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Best movie ever!

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

Music From the Big House was beautifully created to tell an impactful story in the form of a documentary. Unlike most documentaries that simply tell cold, hard facts about an issue through a monotonous narrative, MFTBH captures the mind and heart simultaneously through an image-driven journey. It follows renowned Blues artist, Rita Chiarelli in her quest through the Angola State Prison in Louisiana, were she attempts to both heal and reform inmates through experimentation with Blues music. Chiarelli deserves recognition for this spectacular film and all that she does. In our society, we tend to forget that prisoners are human too and despite their mistakes they have thoughts running through their minds and emotions coursing through their veins. She gives them a chance to prove themselves and make something of their lives, where most of us would not even dare. Throughout the documentary one develops a connections with several of the Angola Prison inmates that are interviewed. This film succeeds in helping the audience view prisoners for more than just their crimes. An unconventional feat, it is an inspiring story that attempts to progress societal views and reform the prison system. It is a must watch.

Watching Music from the Big House is like diving into a world that society has long forgotten and chooses not to remember. The black and white exposure of the film gives it an interesting take, reminding the viewer that sometimes life is lived in the gray. It has a particular raw footage grounding effect in part due to its inspirational original music and camera work. It takes you on a journey as if you were seated shotgun during filming. While it's not a story of second chances or new beginnings it reminds us all that life is what you make of it and you must make due with what you have. The film does an extraordinary task of distracting you from the real nature of the individuals being documented, only then to bring you back to a sense of reality right before rolling the credits.

I can't even begin to get into the inspiration this movie gives out. How a little women goes into the prison of Angola and gives prisoners the gift of blues music, this not only touched them but me too. I have a heavy appreciation for blues music but hearing it come from men who could have given up on life changed my feelings about music. Watching people evolve and come together strictly because of the music they share among each other is a rewarding experience. There are plenty behind the scenes documentaries that shed light on prison life. I will say that this particular film is nothing like a regular boring prison documentary in respects that it paints the inmate from another point of view. I never thought getting to know people I've never met would touch me the way these random inmates did. The ending is even more surprising, it set the tone for the whole purpose of the movie.

"Music from the Big House" was a very astonishing look into life in prison and the role music plays. The inmates are all seeking a chance for redemption and appear to be in the middle of a spiritual journey. Music plays a major role for all of these men that is completely indescribable. The music they play or sing is simply raw emotion. It is their outlet or perhaps even an escape from their everyday life. Quite frankly, it means everything to them. Award winning recording artist, Rita Chiarelli, takes a trip to Angola Prison with every intention of putting on a concert for the inmates. She winds up playing alongside the inmates and creates an experience that transcends anything an audience member would expect. This experience is captured in "Music from the Big House," in a tale of music, emotion, and redemption.