The best prison dramas tend to be the most humanizing ones. The ones where we examine tragic figures and lost causes through trauma, systemic oppression, corruption, vulnerability, support, and, hopefully, rehabilitation, not only to make these characters endearing and relatable, but also to serve as a reminder that liberation can be found even in the ugliest of settings. "Bars cannot contain the soul" kinda stuff.
And that's why a movie like Sing Sing works: it uses a minimal plot and a grounded technical approach (tight framing, natural lighting, long takes) to allow this theme to take center stage. And it's such a tender and heartwarming theme, carried out in such a raw and original way, that I really can't ask for more. I just enjoy seeing these hardened convicts experience some catharsis via creative expression for a little while. That kind of emotional power is infectious.
Also, while we're on the topic of simplicity and naturalism, the casting is a stroke of genius. I knew next-to-nothing about the background of this movie, so I was genuinely taken aback when the credits started rolling, revealing that almost every supporting actor was actually playing themselves. Just a beautiful little full-circle moment.
Grade: A
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