Prison Bound

The preface of this film states that it "does not intend to glorify, put down or provoke gang or racial violence." We are then abruptly plunged into an "in your face" confrontation with Los Angeles area gang members, who speak of growing up violent in the barrio, the war for turf between blacks and Chicanos, and what it means to be a gangbanger. Shot in black and white using edgy, hand-held camera techniques, the film features variable sound quality, and constant raw street slang and obscenities which produces a numbing sameness to these portraits of gang members who strut, preen, and show off their battle scars and tattoos. You can't escape the feeling that these gangbangers are acting up for the camera, and since the interviewees see nothing wrong with their lifestyle, and feel no need to change, it's hard to empathize or care what happens to them. The film points out there are almost one million gang members in the L. A. area, but even as a cautionary tale, this film is likely to repel all but hardened caseworkers and criminologists. Not recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)