Villisca: Living with a Mystery

I've been following this film's progress since I first read about it in June of 2002. I got a chance to see it last October and I was not disappointed. It's really a wonderful film. From the first time I read about the tragedy until I saw the documentary, I was struck with the care that the filmmakers took to remain both faithful to the story and respectful of the people of Villisca, Iowa. Their aim was to try to understand, not exploit, the horrible atrocity that occurred in the once peaceful town nearly 100 years ago. There are many twists and turns and various characters involved and each is depicted in the film in such a way that makes it very easy to understand and follow the story. It's astounding that the deep wound that was inflicted upon Villisca in 1912 is still felt as sharply today. I was also very impressed with the historian, Dr. Epperly, who has diligently been researching this crime for 50 years now! Thank God he and the Rundles found each other and could work together to bring the story to light of what happened in Villisca so long ago.

I think this is a very well done documentary and I highly recommend it!

Villisca is an exceptional exploration of the ills faced by communities which have not dealt with issues directly or compassionately. In light of Integral Theory, Villisca offers a keen and mature investigation of the effects that violence has on communities. Although a historic piece dating from the Villisca ax murders of 1912, Villisca's themes are equally or possibly more poignant today in communities across America that are faced with similar issues that divide and destroy small towns and big cities alike.

This film offers an intelligent approach to sensitively evaluating the validity of varied perspectives. Furthermore, it suggests powerful and transformative measures for individuals and communities alike to embrace into broader programs of forgiveness and healing.

Villisca is a film to be watched multiple times and studied for its depth of content and broad applications on many avenues of life. My husband Jeff and I highly recommend it!

Absolutely engaging! I wanted to know more and more as the filmmakers went through the story. The pacing of the movie -- historical photos and details, interviews of residents who remember the murders and their impact at the time, footage of the town as it is today were blended to tell the unfolding story in just the right amounts. Documentarian Ken Burns made the Civil War so accessible. His extensive use of old photos along with interviews of knowledgeable experts and his storytelling ability, capture the essence of his subject in a humanistic way. Kelly and Tammy Rundle captured that same feeling in their film. Like Ken Burns, the Rundle's use of old photos and extensive interviews gave me more access to the people who lived in the town at the time. The attention to detail, accuracy, use of animation to take the viewer into the home and town all make this film credible and engaging. Kelly and Tammy Rundle have done a great job!

This film is a documentary focusing on the June 1912 Villisca, Iowa axe murders that killed eight people. The movie tells the story of the crime itself, the suspects, the attempts at solving the crime and the lasting effects this heinous act had on the small town of Villisca. Townspeople, criminal experts and Villisca "buffs" are interviewed. Suspects are presented and theories given, but the mystery goes on....

An enjoyable movie for crime buffs and historians - very well presented. You don't have to know about the crime in advance to understand and enjoy the movie. Since it is a documentary, it is full of still photos, but nothing squeamish like the subject might suggest.

I live near Villisca and grew up hearing the stories and theories concerning this horrible crime which still persist today in books, discussions and the memories of those few who still remember when it happened. Now the house is a museum for the macabre crime. The Rundles did such a great job in the documentary so long in the making. The meticulous attention to not just the crime but to the town and people affected was lovingly crafted. I highly recommend this documentary as both a great outlet for crime and history buffs and for those who appreciate that this can be presented without forgetting the human factor.