ChicDragon It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

Paynbob It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Guillelmina The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Phillida Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Jesse Green Potential spoilers ahead.This movie does a very good job showcasing what happens to people who die alone - either because of separation from family or because they're the last family member left having died childless and outliving everyone else in the family.With a high degree of realism this movie is not for the faint of heart. It is graphic in some parts, showing the reality of death, presenting the deceased as they actually are, with some of the deceased naked - with one such person showing obvious decomposition after having been dead a while in his apartment. It shows cremations in progress and the processing of the cremains after the cremation is done.In addition to the graphic realism it shows some of the more mundane things that happen - such as the work involved with finding next of kin and disposing of property. I liked seeing the old computer system that the people at the coroner's office used at the time - it made me nostalgic for the days when people used dumb terminals to do their work and not tablets or other devices with the latest GUIs.If you feel able to handle the graphic realism of the film I would highly recommend seeing it. It shows how some people die without friends or family to take care of them afterwards, and the work that goes along with such passings.

cgeekwannabe I've come to realize that as I grow older, I become more and more obsessed with the science and business of death. From simple burials to exhumation and sky burials to watching live cremations from Pashupatinath in Nepal, it all fascinates me. And this film is no exception. While the technology is old (2003) the processes and procedures are still relevant and (most of all) important. Obviously these fine folks take their jobs seriously but are able to have a laugh once in a while. I especially enjoyed the part where the investigator was wrapping up a body and talking to her (what I assumed to be) boyfriend and was heard to say "Oh I'm just wrapping up a body" to him on her cell phone. I wondered to myself if they wash out those metal boxes before they are re-used or if they are just left as they are.

runamokprods Disturbing, creepy, sad documentary on how the body and personal effects of those who die without kin are handled by the coroner's office. The lack of music and narration, combined with carefully coldly composed cinematography all add to the disturbing sense of clinical isolation. The images of real dead bodies being discovered, cataloged, and eventually reduced to ash can't help but make one ponder mortality, and how alone we all are in the end. Yet sometimes the air of reserve feels forced, and there's a bit of repetitiveness, despite the short (69 min) running time. Still, a fascinating, macabre, thought provoking film

xakarava I recently saw "A Certain Kind of Death" on Sundance and it literally blew my mind away. It was captivating because this documentary actually makes one appreciate life a lot more."A Certain Kind of Death" explores as to what happens to the unclaimed dead (the deceased with no RECORDED next of kin)when their corpses are now the care of the government (which in this case is LA county). Maybe many people have an idea what happens to the deceased John and Jane Does' of the world but this explores the nitty, gritty details as to what happens. I will not spoil it here or go into too much detail, but there are people whose job it is to take care of the unclaimed dead corpses and to them it's business as usual, but the images from their jobs will stick with you and I have, at least, learned to appreciate my family and most importantly my life after watching this story (in other words, don't take everyday life for granted for you never know....) This isn't a cheery documentary. It does make you think and feel. Some viewers have complained that the people in the film aren't passionate about their jobs. Well, since when processing corpses on a daily basis (mind you, some of these corpses are in pretty AWFUL shape) invokes passion??? This is what essentially happens when you die folks, there's no way around it. Some have pretty mahogany coffins with satin lining, others have 24k gold urns for their ashes, but their are many out there not so fortunate but in the end we all end up the same: ashes to ashes, dust to dust.I highly recommend this film.