The Farm: Angola, USA

This film gives us insights into the value of freedom from the point of view of the long-time prisoner, and psychological mechanisms by which such prisoners attempt to deal with their plights, including at least one on death row. If you know someone you think might be headed for a life of crime, this should be your Christmas gift to them. Might even be required viewing for the unruly adolescent boys in the family. This film would likely make one think twice or three times before committing a felony. The value of not being in prison has never been more clear to me.

The warden comes across as a pretty interesting character. We see an actual parole board hearing, which is fascinating, as well as a hearing before a board of pardons. Therein lie some interesting insights into the victims' perspectives, which contrast sharply with the perspectives of the prisoners, and even that of the prison warden.

It gives only a very faint outline of some portions of the history and structure of the Angola prison. Angola is not what this film is really about.

Very well edited to tell a good story, never boring and not too long, and at the very least will make you appreciate not being in prison like no other film I have ever seen. A great documentary and a testament to the potentially life-altering power of film.

Burt Cain is a hero. He represents how a prison should be run. Like it or disagree Mr.Cain incorporated religion/GOD into the equation that allows some hope and a way to serve their sentence without violence.

He allowed true leadership to his employees also. There were one death sentence carried out in this documentary and he gave this man hope of an afterlife and the man asked to hold the wardens hand when put to death.

It in our opinion is murder when they put one to death but when it is your wife,mother,father etc..It tends not to be viewed as murder and becomes justified homicide.

anyway this will be viewed as one of the best prison documentaries for years to come.

This film should be required viewing for all high school students. It is a documentary featuring 6 inmates at the notorious prison in Angola, Louisiana. The strong implication is that the only way to be released from a lifer's existence at Angola is to die. The interviewing is very skillful, and reveals a great deal of the personalities of the six men. The sham of a "parole hearing" for one of the men is especially shocking and depressing. It would be hard for a thinking personal to see this film, and not reconsider America's hardened stance that no criminals deserve a second chance. It is a classic!

"The Farm" is an absolutely powerful look at the lives of inmates at Angola Prison. It is inspiring to see that some of these men haven't given up on life, in spite of parole denials and other obstacles. The movie belongs on the short list of recent documentaries that transcend the genre. Films like "Crumb" and "The Thin Blue Line" and "Four Little Girls". A must see. It is impossible to come away from this extraordinary film without being moved.

Have your kids or students watch this. It's interesting and will provide lots of fodder for discussion about choices in life and their consequences, family, faith, and hope. As others have mentioned, the parole board hearing is of particular interest. You might find yourself shaking your head, as I did. By the way, there is no bad language--as compared to "Scared Straight" for example, so you needn't concern yourself with pre-screening. Outstanding job by filmmakers who stay in the background and let the characters be the story. If you're not familiar with Scared Straight and its sequel, be sure to check it out as well. Note: This is the prison depicted in Oliver Stone's "JFK," where Jim Garrison interviews hustler Willie O'Keefe (Kevin Bacon).