Melbourne International Film Festival Review - Sing Sing

 

“In here we call each other ‘beloved.’”

Poignant, powerful and pertinent, Sing Sing is an emotional and raw depiction of hurt people finding healing through the dramatic arts in a stunning showcase for its ensemble who both tower in power and subtly sit in the nuance and peace in a deeply cathartic and beautiful film that stands as one of this years best! 

Discussion Points:

Not a dry eye in the entire house. Wow! What a special, powerful, beautiful, emotional, transcendent, transportive work of art. Sing Sing tells the story of a group of prisoners involved in the RTA program - Rehabilitation Through the Arts. And many of the programs real-life alumni play themselves within the film adding an additional layer of reality, depth and humanity. They laugh together, act together, cry together, survive together. It’s a true ensemble but it’s led so toweringly and powerfully by Colman Domingo and supported sublimely by Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin. Shower these men in all the awards I beg of you! I adored the beautifully shot 16mm handheld intimate camerawork, and the sensitive hand of director Greg Kwedar who lets so many raw emotional moments breathe and linger as long as they need to. A film I can’t wait to see again and will be recommending for a long time - truly something special.