Gorgeous poetry of life in motion, as a group of maximum security inmates learn the deeply spiritual aspect of human connection and expression. The depth of a man’s heart is captured in the creative process of acting. The cathartic power of letting go and vulnerability. It’s a film that reaches through only a place of love and tenderness into a world of pain and sorrow, endless, everyday sorrow. It’s a magnificently warm story of men, sharing complete openness with one another. A rarity captured so honestly.
The decision to use the real actors of Sing Sing genuinely elevates this from a great film to an all-time great. The performances are so incredibly special and Coleman Domingo (Divine G) delivers something amazingly impactful. He blends so naturally and his Shakespearian background adds so much to his eccentric yet intellectual persona. The leader and muse of the group, his unspoken influence is an extremely special way to see expression in a character. The way controls the room with a presence, as if every other character is waiting for Divine G to speak his piece. How Domingo takes a beat, or lets the room center on him before reaching out with the touch of the divine.
Moreover, Divine G and Clarence Maclin have a friendship and connection that couldn’t be anything but real. The way Maclin eases into the group, soaking up Colman’s knowledge shows an intellectual in a world of survival that is constantly misled. The acting brings these men to a point of growth and it’s wonderfully captured. Using lenses that let in light, Kwedar creates a warmth and tender quality in the visual language. A flowing editing structure that blends together beautifully. Non-diegetic sound and quiet atmosphere lets the dialogue carry it all and all of its meaning. It’s even more incredible when you realize Maclin, Divine G and Kwedar wrote this…incredible.
This is a special film. It’s not overly sentimental and oftentimes wary of people and the world. Yet, all those negative feelings get lost in the ability to express love and joy. Similar to Domingo, Sean Sean Jones as his roommate is one of the best dynamics I can remember. The two shared a bond and Kwedar captures it so perfectly. Across the board, the acting is nothing but spectacular, delivering a fantastic story that can only be experienced if there. The ending a beautiful farewell –
Review: ☆☆☆☆☆ (94)
Verdict: not weird
Weird Cinema 