The redemptive nature of art

I've waited a long time to see the film, which has had a lot of controversy surrounding it because of the fame it brought Salvatore Striano (he plays Brutus); this does not sit well with the victims of his crimes and their families.

The play is a political tragedy that resonates with the prisoners as it's a tale of Rome and Italians that culminates in the killing, or murder, of the head of Rome. Given that the prisoners involved have all been mafioso this links directly into their lives as clan members.

The rehearsals for the play, which takes the majority of screen time, are set in the prison facility and are filmed in black and white. The grainy quality of the black and white makes the prison setting and the play more dramatic. As the prisoners rehearse they reflect on the play, the characters and their motives, their imprisonment and, occasionally, the play takes them into ongoing situations between them.

It's an innovative way to stage Shakespeare's Julius Caesar on film and a unique way to see the prisoners. It worked very well and for that I give it 8/10. What would have increased my rating would have been a bit more knowledge about each prisoner and as the film runs at only 76 minutes it would have been possible to incorporate more. I find it interesting that the decision of the Taviani brothers was different and perhaps given the reaction of some in Italy it's more respectful that a distance is maintained. We know many of those acting in the play by their name and crime(s) only.

Ultimately the film offers the idea of redemption through art; of literature, acting and cinema. The man who plays Cassius, Cosimo Rega (the force behind the prison theatre group,) is given the line since I got to know art, this cell has become a prison". Being introduced to something greater gives the men a different perspective on their lives and, by implication, their crimes.

Did you say my eyes or thighs are beautiful?