Shackles

Jose Pablo Cantillo has made his debut. He has showcased his ability to transform script into life. The movie follows Gabriel Garcia's (Jose) life and his God given poetic talent. D.L. Hughley plays a convincingly sympathetic and caring teacher and husband whom finds himself inspired by Gabriel's talent. The movie photography is fresh and invigorating. It mimics the poetic language style used in the movie. The lighting feels realistic. Jose shows the camera a full range of emotions and always surprised me. D.L.'s character understands Jose's character and is drawn to his unrecognized potential. I can't wait to see more of Jose Pablo Cantillo's work. This is a must see film. I loved it!!!

Wow! So many aspects of the writing - not to mention the acting and directing - rang true.

Not that I've ever been to prison, but what struck me was that this is an intensely dramatic and gripping story, told with no "sensationalism". Yet, this film is more disturbing/real/hopeful - and sensational - than anything I've seen in this genre in a long time.

The main reason I wanted to see this film was the fact that D.L. Hughley was attempting a very scary thing: transitioning from comedic to dramatic actor. He did this quite brilliantly. He brought a depth to the role that would have been lacking in some of our better-known stars. Bravo to cast and production team!

This was so tense and realistic, that I was glued to my seat. Jose Pablo Cantillo is an awesome talent, with a strong presence on the big screen. He made this work seem so real. His performance was not just a performance; he made this feel like he WAS the character.

This little-known work is far above any drama of this type I have ever seen. There are hundreds of dramas concerning prison life and interaction with those who live on the inside. And this one is the most shocking, while touching your heart in a way that stays with you for some time after watching it.

This film is dark, but beautiful in its style and execution. I was moved by the characters, whose exposition is worthy of the audience's emotional investment, while delivering top notch dramatic fare.

"When you look into the Abyss, the Abyss also looks back at you." This is amazing, and it rates a 9.2/10 from...

the Fiend :.

To me this is what movie-making is about: pushing the envelope, transporting the audience to a place they couldn't or wouldn't go, and creatively taking them through that journey. "Shackles" is a story about a teacher trying to reach the unreachable youth inside Shackleton Penitentiary and some of these scenes will blow you away. Incredibly authentic, tense and at the same time innovative, with edits that show concurrent action and the use of modern "spoken word" poetry, this movie deserves to be seen. Filmmakers can learn a lot about how a powerful, well-written story is crafted into a uniquely edited and directed movie. Performances are knock-out too. There are at least a couple of stars-in-the-making in this one.

My family and I were very impressed! Shackles is a very interesting movie,we were all at the edge of out seats~awaiting the outcomes.

Jose Pablo Cantillo was sensational! I have seen him in several television performances, but he is definitely at home on 'The Silver Screen'! I thought the Poetry Slam's were really neat and Gabriel(Jose Cantillo) gave an amazing performance. He demanded the audience's attention and kept it! My family and I hope to see much more of Jose Cantillo in the future.

I suggest that everyone watches Shackles, you will not be disappointed. I liked it so much that I purchased it on DVD. The movie was well-written, wonderfully produced, and the cast performed very well together. I commend all of you. Best wishes for the future!