Russian Prison N-240

A sign of Russia's new openness, the makers of this video were allowed access to prison N-240, which houses some of the country's most dangerous prisoners not sentenced to death. Russia has the world's highest murder rate, and many of the murderers are housed here. Although Russian prisons are every bit as unsavory as their American counterparts, and then some: no prison libraries are shown, no televisions, there is scant meaningful work to do outside a lumber mill (eventually closed), and little attempt is made to integrate prisoners into the larger society when the men are released. The video includes interviews with convicts, guards, and families of guards and prisoners. Every aspect of prisoner life is shown, from conjugal visits (if allowed) to meals and recreation. The documentary explains Russia's changing criminal code since the fall of the Soviet Union, and tartly notes that the "Russian Mafia" criminal elite has yet to face justice. An interesting look at the dark side of Russian society, this video is recommended for large criminology collections. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)