Watch Penitentiary

Penitentiary, released in 1979, is a powerful and gritty drama that takes a deep dive into the brutal world of the prison system in America. It follows the story of Martel "Too Sweet" Gordone, played by Leon Isaac Kennedy, a young black man who is wrongfully accused of murder and sent to prison. The film is an intense and emotionally charged exploration of the physical and psychological toll of prison life, as well as the ways in which race plays a role in the administration of justice.

The movie opens with a scene of Martel at a boxing match, seemingly on his way to living the American dream. But one night, after a fight, Martel is framed for murder by a group of white thugs, who plant evidence on him and have him arrested. After a vicious beating by the police, Martel is coerced into signing a false confession, and he is quickly sent to prison. Inside, he is forced to face the harsh realities of life behind bars, including dealing with brutal guards, gang violence, and the constant fear of being attacked.

Despite the odds, Martel seeks to survive and even thrive in this new environment. He turns to his love of boxing as a means of coping and quickly becomes a star fighter in the prison's brutal boxing league. He also finds friendship and support from a group of fellow prisoners, led by a charismatic man named Half Dead, played by Wilbur 'Hi-Fi' White. Half Dead is an interesting character, who embodies the contradictions of the prison system. On the one hand, he's a criminal who has committed some heinous acts, but on the other hand, he's insightful, articulate and likable, with a deep sense of loyalty to his friends.

As Martel continues to navigate the complexities of prison life, he must also grapple with the racial tensions that are simmering just beneath the surface. The film portrays the prison as a microcosm of society, where black and white prisoners are constantly vying for power and status. However, it's clear that the deck is stacked against the black inmates, who are routinely discriminated against and subjected to harsher punishments. There is a powerful scene where Half Dead tells Martel about the "game" that the prison authorities play, using black inmates to maintain order and control over the other prisoners. Half Dead suggests that Martel could be the one to break the game by winning his boxing matches and gaining the respect of the guards.

The boxing scenes are some of the most compelling in the film, with expertly choreographed fight sequences that are visceral and intense. The scenes are also infused with a palpable sense of tension, as each match not only represents a chance for Martel to prove himself, but also a risk that he could be seriously injured or killed. There are several standout performances in the film, but Leon Isaac Kennedy is truly remarkable in the lead role. He brings a raw intensity to the part, conveying the pain and desperation of a man who has been wronged by the system.

Overall, Penitentiary is a hard-hitting and unflinching portrayal of the brutality and injustice of the American prison system. It's a film that pulls no punches, exposing the harsh realities of life behind bars while also exploring the ways in which race and power dynamics shape the experiences of those who are incarcerated. The film is not without its flaws, but it remains a powerful and important work that deserves to be seen by a wider audience. If you're a fan of gritty dramas or socially-relevant films, Penitentiary is definitely worth checking out.

Penitentiary is a 1979 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.