The Farm: Life Inside Angola Prison [VHS]

Product Details

What begins as a traditional documentary transforms into an investigation of the human spirit, of hope in the face of hopelessness. We see the parole board pass judgment before the applicant even makes his case and make their decision before the door has closed behind him. Yet this is not so much a work of investigative journalism as a cultural study. What the viewer comes away with is a glimpse into an almost surreal atmosphere best defined by an incongruously chipper clown who wanders the halls on Christmas Eve to cheer up the prisoners in isolation. On the surface this seems like a well-integrated, safe, supportive environment, but under the surface of normalcy is a mix of doom and hope. --Sean Axmaker

Product Reviews

(5 stars) - Wish it was on DVD
This is one of the best prison documentaries I've seen: thought-provoking, real, and upsetting. I was relieved to learn that one prisoner, so obviously falsely-accused and revictimized by a racist parole panel for 20+ years, was later released after a public outcry when this documentary first aired. I have a homemade VHS of this program and would like to replace it but am not willing to pay $40 + shipping for another VHS. Wish it would come out on DVD.

(1 stars) - The muslums,and the other criminals have it easy
This shows how easy life is on the inside and why should it be made easy for them? These people have killed,rapped,etc..I would say bring back the electric chair and let me pull the switch on them all.

(5 stars) - Stunning
If you believe in the death penalty, watch this film.

I saw this film a few years ago and it permanently changed my view on the prison systems in the U.S. Highly recommended viewing.

It is annoying how such an important film is so rare and high priced.

I'd also recommend "Crime control as industry: Towards gulags" for further understanding of some of the statistical data and financial mechanics that fuel the corrupt prison systems in the U.S. and elsewhere.

(5 stars) - Most Amazing, Inside depth, Prison Documentary!!!
It is no wonder this film took the 1998 Best Film documentary by the National Society of Film Critics,Association, and Oscar- nominated for Best Documentary. The Farm is the incredible and heart wrenching story of six inmates at Americas most infamous Prison...Angola, a former slave plantation spreading across 12,000 acres of Louisiana farmland. Do not miss this movie.......you'll have a greater understanding oif how the system works and a sence of darkness of some lifes, and how the heart can cry out. Once you start watching, you won't want to be disturbed. 5***** all the way. Very touching!

(5 stars) - The Farm: Life Inside Angola Prison.
This film is free of Hollywood glamour, and you love it for just that reason. It's a great documentary, and definitely worth the price. About 15 minutes into the film you get that weird sensation in your throat, and have trouble swallowing. Everything becomes clear, from now on you'll be a preacher boy just to keep clear of Angola, and anything that could resemble it.

Popular Searches in Blended