the hands of scout leaders, employees, volunteers and others associated with scouting. Interviews with survivors are sad but it's empowering that they are given a platform to tell their stories. Really an excellent film.

A powerful ninety minute documentary detailing the systemic abuse and subsequent cover ups that went on for decades inside the scouts.

I watched this from the point of view of being a boy scout many years back, a time for me which was one of learning, socialising and fun, you can only imagine the horrors faced by these men.

Some incredibly powerful testimonies from victims, and input from those that were involved in The Scouts also, several conflicts in accounts, very interesting.

If you're able to get through this without sobbing, feeling shocked, or feeling positively sick in your stomach, then I'd argue that something is maybe a little wrong.

It's well made, but one criticism I have, is the deliberate attempt to add a bit of antagonism between to of the interviewees, I didn't think it was necessary given the harrowing topic.

It's an outrageous story, genuinely sickening, it makes you wonder how many other organisations were as rotten at their core.

8/10.

The movie "Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America" is a documentary that deals with unsettling allegations of sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The documentary provides a platform for survivors to share their harrowing experiences. Very similar to the documentary "Procession", which explores sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, the director, in this case, Brian Knappenberger embarks on a journey to interview lawyers, journalists, victims of sexual abuse within the Scouts, and senior leaders of the Scouts. This is done to construct a comprehensive view of the decades-long sexual abuse perpetrated against young Boy Scouts.

The most alarming aspect is that the leadership of The Boy Scouts of America was reportedly aware of all the cases. Yet, they seemingly prioritized financial power and chose to "sweep the issues under the carpet". This raises serious questions about the organization's commitment to the safety and well-being of its members.

At times, the documentary tends to be sensational, with a significant number of interviews with young boys who have suffered molestation. There's a sense of an unfinished task. It gives the impression that the movie may not have fully delved into the issues it aimed to tackle.

This is a crucial watch for everyone, and probably a good argument to encourage Netflix to create a free catalogue, where they make their most important and informative documentaries available for public access.

If there is a child in your life you care about and if you want to understand how pervasive abuse is, then please watch Scout's Honour. It is an especially vital watch for parent/carers to boys, so that we can better understand what stops boys and men from reporting their abuse. There was a lot of harrowing testimony - that detailed how boys were targeted, the impact abuse had on their lives and how they were rendered silence by what happened to them.

I could write an essay as to what makes this programme essential, but please just watch it. I cried often, and I am also glad a man like Detective Michael Johnson exists. I am also very proud of the men who shared their experiences with us, they are helping a lot of other children and adults by doing this.