Classroom 4 - Comments & Tips

Every year at the Oscars, there seem to be a few films that deal with the prison system in the US. This year, that's the case with the short documentary "Classroom 4," which is about a course taught in a prison that both regular and incarcerated students take part in. In keeping with this very specific subgenre, the film manages to humanize the prisoners and thereby draw attention to important projects aimed at their rehabilitation. However, the cinematic implementation in "Classroom 4" is rather unsuccessful. The subject matter is presented in a dry manner. The discussions between the students are certainly interesting, but we learn little about them, so that it is only in a few moments that any emotional connection with them is forged. Ultimately, "Classroom 4" is quite effective in drawing attention to the "Inside Out" program. But it also squanders a lot of potential.