Le parloir

"The Visit" tells the story of a young convicted rapist and AIDS victim (Harper) in prison, the visits he receives from family and friends which resurrect old issues, and his final quest for resolution and purpose. On the upside "The Visit" is a solid drama which is short on entertainment and long on meaning, interspersed with surreal dream-like sequences, backed with a plaintive jazz score, cloaked in very unprison-like atmospherics, offers excellent performances, and avoids cliches and stereotypes. However, the film's theatrical presentation and somewhat vague purpose may limit audience appeal to more serious minded film goers and fans of the players. (B)

The Visit tells the story of a inmate convicted of rape who is looking to a parole after 5 years in prison. In this time period, we watch as he gets visits from his brother, mother, father and an old friend. These visits and his parole board meeting are the strongest parts of the movie filled with good acting (in particular from Harper and Williams), but the film gets lowered due to un-needed dramatic cut-away edits and weird scenes outside of the prison which shouldn't be. Watchable for the redemption scenes, but has it's share of flaws along the way. B+ (just slightly)

This movie will change the way you think.

Sent to jail for a crime he didn't commit, Alex (HILL HARPER, He Got Game) must now fight to win his parole. His fight, however, is not with the prison authorities, but with himself. From behind the jail cell bars Alex looks on at the middle class life he left behind and his brother Tony (OBBA BABATUNDE, Life) who now has everything Alex does not. Visits from his parents (BILLY DEE WILLIAMS, MARLA GIBBS), his childhood sweetheart (RAE DAWN CHONG) and the prison psychiatrist (PHYLICIA RASHAD) start to rebuild Alex. Each visit teaches him to love not just the world, but himself. As this spiritual adventure of the heart reaches its unexpected climax, Alex shows us how we can all become better people when we face the demons inside us.

I really, really love this film, and think I am much better off for having seen it.

I saw this at the Chicago Film Festival when it premiered, and as such was able to attend a talk back with the director, Jordan Walker Pearlman, and Hill Harper. Pearlman explained how he truly did believe that he was insane, while Harper joked about how "City of Angels" (2000) was probably not going to survive due to its competitive schedule. I'm just pointing this out to note that my opinion might be slightly biased, because I really did enjoy talking to these two people. I can truthfully say that this was the best film at the Festival.

The movie centers on the prison visitations Hill Harper's character receives from his family. (Mainly his brother, Tony) He must struggle to find hope and wishes to say his good-byes while he is still health. (He is dying of AIDS) These struggles he has to overcome include an unforgiving father, the parole board, an old crush, and ultimately his bought with AIDS. This movie made me feel sad and free at the same time. This is a celebration of the human spirit in a very bleak situation. The visit does move a little slow, but it was not intended to move quickly. The acting is outstanding form every cast member. It is an important picture, but is low on replay value. This was an experience, and I wouldn't want to corrupt the original viewing by seeing again. The ultimate message was very touching and still sticks with me. That's why I'd give this film a nine. I strongly suggest The Visit, but I do not ever wish to see it again.

Easily Hill Harper's best role. African-American movie that really touched me from the bottom of my soul. It's very artistic expression, and strong philosophical approach in the discussions when Visited in prison, brings really something to hold and build on too. Also the sickness he has, and knowing that he will die there, plus his rejected parole on top of everything... just a set of tragic motions. Getting closer with your relatives in prison than outside has been important subject for every prisoner who has nothing but time to kill. Definetly one of my favourite prison movies ever.