The Farm: Angola, USA

In the tradition of other great documentaries (Hoop Dreams, The Thin Blue Line, etc.), the makers of "The Farm" tell a story that needs to be told by acquiring unprecedented access to their subject. In the process, they illuminate a host of issues about the penal and criminal justice systems.

The most remarkable thing about this film is how quietly and stoically the story is told. Preachiness and sensationalism are nowhere to be found. An example: one of the most difficult scenes in the film concerns a prisoner on death row. While most films treat capital punishment melodramatically, this film shows the remnants of his last meal interposed with voiceovers of his family and his fellow inmates bidding him farewell. No matter what gratification people may receive from giving 'dangerous criminals' a death sentence, the issues will always be far more complex.

Perhaps the most unforgettable scene is at a parole hearing where the hypocrisy of the review board is captured on film, as if the officials had forgotten that the camera was still on.

The Angola Penitentiary is one of the toughest, most unforgiving prisons in the United States. But it is that way because society's most monstrous assumptions have perpetuated a cycle of despair, irrationality, and ignorance. That two filmmakers could expose such qualities with a modest budget and an unflinching eye is a testament to where film can take us.

I haven't seen this documentary yet, but the Bishop was freed in August of this year, and He spoke at my school today. His Story is Really inspirational! It was amazing to see what God did in his life during his 51 years and 4 1/2 months in Angola. He has only been out for like 8 weeks, but he already has a cell phone, it went off a few times during his speech! He seems totally cool though. It's amazing how God can change peoples lives so dramatically.

We heard about the Bishops time before he went to Angola, and then his time changing Angola, and then his few days after being freed. I Hope This Documentary lives up to what I heard today!

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!

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).

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.