Music From the Big House [Import]

Music from the Big House is a captivating and inspiring film. One woman takes a step inside one of America's bloodiest prisons to give the cellmates a chance to connect with music. It follows the journey of prisoner's past, and how even though they will be in prison for life, the ability to sing and play guitar helps them find the joy in life. Rita Chiarelli is the sign of hope and forgiveness. Her voice and heart reach out to the men who were never given a second chance. The movie shows what can be done with the power of music. The interviews and journey through the prison is very moving. All you need are the vocals of Chiarelli, and the prisoners to hook you for another viewing.

In this uplifting and spiritual journey the audience is dropped right into the otherworldly, deep south culture of Angola Prison, otherwise known as the Louisiana State Penitentiary, and are introduced to it's humble, yet dangerous, inhabitants. At the same time they are introduced to the unbelievably talented and kindhearted Canadian blues singer Rita Chiarelli, who happens to be visiting Angola in an attempt to work with the prisoners on creating a musical act. The film avoids revealing the crimes committed by these prisoners, who are serving life sentences in a maximum security prison, so that the audience doesn't form a predetermined view of them. This allows the viewers to sympathize, favor, and even relate to the prisoners as the film advances and the story plays out. We quickly learn that many of the men have changed and become much more spiritual, and even religious due to their time serving. The message of the film greatly reflects this by noting the angst-ridden history of the blues genre as a whole and relating this to the dark pasts of the inmates; and then showing how this same music is what gives the inmates an outlet to express themselves in a deeply spiritual and healthy way. Overall, it's a great documentary that thoroughly explores a highly overlooked subject and shows that even in the darkest people in the darkest situations music can uplift one's spirit.

Music from the Big House is heartfelt and amazing. I was truly surprised by the quality of the music coming from inside the prison - they're really great! It was really interesting to hear their stories and their music. You could really feel the angst and sorrow from the prisoners. I will definitely watch this again!