Upsetting, Insightful; Phenomenal Achievement
R. Gawlitta | Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA | 12/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Alan Rudolph (& wife) have crafted a film of unusual intensity. They were given permission to film inside Lewisberg, the maximum security prison that seems to be the end of the line for serious criminals. These are men who seem to have no hope of rehabilitation, and the interviews are riveting, whether from inmates or guards. Indeed, the warden seems to have a definite idea of what works. Much has been said about abuse in the prisons, and this film somewhat dispels that myth. To appreciate the power of this film is to know the power of evil; I won't blab away a lot, but I was totally absorbed in the material at hand. The Raymonds are to be commended for this Oscar-nominated effort. Extras on the DVD are fine and insightful."