There are many great prison movies, but which ones are the best? Listed here are The Shawshank Redemption, Escape from Alcatraz, Law Abiding Citizen, and O Brother, Where Art Thou. Each film is different, but each is worthy of your attention. To help you choose the best prison movies, watch these movies in order. You’ll surely find a movie that will capture your attention! Read on to discover the best films about prisons and their characters.
There’s something compelling about a look behind bars –- for many movie fans, prison films are their only experience with the world of incarceration. But they are not alone. There is also a large number of people who have been incarcerated or know someone with a prison record –- and have strong opinions on what is being presented as “truth” in these films. Although we’re going to be getting into some very polarized perspectives shortly, the truth is that many of the greatest prison movies actually get what it’s like inside jail right.
The Shawshank Redemption
“The Shawshank Redemption” is arguably the greatest prison movie of all time. This Frank Darabont movie is based on a short story written by Stephen King twelve years before it was filmed. It features an inventive storyline and powerful performances, and received near-universal acclaim. The film also earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It’s hard to argue with a film that has won so many awards.
It’s a moving film, narrated by Morgan Freeman, and has some of the most powerful dialogue in a prison movie. Andy McKinnon, played by Morgan Freeman, was a prisoner in real life, but the movie humanizes the experience. The movie has been criticised for portraying prison guards as using beatings to control inmates, but this would not be surprising since they are frequently used as a form of punishment. Moreover, beatings were more common during the film’s time.
Escape from Alcatraz
“Escape from Alcatraz” is a gripping adventure novel that explores the human cost of prison. Hardened con Frank Morris has a history of prison break attempts and is sentenced to serve the rest of his life at the notorious Alcatraz prison. As he struggles with his cruel warden, he begins to realize how inhumane prison life really is. Despite the hardships and dehumanization of prison life, Morris is determined to escape and plans his escape meticulously, eventually pulling off the feat.
In the film, four inmates build a makeshift drill out of found materials and use it to drill tiny holes near the back air vents in their cells. Then, they wiggle through a hole they had punched in the wall. Their escape attempt was so successful, the FBI is currently studying the incident. It has become a Hollywood blockbuster, so it’s still worth a read. There are also many interesting facts and trivia about Alcatraz’s history.
Law Abiding Citizen
While “Taken” may be a more recent release, the story of a former convict attempting to avenge his past is far from new. The film was released on October 16, 2008 and stars Jamie Fox and Gerard Butler. This film is a riveting account of a man’s attempt to make amends for his crimes and seek revenge against the judicial system. As the director of the film, Gerard Butler is a charismatic force that keeps you watching to the end.
The film has become a classic in the genre. The main characters, Clyde Butler (Jamie Foxx) and Redd (Morgan Freedom) are imprisoned for murder. However, their story is not all about thecriminals – they also have to deal with the prison system. Law Abiding Citizen has the same type of high-quality acting as the other movies, and even though the story is based on real events, the movie is a great learning tool.
O Brother, Where Art Thou
O Brother, Where Art Thou is a musical retelling of the Greek myth of The Odyssey set in the Southern United States. The film follows three prisoners as they escape from a chain gang and become incidental celebrities after they record a song called “Man of Constant Sorrow”. The film is written by T-Bone Burnett and features the music of Tom Waits and the soundtrack of the 1941 Preston Sturges film of the same name.
Set in the deep South during the Great Depression, O Brother, Where Art Thou is an epic musical comedy. George Clooney stars as an escaped prisoner. It’s loosely based on Homer’s epic poem THE ODYSSEY, and features a number of memorable songs by legendary Christian musicians. This movie is filled with music and spirituality, and is a must-see for those interested in prison-related topics.
When all is said and done, Shawshank remains one of the best prison films ever made. It is a masterpiece to be sure. It’s moving, a little frightening, suspenseful and sometimes funny. The performances are incredible, the dialogue is sharp, the situations are uncomfortable, and it will probably make you wonder what you would do if you were in Andy Dufresne’s position. While other prison films have come and gone over the years, this one is timeless. And with no dialogue for much of the film (Shawshank gives us plenty of thought-provoking visuals to mull over), you can watch it at any time, with just about anyone.
