Les chaines

(1977) Brothers POLITICAL DRAMA

Loosely based on actual events in when segregation was practiced within the American prison system, when Caucasian inmates are treated better than anyone who are not white. Bernie Casey stars as David Thomas sentenced harshly for a small offense as he learns about injustice once he is put in the same cell as Walter Nance (Ron O'Neal synonymous for Super Fly fame) hence the tile "Brothers" as he refers to all African American inmates.

A time that is often denied to ever happened within American prisons, not often discussed enough, nor is it even acknowledged. It'd be nice if there was like actual acknowledgement or live- in interviews within the African American inmates themselves.

Tedious radical agitprop that focuses on the wrong issue. I mean, the greater societal problem is African Americans being sent to prison in disproportionate numbers, not that they're treated worse than whites once they're incarcerated! Give it a C. PS...Forgot how hot Vonetta McGee was.

A well meaning but ultimately flawed depiction of the atrocities Black Americans suffered as prisoners in our jail system during the early 70's. The late, great Bernie Casey portrays our hero who is imprisoned for an armed robbery he knew nothing about (he drove while his passenger committed the crime unbeknownst to him) & what was supposed to be a year sentence increased as the realities of his incarceration were decidedly stacked NOT in his favor. Missing more time than it actually hits, Brothers nearly gets there. Loosely based an actual incident involving activist Angela Davis. I would strongly recommend this one for a decent remake.

"Brothers", which features the multi-talented Bernie Casey, is a classic film. It not only reflects the 1970's culture from which it comes, but also states truth in very black and white terms. The bad guys are easily recognisable (white) the good guys are equally so (black, except for the traitor). Some viewers might not appreciate the overtly didactic style of the movie, but I valued it enormously. This film, accompanied by a brilliant and stirring score, takes us back to a much more civic age. For example, the word "community" is used twice within the first five minutes. While the bulk of the film is tragedy, you can't help but come away from it feeling inspired to act. Is that scary in today's selfish culture? Is that not "entertaining" enough? Those who forget what it means to be a citizen (and those who yearn for soul in film) will definitely need to check out "Brothers".