An example of advocacy filmmaking at its most inspired.

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The Dhamma Brothers (2008)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:8
Fresh:7
Rotten:1
Average Rating:6.8/10
Consensus: This thoughtful if rough hewn doc about death row inmates who discover Buddhism inspires hope that all of us are worthy of redemption.
Theatrical Release:Apr 11, 2008 Limited
Synopsis: East meets West in the Deep South. An overcrowded maximum-security prison—the end of the line in Alabama’s correctional system—is forever changed by the influence of an ancient meditation program.... East meets West in the Deep South. An overcrowded maximum-security prison—the end of the line in Alabama’s correctional system—is forever changed by the influence of an ancient meditation program. Behind high security towers and a double row of barbed wire and electrical fence dwells a host of convicts who will never see the light of day. But for some of these men, a spark is ignited when it becomes the first maximum-security prison in North America to hold an extended Vipassana retreat, an emotionally and physically demanding course of silent meditation lasting ten days. This film, with the power to dismantle stereotypes about men behind prison bars also, in the words of Sister Helen Prejean (Dead Man Walking), “gives you hope for the human race." --© Balcony Releasing [More]
Director: Jenny Phillips, Andrew Kukura, Anne Marie Stein
Director: Jenny Phillips, Andrew Kukura, Anne Marie Stein
Producer: Jenny Phillips, Andrew Kukura, Anne Marie Stein
Studio: Balcony Releasing
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Reviews for The Dhamma Brothers
A sincere but unevenly made documentary about Buddhism on death row.
A sort of cross between The Shawshank Redemption and an episode of MSNBC's Lockup, the intriguing documentary The Dhamma Brothers makes a cogent case for prisoner rehabilitation over, as one inmate here bluntly puts it, being 'warehoused till you die'.
There's one image you're likely to take away from this mind-boggling documentary. It's of rows and rows of men dressed completely in white and seated cross-legged on royal blue mats.
The Dhamma Brothers offers a constructive alternative to the hopelessness of human warehousing.
Takes you on a thrilling and hopeful voyage through a very dark place.
Subject matter definitely trumps stylistic nuance in this solid journeyman effort.
There's no doubt that the Brothers are a compelling bunch, but their story isn't well served here.
Latest News for The Dhamma Brothers
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 68% 68% | The Last Station | 12/23 |
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