A Truthful Portrayal of Prison, Survival, and the Transformative Power of the Arts.
Rating: 10/10
Most prison movies follow a predictable formula—over-the-top drama, exaggerated violence, tired stereotypes, or a redemption story that feels more like a Hollywood fantasy than something grounded in reality. But Sing Sing is different.
This isn’t your typical prison movie with actors in orange jumpsuits playing gangsters. It isn’t just a story about incarceration; it is incarceration.
It’s real! Not just because it’s based on a true story, but because it’s told by the men who lived it. Many of the actors are former prisoners portraying themselves in the very maximum-security prison where they served their time. This brings a level of raw authenticity to the film that seeps into your bloodstream and stays with you long after it ends. Sing Sing shines a light on the camaraderie, humour, and childlike playfulness among incarcerated men—traits that are often overlooked or erased in traditional prison narratives.
Based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison, the film follows a group of incarcerated men creating theatrical stage productions. Through theatre, these prisoners reclaim agency, autonomy, and self-expression in an environment where these qualities are routinely stripped away as part of the punishment.
Sing Sing offers a heartfelt, honest, and unflinching portrayal of how the arts can transform lives behind bars, guiding individuals on a path of healing and change. It serves as a powerful testament to the arts' ability to restore dignity, provide purpose, foster community, create belonging, and ignite hope for a future beyond prison walls.
As someone who spent years behind bars, I can honestly say I've never seen a prison film that feels so genuine. The writers expertly capture the subtle yet impactful moments that truly define the prison experience— from guards tossing cells with reckless disregard to the cold, dehumanising realities of life sentences and the parole system.
They also thoughtfully conveyed the suffocating feelings of institutionalisation, highlighting the painful cycle of intergenerational incarceration and the ongoing struggle to maintain family ties with the outside world. Private, intimate moments shared between cellmates are exposed through staff observation windows of locked cell doors, evoking an overwhelming sense of confinement and helplessness.
The theatre program provides a much-needed escape from all that ugliness. "We're here to be human again," one inmate participant shares. I know firsthand the gravity of finding something that restores your humanity when you're in a system that does everything to turn you into a number. For me, Home Ground was that lifeline in prison—it saved my soul.
But that’s what Sing Sing does so brilliantly. It shows the humanity of incarcerated humans—something that’s so often erased by media and society. It’s not just about the prisoners—it’s about the freedom they find in storytelling, in performance, in being seen. The men in the film aren’t just criminals. They’re actors, poets, dreamers, friends, and most importantly, people who still have something to give the world.
For anyone who has been incarcerated, worked with those inside, or has loved ones behind bars, this film will be more than just a movie—it’s a powerful reminder that creativity is resistance, even in the darkest places.
A must-watch!
Written by FreeBird
Did you miss out on seeing Sing Sing at the movies? You can buy a ticket to our fundraiser! Lucky you!
Why Your Support Matters
By attending our Movie Fundraiser, you’ll be directly contributing to an initiative that has a meaningful impact on the wāhine in our community.
The proceeds from this event will go towards reprinting our workbooks—resources that are crucial to the Home Ground integration process. These workbooks are not just books; they are tools for self-discovery, growth, and connection. They help our participants deepen their creative practice, reflect on their personal journeys, and foster a sense of belonging within our community.
For many, these books serve as a bridge—connecting the experiences of our workshops with the everyday lives of participants, enabling them to continue their practice at home, or whenever inspiration strikes.
Every ticket you purchase, every donation you make, reinforces the importance of community and shared experiences. Your support in reprinting the workbooks will extend their positive impact.
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