26.2 To Life movie review

MOVIE TITLE: 26.2 To Life

This inspirational documentary premieres in select theaters on September 22, 2023.

RATING: Documentary (PG-13)

LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

The San Quentin Prison Marathon has an unconventional route: 105 dizzying laps around a crowded prison yard. 26.2 TO LIFE is a new documentary that tells the story of incarcerated men who are members of the 1000 Mile Club, the prison’s long-distance running club. They train all year for this 26.2-mile race. For the men who take their places at the starting line on a cool, sunny November morning, completing the marathon means more than entrée into an elite group of athletes. It’s a chance to be defined by more than their crimes. Cheering them on is a small staff of volunteer coaches, and veteran marathoners who train with the runners throughout the year. The bonds they forge on the track create a community that transcends prison politics and extends beyond the prison walls as members are released. 26.2 TO LIFE is a story of transformation and second chances. The film offers a rare glimpse into a world out of bounds, as the men navigating life sentences seek redemption and freedom… or something like it.

The film was directed by Christine Yoo. It has already received several nominations and wins from various film festivals! Congratulations to the team!

THINGS I LIKED:

It’s fascinating to see the inside of the San Quentin prison.
I was so impressed with how supportive and respectful the non-prisoners were with the runners who were serving life sentences.
We get to hear from the prisoners, as well as from one of the wives.
The rap songs that were selected for various scenes included lyrics that perfectly matched the moment.
We hear the inmates talk about their crimes and what landed them in prison. None of them said they were innocent and didn’t belong in jail. Instead, they admitted to their mistakes and showed how they were trying to become better men.
We get to see some of the prisoners given an early release from their sentence, run the Boston Marathon, get a job, and learn to live in the world with integrity.
I love that so many prisoners finally valued education enough to work hard to receive their GED. Well done!
We see one of the prisoner’s son get a sense of satisfaction when his father finally apologizes to him for all the wrong things he did which resulted in getting life in prison, preventing him from being there for his son.
More than anything, the film does an excellent job of humanizing prisoners who have murdered and done other heinous crimes.
There is a call to legislators to revisit the laws that prevent reformed prisoners from being released earlier.
It’s shocking to learn that the prisoners don’t own their running shoes but are only allowed to borrow them from the state.
It’s a combination of an underdog sports movie and a prison reform film.
If you’d like to know more about the featured 1000 Mile Club or donate to the cause, check out 1000mileclub.com

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

We’ve seen this kind of film before to drive sympathy for prisoners in an attempt to speak to lawmakers to make changes.
We don’t learn much about prison life because the film mainly focuses on the yard outside where the inmates run.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Prisoners talk about the crimes they committed, including murder, drug distribution, robbery, etc.
Some “light” profanity.

THEMES:

Hope
Redemption
Hard work
Persistence
Freedom

FUNNY LINES:

“Is there a better punishment than running? It’s every other sport’s punishment: go run 10 laps!” Franklin Ruona

INTERESTING LINES:

The very first thing we see on the screen are these words by Lao Tzu: “The journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.”
“Love and respect yourself and others.” – Warden
“We all make mistakes and, hopefully, we learn from our mistakes and go forward.” – Franklin Ruona
“None of us are the same person we were 20 years ago.” – Prisoner