Hawaii’s prisons are so overflowing that a for-profit penitentiary was built in the Arizona desert specifically to house more convicted men from the 50th state. Many of the incarcerated are native Hawaiians, and this touching documentary focuses on the ethnic and cultural bonds among many of the prisoners. Filmmaker Ciara Lacy captures extraordinary footage of the men—many of whom never felt a personal bond with Hawaiian traditions—as they dance, play instruments, and appear to be proud warriors during exercise times. She also follows the stories of two paroled men who return to Hawaii to start life over again. David reconnects with his aging father in an emotional scene, as well as with his grown daughter and grandchildren. Taking a job at a community center for Hawaiians, things go well for David until he gets into an altercation, which threatens to revoke his freedom. Hale gets a job shuttling tourists in a van, but has to spend his nights in an Oahu prison, typically reporting in at 1:30 a.m. Hale is cautious and circumspect, while David is eager to help others. Lacy’s access to so many personal moments behind bars and in the lives of her two subjects is remarkable. A powerful documentary, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
Out of State
(2017) 79 min. DVD: $129: high schools & public libraries; $349: colleges & universities. DRA. Good Docs (avail. from www.gooddocs.net). PPR. Volume 33, Issue 4
Out of State
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