This is a great 1999 documentary about prison chain gangs that's made even more satisfying by the addition of new (2017) footage that follows up on the lives of some of the inmates. I'd seen the film many years ago, and I was interested to re-watch it and see the new footage.
The opening scene, in which the inmates are chained up at the start of a work day, immediately sucks you in. Then I remembered why I liked the film so much the first time: the filmmakers have a knack for picking the most interesting and compelling inmates & guards and eliciting thoughtful interviews from them. The film is also expertly edited so that you stay sucked in for the entire hour.
I thought following home one of the guards was an especially smart move from the filmmakers -- a great example of how they worked to give a very thorough portrait of the chain gangs.
The hour running time goes by fast -- the sign of a well-made, compelling documentary -- and the film stays with you.
The opening scene, in which the inmates are chained up at the start of a work day, immediately sucks you in. Then I remembered why I liked the film so much the first time: the filmmakers have a knack for picking the most interesting and compelling inmates & guards and eliciting thoughtful interviews from them. The film is also expertly edited so that you stay sucked in for the entire hour.
I thought following home one of the guards was an especially smart move from the filmmakers -- a great example of how they worked to give a very thorough portrait of the chain gangs.
The hour running time goes by fast -- the sign of a well-made, compelling documentary -- and the film stays with you.