X
- 2003
- R
- Lionsgate Films
- 1 h 35 m
- 2003
- R
- Lionsgate Films
- 1 h 35 m
Summary Forced to work under slave-like conditions in a "prison for profit" program, the inmates of a mostly African-American female prison try to take over the institution.
Directed By: Neema Barnette
Written By: Preston A. Whitmore II, Joyce Renee Lewis
- 2003
- R
- Lionsgate Films
- 1 h 35 m
- 2003
- R
- Lionsgate Films
- 1 h 35 m
Civil Brand
29
User Score
Available after 4 ratings
tbd
Where to Watch
Summary Forced to work under slave-like conditions in a "prison for profit" program, the inmates of a mostly African-American female prison try to take over the institution.
Directed By: Neema Barnette
Written By: Preston A. Whitmore II, Joyce Renee Lewis
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
Based on 13 Critic Reviews
29
8% Positive
1 Review
1 Review
31% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
62% Negative
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
Based on 13 Critic Reviews
29
8% Positive
1 Review
1 Review
31% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
62% Negative
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
A compelling, highly charged film that brings a contemporary perspective to classic prison picture elements.
Although the film loses its way in the late going with a preponderance of melodramatic elements that dilute the more compelling social message, for much of its running time it packs a visceral punch, thanks in large part to a strong cast headed by LisaRaye, N'Bushe Wright and Mos Def.
There are also strong flickers here of a film that might have been.
There's no question that Civil Brand has an ambitious premise, but it feels boxed in by the standard prison-movie formula.
Before Civil Brand erupts into over-the-top melodrama (which is pretty early), it shows some interest in its characters, and in its less screechy moments the dialogue has the rough, bantering ring of actual speech.
The cast includes rappers Da Brat, Mos Def and MC Lyte. Their fans might get some pleasure from Civil Brand. Everybody else best stay away.
Without a scorcher like Pam Grier, the sub-NYPD Blue dialogue and acting dilute what could have been a shrieking wake-up call about for-profit prisons.
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Production Company
Mandalay Sports Entertainment,
Neena Films
Release Date Aug 29, 2003
Duration 1 h 35 m
Rating R
Tagline Who ever heard of women taking over a prison...
Awards
American Black Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Urbanworld Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Black Reel Awards
• 1 Nomination
