Gutsy revenge movie Imprisoned tells a wicked tale that includes the harsh treatment of inmates, a disturbing and unconscionable intrusion into an inmate’s life, and the guilt that becomes the final solution. The film brings out the worst in those who dominate with control and the heartbreak of those who come under the evil power they possess. The film is now available as home entertainment including some Video on Demand sites. While the story does shine here, production value and some of the support acting is a bit out of sorts.
The film opens with former warden Daniel Calvin (Lawrence Fishburne) thinking back as he surveys the prison he headed up and that’s about to be demolished. It’s been years since Calvin controlled the prison that held many men sentenced to death and how he ruled the facility with an iron fist. During his last years as warden he dealt with his inner-daemons and wanton lust for Maria (Juana Acosta) the wife of prisoner Dylan Burke (Juan Pablo Raba). He’s also set on punishing the woman that’s an advocate for prisoner’s rights and mistreatment.
To get to her, Calvin sets up a devious plan to charge Dylan with murder and be placed in his prison. Director and writer Paul Kampf takes you into the prison where the guards have free reign over punishment and use of brutality. He makes his set more than just a jail, but a place where Calvin can abuse his power over the inmates and take advantage of prisoner conjugal visits. He makes him a monster who turns his wrath on Dylan to get pleasure from it.
The acting in the film is good, but Kampf does make several scenes weak and contrived. The interaction between the guards and the prisoners seems a bit fake and the hangings more of shock value than a realization of what’s to come for his main actor. The production that includes sound and camera does not rise up to stellar and the special effects and make-up are not quite up to snuff. That said, the central theme of the story does push the envelope on prison reform and a challenge to the power a warden should have over the prison population.
Lawrence Fishburne gives a fine performance as the brutal warden that has a desire to bring Maria to her knees and diminish her actions against the prison. Forcing her to give into his wishes, she becomes even more determined to bring Calvin down. Dealing with Dylan, Calvin shows his hatred for the prisoner’s defiance and plots to make his life miserable at the penitentiary.
Taking a beating and being falsely accused Juan Pablo Raba brings a strong protagonist to the screen. He shows the downward fall of Dylan as he gets punished profusely and separated from his wife. Determined to get back at the warden, he works with fellow prisoner Hospicio (Edward James Olmos). It’s an opportunity to get back at Calvin for destroying their lives.
BONUS FEATURES:
“Interview with Edward James Olmos”“
Social Impact Filmmaking” Equitas Entertainment Partners talk about how they incorporate equality into their films along with other moviemaking issues.
“3 Deleted Scenes” Include Death Speech by the Warden, Captain Elles at the police station and Dylan and the boy on the dock.
Imprisoned has been rated R by the MPA for violence, disturbing images, some sexuality and language.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An okay film for those who like gut wrenching violence. (2.5 out of 5 stars)
Specifications and additional video information Specifications and additional video information
Cast: Lawrence Fishburne, Juan Pablo Raba, Juana Acosta, Esai Morales, Jon Huertas, Ana Isabelle, Edward James Olmos
Directed and Written by: Paul Kampf
Genre: Crime, Drama
MPAA Rating: R for violence, disturbing images, some sexuality and language
Running Time: 1 hr. 44 min. Video Release Date: January 7, 2020
Original Theatrical Release Date: October 25, 2018
Language: Spanish and English with English subtitles
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Audio: Surround Sound 5.1
Video: Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
Subtitles: English
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: Cinema Libre Studios
Released on: Blu-ray, DVD, VOD (Amazon, Vimeo, Hoopla)
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
