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The Dhamma Brothers

Play trailer Poster for The Dhamma Brothers 2008 1h 16m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In 2002, psychotherapist Jenny Phillips begins intensive meditation retreats for inmates at a maximum-security prison in rural Alabama. Based on the principles of Vipassana meditation, the 10-day retreats are conducted in total silence. This documentary explores the lives of four convicted murderers before, during and after the arduous retreats, as well as reactions from residents of the nearby town of Bessemer, many of whom object to the program on religious or social grounds.

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The Dhamma Brothers

The Dhamma Brothers

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Critics Consensus

This thoughtful if rough hewn doc about death row inmates who discover Buddhism inspires hope that all of us are worthy of redemption.

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Critics Reviews

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Andrea Gronvall Chicago Reader An example of advocacy filmmaking at its most inspired. Jun 13, 2008 Full Review Ty Burr Boston Globe A sincere but unevenly made documentary about Buddhism on death row. Rated: 2.5/4 May 16, 2008 Full Review Tom Keogh Seattle Times Most of these men will never know freedom beyond prison walls, but they have learned liberation from within. Rated: 3/4 May 9, 2008 Full Review Dave White Movies.com Rated: 3.5/5 Apr 4, 2011 Full Review Marc Mohan Oregonian The thoughtfulness and humanity of these inmates is a potent reminder that there's almost no such thing as a lost cause. Rated: B May 16, 2008 Full Review Bob Strauss Los Angeles Daily News Though compelling as far as it goes, a little more skepticism and drama would have made for a more engaging film and enhanced its message. May 9, 2008 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Beautiful and inspiring. The beauty of the human soul. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member Another good documentary about trying something different, meditation to inmates who have been in prison for doing horrific crimes. Others in the street who are Christian, tend to dismiss this program because its something that they don't believe. If the people are paying taxes for this prisoners, having programs like this can make such a big difference but also to those who might get out to the world again. Most of those prisoners return back to prison because they're not accepted and are not mentally ready to experience the real world again. Quite interesting if they starting doing this in almost all prisons. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Inspiring human transformation...in such an unlikely place. It fills me with hope for humanity. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a great film. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Powerful and inspirational stuff. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Yes! This is Spiritual and Cultural Evolution in Action!! Sadhu! __/|\__ Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Dhamma Brothers

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Cast & Crew

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Jenny Phillips

Director

Andrew Kukura

Director

Anne Marie Stein

Director

Jonathan Crowley

Actor

Jenny Phillips

Writer

Bestor Cram

Executive Producer

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The Dhamma Brothers

The Dhamma Brothers (2008) The Dhamma Brothers (2008) The Dhamma Brothers (2008) The Dhamma Brothers (2008) A scene from the film "The Dhamma Brothers." A scene from the film "The Dhamma Brothers." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In 2002, psychotherapist Jenny Phillips begins intensive meditation retreats for inmates at a maximum-security prison in rural Alabama. Based on the principles of Vipassana meditation, the 10-day retreats are conducted in total silence. This documentary explores the lives of four convicted murderers before, during and after the arduous retreats, as well as reactions from residents of the nearby town of Bessemer, many of whom object to the program on religious or social grounds.
Director
Jenny Phillips, Andrew Kukura, Anne Marie Stein
Producer
Jenny Phillips, Anne Marie Stein
Screenwriter
Jenny Phillips
Distributor
Third Rail
Production Co
Northern Light Productions
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 11, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 8, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$31.4K
Runtime
1h 16m
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