Watch 15 To Life

15 To Life is a 2013 documentary film that explores the lives of four juvenile offenders who were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The film examines the impact of the United States' tough-on-crime policies and how they have affected the lives of these young men. Directed by Nadine Pequeneza, the film provides a powerful and thought-provoking look at the social and legal implications of what has been called one of the harshest punishments a person can receive. The film features interviews with the four men, their families, lawyers, and advocates, as well as experts in the criminal justice system.

The film begins by introducing the young men and their families, all of whom were convicted of serious crimes as juveniles. The first person to be featured is Kenneth Young. Kenneth was just 14 years old when he was arrested for participating in a string of armed robberies in Florida. Despite the fact that he never shot anyone and no one was injured, Kenneth was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

The second person featured is Antonio Nunez. Antonio was just 16 years old when he committed a murder in California. Despite being a minor and having no prior criminal record, he was also sentenced to life without parole.

The third person is Paul Redd. Paul was convicted of murder in Michigan when he was just 16 years old. He was given a mandatory life sentence, which meant that he would never have the chance to be released from prison.

The final person to be featured is Joe Ligon. Joe was one of the longest-serving prisoners in United States history, having spent close to 68 years behind bars. He was arrested at the age of 15 for his involvement in a robbery and stabbing that resulted in the deaths of two men in Philadelphia. Joe was sentenced to life in prison without parole, making him one of the youngest people in the country to receive this punishment.

Throughout the film, the four men describe their experiences in prison and the toll it has taken on their lives. They talk about the trauma of being separated from their families, the violence and abuse they have witnessed, and the struggle to maintain their sanity and sense of self-worth in an environment that is designed to dehumanize and punish.

The film also features interviews with lawyers and advocates who are working to change the laws around juvenile sentencing. They argue that the United States is the only country in the world that sentences juveniles to life without parole, and that this policy is a violation of human rights and decency. They point to research that shows that young people's brains are not fully developed until their mid-20s, meaning that they are less capable of understanding the consequences of their actions and less able to control their impulses.

Despite the grim subject matter, 15 To Life is a compelling and engaging film that presents a nuanced and humanizing portrait of four individuals who have been caught up in a system that is often cruel and unjust. The film raises important questions about the role of punishment in society and the potential for redemption and rehabilitation, even in cases where the crimes committed are heinous.

Overall, 15 To Life is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in the criminal justice system and the fight for justice and human rights in the United States.

15 To Life is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.