The Jericho Mile

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DanTheMan 2 Before the hard-edged, dark-hued cinematic diamond that is Thief, Michael Mann got appropriately warmed up with The Jericho Mile, combining a downbeat social drama with an uplifting sports story. It's a tough and cynical prison film, where Mann's innate sense of style is evident from the get-go; the camera moves in wide motions, circling inmates as they work out in the prison yard. It's the kind of made-for-TV production that possesses the scope, energy, and potential to have become a theatrical feature, serving as an early indication of what was to come from the great man. Offering a miniature study of how men deprived of all other avenues of recreation focus on maintaining their bodies, while also vividly exploring other aspects of prison life. Close-ups capture cash and contraband sneaking around people's backs under the watchful eyes of armed guards in prison towers, while the camera also picks up on the casual segregation of inmates—groups of men staring at each other with obvious wariness. Mann never lets us forget that this is a film about people in a very dangerous position. Even at its most inspiring, the film leaves you feeling as if violence could break out at any moment, reverberating with real-world grit. Backed by a stunning performance from Peter Strauss and a groovy soundtrack to boot, The Jericho Mile is tough, soulful, and deeply affecting, deserving to be so much more than just a footnote on Mann's impressive filmography. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/13/25 Full Review Audience Member The success of the "Rich man, poor man" TV series could explain why this TV film was presented in theaters in Peru. Shooted in the real Folsom prison with the real inmates. It gave a strong feeling of reality to this production. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Made for television but it opened a lot of eyes as to what a talent this guy was. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member Directed by Michael Mann, this has a hint of Miami Vice about it, with some musical scene-setting montages and plenty of jive in the dialogue. Being from the 1970s, the audio was a little muffled and some of the prison colloquialisms didn't exactly help, but the story was enjoyable enough with a kind of "I'm Spartacus" twist towards the end. A perfectly watchable 7.25/10 Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Why is this NOT available on DVD????? Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member 13.5.2011 Michael Mann's understanding of cinema is already evident in his first feature. The story is also a good one, and the film shows understanding of its characters, their values and situation. The atmosphere of the prison was well created, and the dialogue created a true sense of the place. However, most of the acting was rather average, so the film as a whole didn't rise to the level it could have with a better cast. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Jericho Mile

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