Search - Stranger Inside on DVD

Gritty, Realistic, Sometimes Hard to Watch

08/19/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What makes this movie a standout is that it all seems real. This is no backlot prison stage with sqeaky clean actors trying to play real grit. This is truly a down and dirty portrayal of women's prison life. But despite the often disturbing depiction of this (the unabashed violence; and one scene with a prison guard and a speculum), that's not really what this movie is about. It delves deeper into one young woman's dream/fantasy of recapturing the archetypal missing mother and chronicles her transformation from a girl who knows what she wants (to find her mother, Brownie, who is locked up in the federal pen) to a young woman whose self-discovery becomes her ultimate grief. The movie is filled with outstanding performances (Rain Phoenix, for one is phenomenal), good pacing and production,and good storytelling. It falls short because I believe it does perpetuate some stereotypes many may have about women's prisons and at times, doesn't seem to be able to move beyond these familiar, formulaic images. I would have liked to have seen something I haven't seen in prison movies before. The DVD has chapter selection capability and is presented in widescreen format. However, if you are looking for special features, this is about it. I would have liked to have seen a "behind the camera" featurette or a director's commentary on this disc. Cheryl Dunye is a talented, talented director and not to have heard directly from her about this movie is a shortcoming.I recommend this movie very highly. It's not one you'll want to watch over and over so before you buy, consider renting it first. This movie is like a fine meal, it's good the first time around but you wouldn't want to eat this way every night."

Very Intense Film

T. Caesar | Chicago Born | 01/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really enjoyed this film... The relationship that Treasure had with her mother was unfortunately, not far from reality in some cases. I thought the activities/events of prison life was really bold of HBO and I was impressed with their dedication to keep things in line with reality. I think the acting in the film, especially by Treasure, was very well presented. The characters were believable and realistic. Great job on this one..."

Twisted

Natasha Shambra | Oklahoma City, Ok | 08/11/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I THOUGHT THIS MOVIE WAS JUST GOING TO BE ABOUT JAIL AND HOW HARD WOMEN HAVE IT IN JAIL....BOY WAS I WRONG. THIS MOVIE WAS EXCELLENT. IT CAPTIVES YOU FROM THE OPENING SCENE TO THE END. I WISH THEY WOULD HAVE MADE A SEQUEL, JUST TO CONTINUE THE SUSPENSE. I EVEN SHARED THIS MOVIE WITH FAMILY FRIENDS AND THEY ENJOYED IT. THIS IS A MUST TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION."

Great movie with a shocking ending

DUVAL DIMEPIECE | JACKSONVILLE FL | 09/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THIS MOVIE IS THE TALE OF TREASURE LEE. SHES ON A QUEST TO REUNITE WITH HER MOTHER AND SHE WLL DO JUST ABOUT ANYTIME TO FIND HER AND REUNITE. THE MOVIE IS GREAT. YOU WILL FEEL HER PAIN AND STRUGGLE. THE ENDING IS A SHOCKER, YOU'LL NEVER SEE IT COMING. GREAT MOVIE BUY IT OR RENT IT."