Customer Reviews

Shakespeare Behind Bars

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although I am not in this documentery, I was a prisoner at Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in LaGrange, Kentucky during filming. It's almost hard for me to praise the film because I have a biased opinion. I know every one of the guys in this film personally and have experienced much of what they have. This film is about searching yourself, searching for the truth of who you really are inside. No other prison program helped me more than Shakespeare Behind Bars because for the first time in my life, I took a look at the real me. As the men in this film allow you to take a look at who they are, I challenge you to face your own personal truth just as I did while I was a member of Shakespeare Behind Bars. In the words of William Shakespeare, "To thine own self be true"!!!

Shakespeare Behind Bars (dir. Hank Rogerson) cracks open the hardened shell of an audience and makes us look at the true human soul inside characters who are otherwise dismissible as "monsters." There is nobody I wouldn't recommend it to. So I have to limit the focus here to what was most important to me about the film and why I walked out knowing that my life is better for watching it.

Curt Tofteland has been volunteering on a weekly basis with prisoners in Kentucky for ten years now to direct the Shakespeare Behind Bars program: 30 inmates who rehearse nine months to perform one show. Through a friend I was given the opportunity to have breakfast with Curt Tofteland and Hank Rogerson, director of the documentary. As I tried to hang words on what the documentary meant to me, Curt just nodded with a knowing smile. He told me that Shakespeare isn't just a literary icon, but the writer who captured raw humanity better than anyone ever has. Which is why he brought Shakespeare to the prisoners.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year after year these inmates wear a hardened mask, a false-self who feels no pain. It's survival of the fittest and softness is not rewarded in prison. But for the 30 inmates involved with the Shakespeare productions, honesty is a mandate. They are cast by their peers in roles that fit their background and their crime. In their rehearsals they push each other to go deep, to find honesty, to not act but really wear their character, which for a lot of them means wearing their own skin for the first time. From the screen, their souls became palpable during rehearsals. I watched them discover for the first time the true man behind the label "prisoner," "deviant," "convict."

The film is breathtaking. I laughed and I cried. Then I left the theater chewing on the fact I just just laughed and cried through the struggles of men society has deemed unsafe to enjoy the freedoms I enjoy. That's a sure sign of great filmmaking.

This film has rightly been feted generously with accolades and prizes - it's a brilliant Idea, and a deeply affecting, memorable experience. Others here have shared the general premise of the film. I suggest wholeheartedly that it be required viewing for every living educator, it contains life-giving helpings of both seeds and fruit of the vast and intimate fields of purpose educators face every day in myriad ways. Tenderly directed by Hank Rogerson, copiously rich with a story of human beings finding redemption through Shakespeare's eternal art, Shakespeare Behind Bars is a one-of-a-kind jewel. By film's end, the 'bars' melt away in an ineffacable lesson about FREEDOM, miraculously enough, and very real human suffering finds a resonant voice in these prisoners who have never had one, a voice that shouts with hope. It is, simply, a film of joy in the divine power of human art. I've not encountered another like it - it sticks to your ribs and cleanses your mind. Don't delay the experience! Check it out - you'll be awfully glad you did.

Catching up on some documentaries that I missed, I was eager to check out "Shakespeare Behind Bars" which had been a big sensation on the film festival circuit a couple of years ago. Highlighting a program within Kentucky's Luther Luckett medium security prison, "Shakespeare" details the staging of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" by a small group of dedicated inmates. This is a program that has existed for many years at this particular prison (each year boasts a different Shakespearean play) and has had a surprising impact on those who have participated. From casting through performance, the film follows many months of rehearsals--but more important than the play itself is how the various inmates relate to the material and to the experience of performing.

We meet a diverse group of convicts, and many share their personal history. With surprising candor and regret, in most cases, they are upfront about their crimes (up to and including murder). Most of the interviews are thoughtful, honest, and even insightful--these men take full responsibility for the actions which led them to be locked up. Using the Shakespeare Behind Bars program as rehabilitation, many have found a better understanding of themselves (and human nature) by exploring the themes inherent in the plays. One particular example comes from the inmate who is coerced into playing Miranda, the young female protagonist of "The Tempest." Initially resistant, it is fascinating to see him come to identify with Miranda--by fully understanding her, he is coming to terms with himself.

But these men are criminals, too. And we see how parole hearings, transfers, and solitary confinement threaten to derail the production. But again, it's not so much about "The Tempest." Paraphrasing one inmate, he doesn't want to be remembered solely for the worst thing he's ever done. "Shakespeare" is an unorthodox program that actually seems to benefit its participants on a myriad of levels. Never less than captivating, this documentary provides a window into the human condition where you might be surprised to find yourself identifying with convicted murderers. Insightful, but not preachy, this matter-of-fact film can be surprisingly heartbreaking. KGHarris, 01/07.

A great story, and it's true life! This film satisfies on all levels and most importantly, does not fade away into the blur of All That Has Gone Before. You will remember this film, and if you happen to see it more than once, will appreciate the different points, parts, details and words that come through in each viewing.
It is not necessary to understand Shakespeare to understand this movie. Yet you may understand Shakespeare better after having watched it! The play featured in the film, "The Tempest" has forgiveness as a theme. I will wager that few viewers will come away from the film with their own capacities for compassion and forgiveness unchanged.
The issues are heavy; the film is not. It's funny, well told and well timed. The soundtrack is tasteful and non-manipulative (thank you so much for that). And there are some surprises along the way. Just like life.
I attended a screening for educators at correctional institutions (you know, prisons) and can attest that to a person they were impressed, inspired, and wanted a copy of this film. That's a strong recommendation in and of itself.
I not only dare you to see this movie, I dare you to show it to one other person you care about.

To call this film compelling is an understatement. You will become drawn into these inmates' lives, you will care deeply about them, you will rejoice at their opportunity to express powerful and dangerous emotions through Shakespeare's jeweled language, and you may weep at their ups and downs. In particular, the courage of the director/mentor in "en-couraging" the men will inspire any educator. One of the most inspiring documentaries I've ever seen.

I didn't expect Shakespeare Behind Bars to be as entertaining as it was. Not only is this fine documentary film a compelling argument on behalf of drama as a rehabilitative tool in prison, but it is also a welcome reminder of our universal foibles and potential for redemption. Shakespeare Behind Bars will change any preconceived notions you may have about criminals because these Shakespearian actors are as wise and perceptive and articulate as any actor on or off Broadway. Highly recommended.

I saw this in a premiere showing, and bought a DVD. it is a wonderful movie that shows how life and art can parallel and be a catalyst to learning. As a special education teacher, I was impressed with how some of the prisoners learned a Shakespearian play despite learning difficulties. Even more important, is how the prisoners learned about themselves through the trials and tribulations of trying to put prepare for this performance. It is a moving film.

The previous reviewer's disappointment is apparently rooted in a mistaken inference: that this documentary's title implies that it records a finished performance of Shakespeare's The Tempest by incarcerated offenders.

I have discussed the documentary with a mixed group of twenty-five offenders in an Indiana prison and they had no trouble recognizing and appreciating it for what it is.

This documentary is most impressive for its portrayal of the impact of PREPARING a Shakespearean performance on the self-understanding of the performers. The candor and intelligence with which these incarcerated gentlemen find the connection between their struggles to pretend to be someone they're not while discovering the truth about themselves is truly astounding. No one experienced in the myriad issues associated with "corrections" and offender-reentry could fail to appreciate the many small personal victories portrayed in this documentary unless they had the misfortune to view it with others not prepared to accept it for what it is.

Hopefully, the social worker whose daughter gave it to her as a Christmas present will give it a second look, in her daughter's absence.

The movie gives you a better understanding of what it means to be in prison. Watching the changes in the actors (prisoners) through the documentary shows how drama may lead to rehabilitation. They are articulate about what got them there and are serious about their acting part in the drama. The movie is entertaining, thought provoking and extremely well-done. It is a must-have addition to your video library. You will want to watch it several times.