Customer Reviews

Stranger Inside [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What makes this movie a standout is that it all seems real. This is no backlot prison stage with sqeaky clean actors trying to play real grit. This is truly a down and dirty portrayal of women's prison life. But despite the often disturbing depiction of this (the unabashed violence; and one scene with a prison guard and a speculum), that's not really what this movie is about. It delves deeper into one young woman's dream/fantasy of recapturing the archetypal missing mother and chronicles her transformation from a girl who knows what she wants (to find her mother, Brownie, who is locked up in the federal pen) to a young woman whose self-discovery becomes her ultimate grief.

The movie is filled with outstanding performances (Rain Phoenix, for one is phenomenal), good pacing and production,and good storytelling. It falls short because I believe it does perpetuate some stereotypes many may have about women's prisons and at times, doesn't seem to be able to move beyond these familiar, formulaic images. I would have liked to have seen something I haven't seen in prison movies before.

The DVD has chapter selection capability and is presented in widescreen format. However, if you are looking for special features, this is about it. I would have liked to have seen a "behind the camera" featurette or a director's commentary on this disc. Cheryl Dunye is a talented, talented director and not to have heard directly from her about this movie is a shortcoming.

I recommend this movie very highly. It's not one you'll want to watch over and over so before you buy, consider renting it first. This movie is like a fine meal, it's good the first time around but you wouldn't want to eat this way every night.

I really enjoyed this film... The relationship that Treasure had with her mother was unfortunately, not far from reality in some cases. I thought the activities/events of prison life was really bold of HBO and I was impressed with their dedication to keep things in line with reality. I think the acting in the film, especially by Treasure, was very well presented. The characters were believable and realistic. Great job on this one...

I THOUGHT THIS MOVIE WAS JUST GOING TO BE ABOUT JAIL AND HOW HARD WOMEN HAVE IT IN JAIL....BOY WAS I WRONG. THIS MOVIE WAS EXCELLENT. IT CAPTIVES YOU FROM THE OPENING SCENE TO THE END. I WISH THEY WOULD HAVE MADE A SEQUEL, JUST TO CONTINUE THE SUSPENSE. I EVEN SHARED THIS MOVIE WITH FAMILY FRIENDS AND THEY ENJOYED IT. THIS IS A MUST TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION.

Since I work in a women's correctional facility I am very critical on the realism aspect of these types of films. I had to questions some of the policies and procedures that were depicted of the prison staff. The speculum scene was totally false at least in the Virginia Dept. of Corrections. They would never line the ladies up and use the same medical instrument on each. Male officers are never allowed to see female offenders naked. I'm a male officer and have worked in a women's prison for over five years and I have never seen an offender naked. As far as the crooked officer that was running drugs out of the prison, yeah right that would never happen. If I have learned anything about working with women, they can get jealous over the smallest things and trust me if they saw or even suspected that somebody was getting something that they weren't they would be writing downtown and call the 800 number hotline so fast, that that man would have lasted three days. He would have been under investigation within 48 hours. Other than that the actions of the offenders was well depicted.

THIS MOVIE IS THE TALE OF TREASURE LEE. SHES ON A QUEST TO REUNITE WITH HER MOTHER AND SHE WLL DO JUST ABOUT ANYTIME TO FIND HER AND REUNITE. THE MOVIE IS GREAT. YOU WILL FEEL HER PAIN AND STRUGGLE. THE ENDING IS A SHOCKER, YOU'LL NEVER SEE IT COMING. GREAT MOVIE BUY IT OR RENT IT.

I guess I will never understand how these types of films get absolutely no promotional solicitation.

This film is excellent. You are left feeling a connection to the characters and wanting to know more. The events (although unfortunate) are realistic and relatable.

I would (and already have) recommend this film to others.

I LOVED THIS FILM!
THE MOVIE WAS RAW,AND IT LEFT YOU GUESSING, UNTIL THE END!
THE GIRLS GOT, DOWN RIGHT NASTY, BUT, I GUESS, THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS, IN THE PRISON, LIFE!

This move was wack as hell ! lmao some of the parts were hilarious. Even though this was not suppose to be a funny movie. Omg the storyline was corny, the acting was corny .. smh I brought this, watched it, and never put it back in my dvd player lol

I loved this movie also. it is a good movie to show young girls and what could happen to them when they go to jail. excellent movie and actress

This movie is the best. I had this movie on VHS years ago so I couldn't wait to get it on DVD. Yolanda Ross captures the emotion of a young lady locked away and wanting to be with her mother in a nearby prison. She shines just as she did in Antwone Fisher. The character played by Madusa is a phenom. She is an underground hip hop artist and also produces. The cast as whole are not mega stars but they have been seen on screen for quite a while.