User reviews

The Prison Within is a powerful film, especially in these days of cancel culture - lock them up, and throw away the key! But wait a minute... many of the prisoner locked away for violent crimes are only a product of the home or society in which they were raised. These are human beings who, if they are given the opportunity, can feel remorse and can be rehabilitated. The Prison Within is aptly named, for a lot of these convicts punish themselves far worse than the justice system ever could. This documentary shows the power of compassion and forgiveness in a gripping way that stay with you.

Excellent documentary about the need to treat trauma within the criminal justice system. The documentary does not ignore the victims of violent crimes and actually presents a way to prevent such crimes in the future.

I highly, highly recommend "The Prison Within". It gives viewers a true picture of the intelligence and humanity of the people in the film, who represent others who are incarcerated and volunteers. Having been a volunteer in numerous programs at San Quentin for ten years, I can attest to the truth of this documentary, how motivated the men in the film are, and how much courage, persistence, and strength it takes to keep working on themselves. The ones who have been released since the film was made are doing much for their communities, continuing their determination to make amends through service. I urge you to watch this film so you will gain an understanding of what goes on inside the walls and the beauty of so many incarcerated people.