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      The Dhamma Brothers

      Released Apr 11, 2008 1h 16m Documentary List
      83% 23 Reviews Tomatometer 78% 250+ Ratings Audience Score 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. Read More Read Less
      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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      Audience Reviews

      View All (23) audience reviews
      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 Post a rating

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      The Dhamma Brothers

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      Critics Reviews

      View All (23) Critics Reviews
      Joshua Land Time Out Rated: 3/5 Nov 16, 2011 Full Review 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 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

      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
      Bestor Cram, Geralyn White Dreyfous
      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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