There have been many documentaries that I have seen in which it appeared that the law was on the wrong side of the fence - The Thin Blue Line and Paradise Lost come to mind first and foremost. But this is the first film that had me seething with anger after I saw it. It seems blatantly clear to me from the evidence presented in this film that what happened at Waco was at the very least an unprofessional and sloppy mess on the part of the FBI and AFI, and at the very worst an act of murder. Like most people, when the siege at Waco was occurring I assumed that David Koresh was a completely evil madman who was leading a violent cult. After seeing this, I think that Koresh was more likely a slightly unbalanced and confused guy who inadvertently caught the attention of the U. S. government through his eccentric actions. Sure, there were lots of weapons at the Branch Davidian compound. But none of it was illegal. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see the video footage of the people inside the compound, all of them seeming to be very nice and harmless. And it was angering to see the callous testimony of the men in charge of the government forces on the Waco site, the clueless testimony of Janet Reno, and the partisan defense of the attack on Waco, a defense led by a few of the committee Democrats. Standing out most in my mind was NY representative and current U. S. senator from NY Charles Schumer. I voted for the man when I lived in NY state - I'm a Democrat, pretty left-leaning too. After seeing his actions on this committee, I wish I could go back in time and vote for D'Amato instead! For anyone remotely interested in the government, this is a very crucial film, a must see. I even think this should be shown in classes - it's that important.
37 Reviews
Very well made, eye-opening look at the Waco standoff
goom11 October 1999
Waco: Rules of Engagement does a very good job of not drawing conclusions for its viewers. It simply presents interviews, footage from the standoff, footage of the Congressional hearings, phone conversations, expert testimony, etc. and allows you to draw your own conclusion.
I hardly intend to imply that the data presented here was done with 100% objectivity but it is very convincing. You won't like Koresh any more after you see this than you did before, but I tend to think that you will come to believe, as I now do, there is much that we were not told about what happened before and during the standoff.
I hardly intend to imply that the data presented here was done with 100% objectivity but it is very convincing. You won't like Koresh any more after you see this than you did before, but I tend to think that you will come to believe, as I now do, there is much that we were not told about what happened before and during the standoff.
Amazing documentary
supersocket73 February 2006
When I began watching I thought I was watching some pro-Koresh amateur documentary. However, I had never seen 3/4 of the footage they used. They interviewed people saying that the FBI/ATF instigated all these things, which sounded so far fetched, but then followed in up with FBI video and testimony. I was amazed. The documentary followed up with the senate investigation after the fire, and after seeing the interview and video footage you will be shocked at how the Senate and Attorney General turn their backs on Davidians basically to cover up the aggression by the FBI/ATF. If you start watching this you must finish it. Otherwise you will think it is propaganda of something like that.
Finding out the truth about Waco is quite grey.
JoenJelsted1 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
After watching "Waco: The Rules of Engagement" I was just sitting in disbelief of what I was witness to. A big cover up by the FBI, a massacre by gung-ho/trigger happy government agents? I clearly remember the Waco standoff, I was 17 years old at the time and watched it all on CNN. I remembered reflecting about all the children as I watched the Mount Camel compound burn in April 1993. I remember feeling sorry for the children, but clearly felt that it was the fault of their evil leader David Koresh and the other Davidians. Gazecki's film shows clearly and beyond doubt, even though it is biased, that the FBI lied over and over again. I think that this film was a big contributor to the reopening of a new investigation of the incident in 1999. The outcome of this new investigation was in some sense predictable, the judgement relied on fact that was just as grey as the facts that the Davidians presented. I was very disappointed about the verdict, because as far as I know it didn't take into account all the lying, misinformation and evidence cover-up by the FBI and other officials. Why have no one be prosecuted for hampering the work of the Texas Rangers investigators? Why were they allowed to contaminate the crime scene and bulldoze the compound shortly after the incident? These are questions that I haven't been given answers to by the government. Most importantly, what about the children? In this new investigation I haven't been informed about who was responsible for spraying the CS flammable tear-gas into a compound with many hazards for igniting this gas and I haven't found any answer to whether the children's muscles contracted due to the effects of the gas, while they were alive. If they did, I would surely think that the Janet Reno or who ever was in charge of the raid should be indicted for mass-homicide or manslaughter. The question that was raised by Gazecki, but not mentioned is; Was is a direct plan for the people in charge and their tanks to cut holes and burn the building down with intent? (a plan that would have been accomplished with 112% efficacy) or were the officials in charge so incompetent, that their were unaware of the consequence of their actions? Both are equally frightening. Even if the Davidians set fire to the compound, the officials in charge surely provided them with the opportunity to do the job. If the officials in charge knew, as they claimed, that the Davidians would set fire to the compound, why the f did the tanks cut all the holes in the building making it into a furnace and why didn't they have plans to deal with the fire that they knew would occur? Dark questions that still won't go away The final and most relevant issue of this film, is the way that the Davidians are demonized by the government through the media, who just feeds it in to the public. I clearly remember the resentment I felt for the evil Davidians that I saw on CNN in 1993. Now that I'm older I can see a clear line of communication coming out of the government every time they are gearing up for a massacre of civilians along with the intended targets. Demonizing people with words like; "they have different unlawful values then us" "they don't enjoy freedom" and "they are a threat to our freedoms and way of life" makes them so much easier to kill.
A Must See!
JEVizzusi16 October 2002
I'm neither a Lawyer or a Law Enforcement Officer but as a fellow Filmmaker I must recommend this Documentary for many reasons. First off, a government controlled press kept America briefed during the so-called seige. The FBI & ATF spun the Korish Story into making us believe he was out of control and a cop killer. My take is that Korish had started to believe too much of his own preachings and lost control of his flock and p***ed off City Officials in WACO, Texas... leading to possible gun possession charges but to come down on the guy like they did is a dark day I'll never forget. This Doc from lots of footage from a WACO TV Station shows our Government in a post Ruby Ridge environment again making up its own "Rules" to "Engage" the so-called enemy, in this case mainly Women & Children. The fire that develops and finalizes the case for Janet Reno is as disgusting as the reality of the hundreds of chard remains of innocent christians that couldn't find their way. For any of us Americans that think that Law Enforcement is set up to work within the laws better think twice after WACO and hopefully this will be a lesson for all to learn from so it won't ever happen again.
Think you know all about the Waco standoff? Think again!
greg-2436 April 2000
Absolute must see documentary for anyone interested in getting to the bottom of this story. Told with unflinching eye and with gripping style. If you think conspiracy theories are for paranoid disturbed people, this could change your mind. Something for you feds too: A good model for government coverups! If you like your news all tidy and easy to consume this is not for you.
This movie needs to be shown in every high school class
live_and_direct_at_network2315 September 2003
If you want to see real evidence of what a misguided and unchecked government can do to "un-popular" people, this movie provides it. Read what some people are saying about the "Patriot Act" passed after 9/11 and then watch this movie. Is it worth it? Do we really want to give away our freedoms to these people? Regardless of what you saw on TV, you are not fully informed until you watch this movie. I apologize for quoting another reviewer, but it needs repeating: Roger Ebert of Siskel & Ebert said, "What's interesting is if you're looking for people who are unbalanced zealots... you don't find them among the Branch Davidians, you find them among the FBI and the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; those are the people in this movie who deserve to be feared, I think." I think every person responsible for 9/11 needs to be brought to justice, but I think the government has not shown a history of honoring it's duty to protect people's rights, and this movie proves it in dramatic fashion.
One of the Best Documentaries!!
V Hanna25 August 1999
Warning: Spoilers
Rules of Engagement is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. It is well constructed, superbly pieced together, and provides excellent footage to back up the assertions that it takes on. The movie's best quality is that it is not based on being sympathetic to the Dividians as much as it enlightens the audience to the blatant governmental mistakes and lies that surrounded the entire situation. I'm left with feelings of disturbing anxiety and extreme anger over the way that the government handled and then covered up a tragedy of this magnitude. The cover up is what left me really fuming. It is one thing to make a mistake in an operation and admit guilt, but another to look the American people squarely in the eye and lie to them. I guess it shouldn't surprise me with the history of our beloved country that has seen the JFK assassination, the Vietnam War, and other significant events that smell so bad of a cover up that you have to hold your nose every time you drive through Washington D. C. The footage from an airplane with special heat sensing technology and the autopsies on some of the bodies clearly show that the FBI is lying to the public. One of the things that I try to stay aware of when watching a documentary such as this is that I am usually only receiving testimony from one point of view. But again, that is without a doubt one of the brilliant successes of Rules of Engagement. It presents its evidence in such a concluding fashion that even if you were presented with statements from the FBI how could you really believe them. I remember clearly when the standoff was taking place the way the media presented the Dividians as this crazed group of cult rebels with David Koresh, the self professed reborn Jesus Christ, as their leader. None of this was truly factual but rather story spun from bits and pieces of facts. They were simply standing up for there rights to bear arms and practice their religion as American Citizens. If you were the ATF and you wanted to search the compound is attacking the building with a unit of men who are armed with rifles and bullet proof suits the way to go about doing it? If you are the FBI why engage in psychological warfare and offer little in actual negotiation to help solve the situation? Why pour gallons of harmful gas if you want to save children? Why open large holes within the compound structure when you know the possibility of starting a fire? Why lie about not firing weapons when it can be clearly shown on video? Unless. Unless you wanted to see the situation end up the way it did. The scene at the end when the Dividians Star of David flag blew off the flagpole into the fire and the ATF's was shortly thereafter raised up was an emotional climatic scene that made my head shake in disgust and my stomach turn uncontrollably. The filmmaker William Gazecki deserves one my highest congratulations. It takes a lot of guts to make a movie like this and I am sure there have been many repercussions from the government for it as well. Because of people like him the public can be shown real truth rather than crap that gets filtered through a media that presents information that can hardly be considered genuine. When I think back to how I felt at the time toward the Dividians because of the media's representation of David Koresh and how I felt after seeing this movie it is truly amazing. It reminds me of the line from the bible of a man who was healed by Jesus and asked by the elders how it happened "before I was blind but now I can see" he kept telling them. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. You may have to look for it but it is truly something special.
Stick to the scenario.
rmax30482330 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
There's no reason to have more sympathy for Koresh and the Branch Davidians than for any other sect -- or any less, for that matter. These sects are like populations through which an altruistic gene has spread -- all love and self sacrifice -- and then there appears a mutant defector who has the selfishness gene and subverts the population. Christianity led to the Medicis; communism led to Stalin; "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite" wound up with Napoleon; and The People's Temple gave us Jim Jones.
Koresh seems to have done what so many charismatic leaders have done before and after him. He speaks smoothly, he reasons intuitively, he flatters his flock, and somehow or other he emerges as the guy who can have sex with anybody he wants, just like Father Divine, Jim Jones, or hundreds of others. Not to say that he's a fraud. He may very well genuinely believe in what he preaches. He may really think that he is a conduit for God's messages and that he will live forever. All it takes is a slightly imbalanced mind.
It's a pretty good documentary and gives us the view from both sides of this preposterous conflict. Actors "reenact" the events in Waco, although there are interviews and inserts of the "real people" involved. (These reenactments are becoming so common that they may be our new version of the inexpensive B feature.) Even taking into account the sincerity of the Davidians' religious beliefs, the sect doesn't come across as looking in any way particularly admirable. Koresh is boffing everybody's wife and an underage girl or two and getting them proudly pregnant. Sounds bad, but so what? The human family is a malleable thing and until the globalization of Western values polygyny (multiple wives) was more common than monogamy. We can disapprove if we like but the sect was hardly a danger to society. Unlike its fearful collection of guns, its social structure deserves a collective shrug.
Instead the might of the federal government was brought down on the sect members and resulted in several deaths on the side of law enforcement and many deaths, including children, on the part of the sect members.
Armored vehicles rolled around the compound. Annoying music was blasted towards them. Koresh agreed to surrender, then backed down, then released some of the children, and no one seemed to know how the scenario would play out. A team of negotiators were making some progress in dividing the group but another FBI team, trained to attack, interrupted the negotiations and did what they were trained to do and the results brought the stand-off to a satisfying climax on TV.
Indeed, there were times when the incident seemed to be largely media driven. Reneging on a promise is anticlimactic. It ruins the dramatic scenario we think real events should adhere to. If the other side doesn't come across, you force them to. (This is known as "first-order change" in counseling circles.) Janet Reno's comment on the conflict was, "We couldn't wait forever." Why not? Why not deescalate, remove the tanks, isolate the compound, leave behind a working team of FBI negotiators and an armed emergency force, and just wait? Because the media would stop covering it? Because the public would be disappointed at the lack of closure? That seems to have been part of the motive for the attack.
People who don't think "the cult brought it on themselves and deserved what they got" are liable to think "Janet Reno mismanaged the affair." But the problems illustrated in this documentary don't belong to just Koresh or Reno or the federal government. They are part of American national character. We are a "can do" nation, much more than a "can think" nation. Talking to an adversary is a sign of weakness. We "negotiate from strength." Or, as John Wayne might have put it, "Talkin' words is fer wimmin." We can see this psychological dynamic at work on the world stage today as we demolish other cultures in order to democratize them.
As it turned out, the initial problem was to separate the sect members from their gun collection. And we good people certainly managed to do that.
Koresh seems to have done what so many charismatic leaders have done before and after him. He speaks smoothly, he reasons intuitively, he flatters his flock, and somehow or other he emerges as the guy who can have sex with anybody he wants, just like Father Divine, Jim Jones, or hundreds of others. Not to say that he's a fraud. He may very well genuinely believe in what he preaches. He may really think that he is a conduit for God's messages and that he will live forever. All it takes is a slightly imbalanced mind.
It's a pretty good documentary and gives us the view from both sides of this preposterous conflict. Actors "reenact" the events in Waco, although there are interviews and inserts of the "real people" involved. (These reenactments are becoming so common that they may be our new version of the inexpensive B feature.) Even taking into account the sincerity of the Davidians' religious beliefs, the sect doesn't come across as looking in any way particularly admirable. Koresh is boffing everybody's wife and an underage girl or two and getting them proudly pregnant. Sounds bad, but so what? The human family is a malleable thing and until the globalization of Western values polygyny (multiple wives) was more common than monogamy. We can disapprove if we like but the sect was hardly a danger to society. Unlike its fearful collection of guns, its social structure deserves a collective shrug.
Instead the might of the federal government was brought down on the sect members and resulted in several deaths on the side of law enforcement and many deaths, including children, on the part of the sect members.
Armored vehicles rolled around the compound. Annoying music was blasted towards them. Koresh agreed to surrender, then backed down, then released some of the children, and no one seemed to know how the scenario would play out. A team of negotiators were making some progress in dividing the group but another FBI team, trained to attack, interrupted the negotiations and did what they were trained to do and the results brought the stand-off to a satisfying climax on TV.
Indeed, there were times when the incident seemed to be largely media driven. Reneging on a promise is anticlimactic. It ruins the dramatic scenario we think real events should adhere to. If the other side doesn't come across, you force them to. (This is known as "first-order change" in counseling circles.) Janet Reno's comment on the conflict was, "We couldn't wait forever." Why not? Why not deescalate, remove the tanks, isolate the compound, leave behind a working team of FBI negotiators and an armed emergency force, and just wait? Because the media would stop covering it? Because the public would be disappointed at the lack of closure? That seems to have been part of the motive for the attack.
People who don't think "the cult brought it on themselves and deserved what they got" are liable to think "Janet Reno mismanaged the affair." But the problems illustrated in this documentary don't belong to just Koresh or Reno or the federal government. They are part of American national character. We are a "can do" nation, much more than a "can think" nation. Talking to an adversary is a sign of weakness. We "negotiate from strength." Or, as John Wayne might have put it, "Talkin' words is fer wimmin." We can see this psychological dynamic at work on the world stage today as we demolish other cultures in order to democratize them.
As it turned out, the initial problem was to separate the sect members from their gun collection. And we good people certainly managed to do that.
All Americans should see this film.
youroldpaljim16 March 2002
If you value your freedom!
I first got seriously interested in The Branch Davidian debacle after reading an article in UK journal "The Fortean Times." Wanting to learn more, I rented this documentary and after watching it, I was stunned at what I saw. This film peaked my interest in the subject and I have read several books on the subject since then. This film is a must see for people who only know the facts as reported in the so called "mainstream" media. The baldfaced lies, double talk, and contradictory statements made by officials and politicians shown in this film will make you think twice about calling people who question the governments actions in this fiasco "nuts" "loonies" and "kooks."
Whats scary is that I know some people who consider themselves open minded "intellectuals" and freedom loving "liberals" who are still convinced that the government did the right thing at Waco and refuse to watch this film or read any of the books on the subject. They continue to insist its not worth their time because its all propaganda from gun loving, Clinton hating, religious fanatic,right wing anarchist nuts. One publication from an organization comprised of many so called "great minds" that claims to be dedicated to promoting "reason","common sense" and "rationalism" condemned the film claiming it would poison peoples minds and strongly suggested this film should be suppressed. They even hinted the Davidians had it coming. I won't mention its name since I'm a coward. If you are one of those reading this (of course you probably would not be reading this anyway), I can only say its a shame you won't open your mind.
I first got seriously interested in The Branch Davidian debacle after reading an article in UK journal "The Fortean Times." Wanting to learn more, I rented this documentary and after watching it, I was stunned at what I saw. This film peaked my interest in the subject and I have read several books on the subject since then. This film is a must see for people who only know the facts as reported in the so called "mainstream" media. The baldfaced lies, double talk, and contradictory statements made by officials and politicians shown in this film will make you think twice about calling people who question the governments actions in this fiasco "nuts" "loonies" and "kooks."
Whats scary is that I know some people who consider themselves open minded "intellectuals" and freedom loving "liberals" who are still convinced that the government did the right thing at Waco and refuse to watch this film or read any of the books on the subject. They continue to insist its not worth their time because its all propaganda from gun loving, Clinton hating, religious fanatic,right wing anarchist nuts. One publication from an organization comprised of many so called "great minds" that claims to be dedicated to promoting "reason","common sense" and "rationalism" condemned the film claiming it would poison peoples minds and strongly suggested this film should be suppressed. They even hinted the Davidians had it coming. I won't mention its name since I'm a coward. If you are one of those reading this (of course you probably would not be reading this anyway), I can only say its a shame you won't open your mind.
An American Tragedy
Uriah4313 April 2015
After a 51-day siege, FBI agents decided to pump tear gas into the Branch Davidian compound in Waco to flush out the people inside the building. What nobody counted on was that this action resulted in a fire which quickly consumed all those taking refuge inside. On that note there are several different theories on how the fire actually started with the prevalent opinion being that David Koresh and his followers set it in an attempt to go out in a blaze of glory. This documentary explores the possibility that the fire was set inadvertently by the FBI while they were firing pyrotechnics into a wooden structure that was made even more combustible by the ingredients contained in the tear gas. Although this is certainly an interesting theory it should also be noted that the entire documentary seemed aimed at making the FBI and the ATF the "bad guys" while also attempting to lessen the culpability of David Koresh. Now that's not to say that the FBI or ATF didn't make their share of mistakes as they both definitely botched the initial assault, certain events during the siege and the final plan as well. But sometimes even the best plans go awry and that is definitely what happened in this case. Be that as it may, while I liked this documentary for the most part, I would have much preferred a more even approach without the partisan politics that seemed to trump everything else. Slightly above average.
Horror, the horror...
imseeg26 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Warning: this documentary is not suited for the fainthearted. I wish I hadnt seen some of the scenes at the end, when they showed the burned corpses of the parents and children who were burned alive, while they were under siege by tanks outside.
This documentary shows without a doubt that when you answer any problem, ANY problem with government sanctioned violence, it will eventually breed more violence and manslaughter. If all you have is a hammer, one will try to "solve" any problem by using that hammer.
In this particular case of utmost stupidity the government forces decided to "poke holes" into the building with scared parents and children inside and subsequently launched gasbombs inside, with no escape routes for the people inside. By accident, or by will, (who knows) a fire started and because of the many holes that were poked by tanks into the building the flames spread like wildfire, burning innocent parents and children alive.
This documentary is one of the most horrifying I have ever seen. In Michael Moore's documentary "Bowling for Columbine" the brother of the Oklahoma bomber said that the reason for the Oklahoma bomb attack (which killed hundreds of people) was the government attack on the people of Waco.
The story: A religious sect in Waco is suspected of being armed and dangerous. Instead of negotiating and minimizing possible violence, the government decides to use brute force against a group of families that poses no threat towards an outside army of tanks...
This documentary shows without a doubt that when you answer any problem, ANY problem with government sanctioned violence, it will eventually breed more violence and manslaughter. If all you have is a hammer, one will try to "solve" any problem by using that hammer.
In this particular case of utmost stupidity the government forces decided to "poke holes" into the building with scared parents and children inside and subsequently launched gasbombs inside, with no escape routes for the people inside. By accident, or by will, (who knows) a fire started and because of the many holes that were poked by tanks into the building the flames spread like wildfire, burning innocent parents and children alive.
This documentary is one of the most horrifying I have ever seen. In Michael Moore's documentary "Bowling for Columbine" the brother of the Oklahoma bomber said that the reason for the Oklahoma bomb attack (which killed hundreds of people) was the government attack on the people of Waco.
The story: A religious sect in Waco is suspected of being armed and dangerous. Instead of negotiating and minimizing possible violence, the government decides to use brute force against a group of families that poses no threat towards an outside army of tanks...
Documentary: Government vs Branch Davidians.
michaelRokeefe23 April 2000
An eye opening documentary about the 1993 siege of a religious sect compound near Waco, Texas. Seventy-six people, including sect leader, David Koresh, perished in a flaming inferno that destroyed the compound. There is still heated debate over how the fire started. Homicide or suicide? Can you still trust government ethics?
Wacko Waco
Karl Self23 July 2013
This documentary makes a pretty good case that in the siege of Waco, federal authorities and especially the ATF were gung-ho, unprofessional and generally unable to handle a very tricky situation. What's more, it seems that authorities at least in part lied to the public in order to cover up their actions. It's disconcerting to see visual evidence of gunmen, who the authorities said were not there, firing shots which the authorities said weren't fired.
If the film had concentrated on the mistakes of the authorities it would have been worthwhile. But somehow the makers are keen to point out that they don't find it necessary for authorities to step in when a messianic, apocalyptic cult under a leader who has sexually abused underage girls and sleeps around with the female side of his flock stockpiles automatic weapons which they have illegally fabricated (converted from semi-automatics). The film takes the side of the Branch Davidians that it was OK to shoot and kill four ATF agents and then hold out taking their own children hostage because they felt they were entitled to do so and that the raid was illegal. Somehow the filmmakers feel that that's a case for individual and religious freedom. That's very strange and I strongly disagree.
If the film had concentrated on the mistakes of the authorities it would have been worthwhile. But somehow the makers are keen to point out that they don't find it necessary for authorities to step in when a messianic, apocalyptic cult under a leader who has sexually abused underage girls and sleeps around with the female side of his flock stockpiles automatic weapons which they have illegally fabricated (converted from semi-automatics). The film takes the side of the Branch Davidians that it was OK to shoot and kill four ATF agents and then hold out taking their own children hostage because they felt they were entitled to do so and that the raid was illegal. Somehow the filmmakers feel that that's a case for individual and religious freedom. That's very strange and I strongly disagree.
Charles Shumer is the Devil!!
cogs30 October 2002
Warning: Spoilers
"Waco: The Rules of Engagement" is a devastating indictment on the ATF, FBI and the US government, roundly demonstrating their culpability in the deaths of innocent men, women and children in the most abhorrent of crimes against humanity. With the just now resolved siege in Russia the details of this documentary are even more significant. Sure, it is a one-sided document (I'm starting to think there is no such thing as an objective documentary) but the case is made so clearly and overwhelmingly that no defence could be applied to mollify the responsibility of those liable for this heinous massacre. Yet, it is not only a condemnation of the law enforcement procedures and personnel but also of the gung-ho culture of America and the reliance on violence as a medium for punishment, revenge and "justice". The propagation of lies in the wake of the massacre is even more disturbing, suggesting that even when the truth is eventually wrenched from the quagmire of reprehensible fabrication it still remains largely useless against those who should be held accountable.
The film someone had to make. Yes, it's biased - it's kind of hard not to be in light of the evidence.
revere-724 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The film someone had to make.
Waco: The Rules of Engagement dissects the evidence behind the standoff in Waco, Texas that led to the destruction of the Branch Davidian homestead and the alleged government cover-up.
The first thing you need to know about this film: you will see brief but disturbing photos of the victims bodies. This is not done for shock value, but to illustrate points about the way they died, as if you were present at the coroner's inquest.
The second thing you should know about this film: at two and a quarter hours, it's pretty ponderous - especially if you already followed the events closely at the time. If you are unaware of any of the events other than what was reported in the mass media, or if the only side of the story you are familiar with is the official government report, this may be essential viewing. If, on the other hand you want a more concise (albeit unapologetically one sided) version of events, you should see "Waco: The Big Lie".
In summary, this is pretty much the definitive documentary about this tragic event, and is very sobering, but as a work of film-making, could test your patience, especially if you have a short attention span. And it's at times superfluous for those who watched the CSPAN hearings and the 60 Minutes reports.
Perhaps someday someone will make a documentary that covers some of the stranger aspects of this story, such as the bizarre chain of events that led up to the ATF raid or the psychological warfare tactics the FBI used blasting rock music at the sect, and their charismatic leaders (all rock musicians themselves) picking up their instruments and turning their massive amplifiers outward to blast their own music right back at them.
Waco: The Rules of Engagement dissects the evidence behind the standoff in Waco, Texas that led to the destruction of the Branch Davidian homestead and the alleged government cover-up.
The first thing you need to know about this film: you will see brief but disturbing photos of the victims bodies. This is not done for shock value, but to illustrate points about the way they died, as if you were present at the coroner's inquest.
The second thing you should know about this film: at two and a quarter hours, it's pretty ponderous - especially if you already followed the events closely at the time. If you are unaware of any of the events other than what was reported in the mass media, or if the only side of the story you are familiar with is the official government report, this may be essential viewing. If, on the other hand you want a more concise (albeit unapologetically one sided) version of events, you should see "Waco: The Big Lie".
In summary, this is pretty much the definitive documentary about this tragic event, and is very sobering, but as a work of film-making, could test your patience, especially if you have a short attention span. And it's at times superfluous for those who watched the CSPAN hearings and the 60 Minutes reports.
Perhaps someday someone will make a documentary that covers some of the stranger aspects of this story, such as the bizarre chain of events that led up to the ATF raid or the psychological warfare tactics the FBI used blasting rock music at the sect, and their charismatic leaders (all rock musicians themselves) picking up their instruments and turning their massive amplifiers outward to blast their own music right back at them.
Should have won the Oscar for Best Documentary that year...
naspen20 February 2004
Intense and shocking, a must
bzb20014 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I watched a made for television film about the destruction at Waco, Texas. It was obviously heavily slanted toward the claim that David Koresh was a murderous, child raping cult leader hell-bent on killing as many cops as he wanted and taking his people to the heavens on a blood stained stairway.
The film was little more than propaganda further detailing what we had already read in the newspapers. I am more and more sure of that since I watched the great documentary Waco: The Rules of Engagment. Not that every assertion made in this film should be taken as God's truth, but it tells the whole story rather than regurgitating only what law enforcement decided to tell.
For those who have forgot, Koresh was the spiritual leader of the religious movement named The Branch Davidians. Charges of drug use, kidnapping, illegal weapon ownership, and statutory rape (among others I'm sure) raised the suspicions of the local police, then later federal law enforcement. While attempting to serve a search warrant, the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) and the clan participated in a shoot out that left deceased and wounded on both sides.
It was then that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) got involved. Communications between the two were spirited but eventually broke down. The FBI prepared for an invasion by assaulting the building with flash-bang grenades and gas. When the building burnt to the ground killing many within, including Koresh, the FBI refused to admit responsibility saying the "cult" inside must have set it on fire themselves. This hearkened images of Jim Jones and other violent religious organizations.
The picture puts on many masks to tell its story. It begins with a sampling of the congressional hearings, perhaps the "truth," as far as the record is concerned anyway. What is eye-opening is how partisan the politicians remained even in a difficult and serious situation as this. The Democrats were concerned in nothing more than defending every single action taken by law enforcement. It was the Republicans that seemed open to the other side.
It is impossible to relate all of the new information and analysis provided by this documentary. Additionally, a list would take away from the film opening up as it goes along. One example would be the heart-breaking fact that children died within the compound. The filmmakers probably side more with the Davidians in general but stay relatively open to either side. In this instance the feds seem at fault for mishandling a situation that involves innocent children. But on the other hand the parents also need to shoulder some of the blame for leaving their kids in this harmful situation when they could have released them to any number of local authorities.
Probably the most damning new information comes late in the film and involves the FBI's claim they did not fire upon the building. This is left up to interpretation, and I will not reveal any more than to say it is disturbing and shocking what can and cannot be told.
The federal officers are not held in a critical or corrupt light any more than Koresh. The largest condemnation seems to be leveled on the media, unwilling to tell both sides of a story. This element seems prevalent in recent documentaries, duly so I believe. It is time for the media to return to telling news stories and leave this relentless pursuit of what will draw the biggest audience and ratings.
It is hard to mess up a documentary. In most cases switching on a camera and editing together interesting pieces of life is common and tells a terrific story. What few can do is shed such new light on a subject that the way you think about it is forever altered. Waco is that kind of film. ***.5 out of ****
The film was little more than propaganda further detailing what we had already read in the newspapers. I am more and more sure of that since I watched the great documentary Waco: The Rules of Engagment. Not that every assertion made in this film should be taken as God's truth, but it tells the whole story rather than regurgitating only what law enforcement decided to tell.
For those who have forgot, Koresh was the spiritual leader of the religious movement named The Branch Davidians. Charges of drug use, kidnapping, illegal weapon ownership, and statutory rape (among others I'm sure) raised the suspicions of the local police, then later federal law enforcement. While attempting to serve a search warrant, the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) and the clan participated in a shoot out that left deceased and wounded on both sides.
It was then that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) got involved. Communications between the two were spirited but eventually broke down. The FBI prepared for an invasion by assaulting the building with flash-bang grenades and gas. When the building burnt to the ground killing many within, including Koresh, the FBI refused to admit responsibility saying the "cult" inside must have set it on fire themselves. This hearkened images of Jim Jones and other violent religious organizations.
The picture puts on many masks to tell its story. It begins with a sampling of the congressional hearings, perhaps the "truth," as far as the record is concerned anyway. What is eye-opening is how partisan the politicians remained even in a difficult and serious situation as this. The Democrats were concerned in nothing more than defending every single action taken by law enforcement. It was the Republicans that seemed open to the other side.
It is impossible to relate all of the new information and analysis provided by this documentary. Additionally, a list would take away from the film opening up as it goes along. One example would be the heart-breaking fact that children died within the compound. The filmmakers probably side more with the Davidians in general but stay relatively open to either side. In this instance the feds seem at fault for mishandling a situation that involves innocent children. But on the other hand the parents also need to shoulder some of the blame for leaving their kids in this harmful situation when they could have released them to any number of local authorities.
Probably the most damning new information comes late in the film and involves the FBI's claim they did not fire upon the building. This is left up to interpretation, and I will not reveal any more than to say it is disturbing and shocking what can and cannot be told.
The federal officers are not held in a critical or corrupt light any more than Koresh. The largest condemnation seems to be leveled on the media, unwilling to tell both sides of a story. This element seems prevalent in recent documentaries, duly so I believe. It is time for the media to return to telling news stories and leave this relentless pursuit of what will draw the biggest audience and ratings.
It is hard to mess up a documentary. In most cases switching on a camera and editing together interesting pieces of life is common and tells a terrific story. What few can do is shed such new light on a subject that the way you think about it is forever altered. Waco is that kind of film. ***.5 out of ****
An Eye Opening Documentary
doglindsay19 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Disclaimer-I am not a right wing person who thinks the government is infringing on my religious or second amendment rights. I don't even own a gun. I still don't get why some Christians are so obsessed with being heavily armed despite all of those Sundays I spent in church and the fact that I learned to shoot a gun at the age of 8 years, but it is certainly their right. I have found few to no conspiracy theories that were actually plausible once most facts were analyzed. Having said that, this is a very well made documentary. It might not be totally even-handed, but it uncovers and links together many overlooked, or more likely covered up facts, in a very compelling narrative. I don't remember the last time I felt so shocked and angered about a story I thought that I knew from the media coverage in 1993. The one sentence synopsis at the time might have been "Heavily armed religious cult is led to fiery death against federal agents by deranged leader." It was apparent at the time that the initial confrontation was clumsily handled by the ATF, but once you know more of the details you will wonder what the ATF was thinking and how could we even allow such decision making in modern times. The rest of the government actions seem to be a continuous ratcheting up of covering up the original blunder or seeking revenge all the way up to the Senate and Attorney General. The scariest aspect is the government's seeming spoon feeding the media only what it wanted them to know, much like the lead up to the Iraq war. The saddest part is the loss of so many innocent men, women and children on both sides based on poor decision making, posturing and fear. The part that makes me angriest is the apparent cover-up and denial so high up the chain. Yes a lot would have been different had David Koresh led his followers out with their hands up but that doesn't excuse the brutal treatment and slaughter of many innocents. Whether you consider yourself Left, Right or Center politically this documentary should be seen if you are an American citizen and want to be well informed about modern history. I still think the government can be a force for great good but it can do great damage if not held accountable.
A Great documentary.
rustycharliepalmer27 August 2018
Deliberate Falsehoods from Conspiracy Theorists
nafps19 January 2022
From the SPLC:
"The film implies that during the initial raid the ATF fired first at the Davidians inside the compound. It says nothing of court testimony from three journalists that the Davidians fired first.
It ignores the mass of evidence that Davidian leader David Koresh knew of the imminent raid and prepared his followers for battle. It doesn't mention that a jury convicted eight surviving Davidians of voluntary manslaughter, or that the 5th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals roundly affirmed those convictions.
Similarly, the documentary embraces the theory that the FBI started the fire that consumed the compound at the end of a 51-day standoff. It makes no reference to tapes recorded that morning of Davidians yelling about setting the fire and keeping it going, or to court testimony and physical evidence supporting that scenario.
Gifford says he didn't have time in the film to include such evidence...."
"The film implies that during the initial raid the ATF fired first at the Davidians inside the compound. It says nothing of court testimony from three journalists that the Davidians fired first.
It ignores the mass of evidence that Davidian leader David Koresh knew of the imminent raid and prepared his followers for battle. It doesn't mention that a jury convicted eight surviving Davidians of voluntary manslaughter, or that the 5th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals roundly affirmed those convictions.
Similarly, the documentary embraces the theory that the FBI started the fire that consumed the compound at the end of a 51-day standoff. It makes no reference to tapes recorded that morning of Davidians yelling about setting the fire and keeping it going, or to court testimony and physical evidence supporting that scenario.
Gifford says he didn't have time in the film to include such evidence...."
Impressive Documentary, But a Little Too Biased for My Complete Approval.
tfrizzell5 April 2003
An interesting and highly controversial documentary feature that earned an Oscar-nomination and still creates heated discussions within some circles. It is February 1993 in Waco, Texas and the Branch Davidians (an outlandish religious cult led by the infamous David Koresh) are in an isolated compound (a military-styled community for the most part) where they supposedly practice their beliefs and live in relative peace and harmony away from the outside world. However, this group is not just a religious sect. After all what other religious organization has automatic weapons and possibly other harmful entities within their places of worship? The Davidians' motives are unclear and the U.S. ATF (which is an acronym for Alcohol, Tobacco and Firemans) is called in to investigate and disarm. Of course disaster strikes and four agents are killed. Now there is a standoff in Waco and more tragedy some 51 days later in April when dozens of Davidians are killed in an inferno of flames after their compound ignites in fire. By 1995 and 1996 there is a massive government investigation as to what really happened in Texas. It is an investigation that will put Democrats against Republicans, Davidians against the public and to a great extent the living against those who died. "Waco: The Rules of Engagement" is a heated commentary that pulls no punches and ends up being an angry indictment on the ATF, the FBI and the U.S. Government in general. Religious freedoms, the Bill of Rights (which is like a statistic---it can be used to prove most anything within reason) and public safety become the most talked about topics here. The film wants its audience to feel sympathy and sadness for those who lost their lives in Waco (they had my sympathy long before the production). However, the film-makers would rather put the Davidians in positive light rather than a negative one. The facts, regardless of this fine film, are that the Branch Davidians had an arsenal of weapons illegally within their compound. Although the film never does explore this, it is very likely that there were also narcotics and illegal chemical labs for the creation and distribution of various drugs. Waco, home of Baylor University, has always been a major Texas drug trafficking zone. Thus the ATF had all the reason in the world to be there. Koresh was a religious fanatic who took the Book of Revelations literally, believing strange things about the "Seven Seals" and claiming he was a prophet sent from God. In reality, the Davidians had plenty of opportunity to leave the compound during the 51-day siege. Many of the elderly and very young children did indeed come out early and were brought to safety. Koresh's relationships with many women, some as young as 13 and 14, fails to make him a sympathetic person in my eyes. In many ways, he was a glorified rapist who made some people follow his distorted views. As the film advances, research is shown to prove the fact that the authorities did indeed start the fire at the compound. Even if they did, so what? The ATF had lost men and had nearly spent two months at a standoff with a group that did not understand negotiation or due process. In short Koresh was stalling and the ATF did use their last bullet in the end, so to speak. Also the unknown of the Branch Davidians led the ATF to use weapons when some from the group did decide to finally come out, believing that many could have automatic weapons or hand grenades. The whole thing was a mess from all perspectives, but I felt like the Clinton Administration (Janet Reno in particular) did all that could be done over the course of two dark months over Waco. I respect the film for its views and I do think this is a fine documentary, but sometimes fancy editing and the choices film-makers make can leave them biased. "Waco: The Rules of Engagement" suffers from biases and in the end that keeps it from being an excellent documentary, but that does not mean it is still not very close to the bull's eye. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Really Disturbing!!
DhavalVyas14 June 2006
Many people remember the Waco standoff that occurred a long time ago. What most people probably have ingrained in their minds is the "cult leader" David Koresh and the images of the compound burning to the ground after a long standoff. A lot of people have the belief that Koresh was some kind of madman who thought he was God. He was accused of being a child molester and was credited for the breakdown and deaths of his followers. Furthermore, many people feel the cult committed mass suicide when the FBI stormed Mount Carmel Center and when the building was burning. Most people feel the cult was at fault for not agreeing with the FBI on reasonable terms. Most people feel the cult was brainwashed by Koresh and followed along with everything that he said. Nothing could be farther from the truth, because of strong evidence after the nightmare was over, and this one-of -a- kind documentary pretty much proves it!!
This documentary is one of the most balanced examinations at the situation that occurred. It is much more thorough and highly detailed than anything most people have received in the mainstream media. To the shock of many people, this documentary will reveal that is was the ATF, the FBI, and the higher levels of the United States government who were the ones who were unjust, cruel, and deceptive, and not David Koresh and his followers. What Korseh and Davidians were doing was just protecting their constitutional rights, and the higher powers completely violated and raped those rights. The AFT had no grounds to storm the compound; it was the AFT that shot first and they shot from the helicopters from above at unarmed men, women, and children!! What is even more shocking is the actions of the FBI when they entered the Mount Carmel. Watch it for yourselves and you will develop and new perspective on the U.S. government. There is infrared footage that clearly shows the FBI was shooting with machine guns at the men, women, and children in the burning compound. It will make your blood boil. It will make you really angry. It will make you wonder as to what kind of people run this country. Finally, it will make you wonder as to what you are being told on the news every night is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. This video is frightening and I highly recommend it if one can find it. This documentary does not need to be purchased; it can be watched for free on google video!
This documentary is one of the most balanced examinations at the situation that occurred. It is much more thorough and highly detailed than anything most people have received in the mainstream media. To the shock of many people, this documentary will reveal that is was the ATF, the FBI, and the higher levels of the United States government who were the ones who were unjust, cruel, and deceptive, and not David Koresh and his followers. What Korseh and Davidians were doing was just protecting their constitutional rights, and the higher powers completely violated and raped those rights. The AFT had no grounds to storm the compound; it was the AFT that shot first and they shot from the helicopters from above at unarmed men, women, and children!! What is even more shocking is the actions of the FBI when they entered the Mount Carmel. Watch it for yourselves and you will develop and new perspective on the U.S. government. There is infrared footage that clearly shows the FBI was shooting with machine guns at the men, women, and children in the burning compound. It will make your blood boil. It will make you really angry. It will make you wonder as to what kind of people run this country. Finally, it will make you wonder as to what you are being told on the news every night is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. This video is frightening and I highly recommend it if one can find it. This documentary does not need to be purchased; it can be watched for free on google video!
When Waco was Put on the Map
view_and_review23 October 2020
27 years ago Waco, Texas was put on the map in a notorious fashion. Until then I hadn't heard of Waco, Texas. But after a 51 day standoff between government agents and the Branch Davidians that ended catastrophically on April 19, 1993, Waco, Texas became as talked about as much as any place.
At that time, I only heard that David Koresh was some weird cult leader, like a Jim Jones, who was responsible for the death of all of his followers. This documentary dispels that notion and that narrative. You can still draw your own conclusions about the entire affair, but it's clear that there is something fishy about the FBI's version of the events.
If there were any negatives from this documentary they were the inordinate amount of time showing senate hearings on this case. The senate hearings were exactly what you'd expect from our government: a split down party lines on where to place blame. Since the president was a Democrat and he selected his administration, including U.S. Atty. General Janet Reno, the Democrats supported the actions by ATF and the FBI. And I'm sure you can guess that the Republicans disparaged the actions by the ATF and the FBI.
At the heart of it all was religion and guns: two constitutionally protected things that Reds and Blues argue bitterly about. "Waco: The Rules of Engagement" offered a lot of background information that I'd never heard before. Granted, in 1993 I didn't have my eyes and ears glued to current events, but I hadn't heard any contrary information than the common narrative at the time: the government did no wrong, David Koresh caused the mess. I don't know if I buy that version any longer.
There is a lot of evidence presented to disprove the official version of events. Was it a governmental conspiracy to take down David Koresh from the beginning? I don't think so, but there certainly wasn't any real restraint in going after him and there certainly was a concerted effort to hide many of the missteps by the government after it was all said and done. I think if you're already in the anti-government/pro-Koresh camp, this documentary may only be supporting your beliefs. For those like me who just want to know a little more, or those who are in the pro-government/anti-Koresh camp, this documentary just may open your eyes.
At that time, I only heard that David Koresh was some weird cult leader, like a Jim Jones, who was responsible for the death of all of his followers. This documentary dispels that notion and that narrative. You can still draw your own conclusions about the entire affair, but it's clear that there is something fishy about the FBI's version of the events.
If there were any negatives from this documentary they were the inordinate amount of time showing senate hearings on this case. The senate hearings were exactly what you'd expect from our government: a split down party lines on where to place blame. Since the president was a Democrat and he selected his administration, including U.S. Atty. General Janet Reno, the Democrats supported the actions by ATF and the FBI. And I'm sure you can guess that the Republicans disparaged the actions by the ATF and the FBI.
At the heart of it all was religion and guns: two constitutionally protected things that Reds and Blues argue bitterly about. "Waco: The Rules of Engagement" offered a lot of background information that I'd never heard before. Granted, in 1993 I didn't have my eyes and ears glued to current events, but I hadn't heard any contrary information than the common narrative at the time: the government did no wrong, David Koresh caused the mess. I don't know if I buy that version any longer.
There is a lot of evidence presented to disprove the official version of events. Was it a governmental conspiracy to take down David Koresh from the beginning? I don't think so, but there certainly wasn't any real restraint in going after him and there certainly was a concerted effort to hide many of the missteps by the government after it was all said and done. I think if you're already in the anti-government/pro-Koresh camp, this documentary may only be supporting your beliefs. For those like me who just want to know a little more, or those who are in the pro-government/anti-Koresh camp, this documentary just may open your eyes.
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