The 50

This is a story of hope in circumstances where all hope is lost. It's a story about second chances and seeing people as brothers, uncles, friends, fathers-and not just for an act of violence or crime they committed. In a system built to lock up offenders of crime and throw away the keys, this film sheds light on the what if's-what if we invested in these individuals, what if we gave them an opportunity to talk about their beginnings, those who shaped them as individuals, their family lives and consider the traumas an individual may have endured, which could explain the aggression and violence which led them down a destructive path? What if we gave them an opportunity to be seen and heard? Can they truly be rehabilitated, changed and return from the prison system not only productive, but valued and even cherished members of society?

After watching this beautiful film, the answer is a resounding yes. The strength of the human spirit is everywhere. And this extends to the seemingly most broken and lost members of society.

Randy, Al, Cameron-what incredible men. I so enjoyed watching and listening to your story. I rooted for you the entire time and my heart is full knowing you all 'made it.' What tremendous souls you all are.

Hats off to director Brenton Gieser. You're a visionary and as good a story teller as they come. I hope to see more films from you in years to come.

This was an amazing story of 50 courageous men! I am so blessed to be able to hear these stories through this documentary. It brought me tears, as I wept with them and cried for joy as I rooted for them. These beautiful men only needed hope and opportunity and I pray that people who see this have a better understanding of what people can go through in just a single moment of hopelessness. Thank you so much for the heart wrenching portrayal of triumph through tragedy. This is a true glimpse of what recovery is all about and how it can actually change lives. My hope is that this will be seen, and put into practice in all prisons in all states in all countries. I believe that everyone deserves a second chance because we ALL have the ability to make wrong decisions at any time. Blessings upon blessings for making this documentary happen!

Another important and impactful work from a filmmaker with a talent for shining the spotlight on people who rarely get to tell their stories. Those stories often highlight more than just the person; they also uncover the social and systemic challenges that can lead people - often from a young age - to make the wrong choices in life. In this film, the result is an unflinching take on a group of prisoners as they reflect on their paths into, and willfully away from, a life of incarceration. Ultimately, it's a story of hope, and the power of positive change when people and the system work together to tackle trauma. This groundbreaking project deserves more attention. Feels like required watching!

The selected characters featured in the 50 are the the tour de force,, ... the reenactments sometime divert from the quiddity of their stories. There are lot moments that grab a viewer that could be further elaborated but overall it brings the message clear and loud. I felt there was a more to say about the tribulations and doubts in the characters journey that had to cause a lot of anxieties in the process. I am sure, some fall backs and relapses in the program effort that are not spelled out. The politics inside the prisons and outside the administration mix is touched marginally with the guard interview but it is perhaps sufficient as the story focuses on the characters.