Watch Cruel and Unusual

Cruel and Unusual is a powerful new documentary film from 2017 which explores the plight of three men who were incarcerated in solitary confinement for decades despite not having been convicted of any crime. The film follows the stories of Herman Wallace, Robert King, and Albert Woodfox, also known as the Angola 3. All three men were imprisoned for their work with the Black Panther Party, and all three were accused of crimes they did not commit. Despite their innocence, they were all sent to Angola prison in Louisiana, which was notorious for its inhumane treatment of prisoners.

At Angola, the three men were placed in solitary confinement, where they spent 23 hours a day in a cell no bigger than a bathroom. They were allowed one hour of exercise per day, during which they were not allowed to speak to anyone. They were subjected to extreme heat, cold, and insect infestations, and were often denied access to basic necessities such as soap, toothbrushes, and toilet paper.

Despite these horrific conditions, the men refused to give up hope. They formed a tight bond with each other, and began to fight back against their unjust treatment. They organized hunger strikes, peaceful protests, and even filed a lawsuit against the prison. Their resilience and determination inspired others both inside and outside of prison walls.

The documentary is expertly crafted, using a combination of footage shot inside Angola prison and interviews with the men themselves, as well as family members, lawyers, and activists who worked to free them. Through their stories, we see the devastating impact that solitary confinement can have on the human psyche, and the incredible strength and courage it takes to fight back against an unjust system.

In addition to shining a light on the horrors of the prison-industrial complex, Cruel and Unusual is also a compelling portrait of three remarkable men who refused to let their circumstances define them. Herman, Robert, and Albert's stories are a testament to the power of the human spirit, and a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of places, hope can still be found.

Overall, Cruel and Unusual is a must-see film for anyone interested in social justice, human rights, or the criminal justice system in the United States. It is a powerful and moving exploration of the human cost of mass incarceration, and a call to action for all those who believe that every human being deserves dignity, respect, and justice.

Cruel and Unusual is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.