The Work shows a group therapy program set in Folsom Prison, where a set of convicts, with brutal histories and broken lives, sit down with a few volunteers from the outside world and share their pain with each other in the most civilized manner possible. The film does not sugarcoat anything, showing everything as it is, with honesty, but never exploiting or lessening the integrity of its subjects. The life stories and decisions the prisoners made in the past are gruesome and dark, but the program and documentary makes an effort to refrain from judging them by their actions alone, demonstrating that they are not that different from anybody else, they are human beings. There's the same amount of respect and emphasis on the volunteer's demons and struggles, which further reinforces the previous statement. The Work makes the wise choice of singling out a few characters, people and concentrate mainly on them and their baggage. Though I would have loved to hear everybody's story, this decision makes for a tighter and much more focused "narrative" and a more accessible documentary.Throughout the film we meet some extraordinary men, get to explore their psyche and empathize with their life story. The Work is an intense, brutally raw and tearjerking look at manhood, humanity and the depressing reality of a life lived behind bars. It shines a light to this incredible therapy program and makes the viewer reflect on their own lives. One of the best and most affecting documentaries I've ever seen.

One of the most impressive aspects of this beautifully photographed, riveting documentary is the way the filmmakers catch the generosity of the prisoners who give their all to help the non prisoners and fellow inmates. The organizers of The Work and the participants deserve a lot of credit. I don't know of a single man, including my male patients who couldn't benefit from this four day event. Hopefully, women who watch this will understand some of the internal pain that most men carry.

Watching what this group of people go through in 4 days was a unforgettable experience. This group of men provided so much support, so much love. The inmates that participate in this program managed to change their life completely. They became people that I would love to be with and learn from. I just cried all the way through. Each one of the participants carries his wounds, the wounds that drove some of them to violence. Each one of the participating inmates used the time in prison to become a better person. If they can do it we all can do it. This brings so much hope. It is done brilliantly. I admire the outside group of men for the willingness to experience this and fully participate. I wish there were groups like this in all prisons and also for women.

The Work is a masterful film. It shows raw and powerful emotions, in a context that is entirely surprising. This film moves because it illustrates that, fundamentally, men inside and outside prison actually have the same types of issues. By so doing, you realise how we on the "outside" share similar baggage with those in prison, even the most hardened criminals. It's a film that cannot leave your neutral.