Watch Toe Tag Parole: To Live and Die on Yard A

The movie Toe Tag Parole: To Live and Die on Yard A is a documentary that explores the lives of a group of incarcerated men in California's San Quentin State Prison. The film follows the story of several inmates who are serving life sentences and are eligible for a unique program called Yard A, which allows them to live in a special unit and receive privileges in exchange for good behavior.

The film begins by introducing the viewer to the concept of the Toe Tag Parole program, which was created in the 1990s as a way to provide hope and incentives to lifers who were unlikely to ever be released. The program allows inmates to live in a unit known as Yard A, which is located on the prison's lower yard and is known for its relaxed environment and freedoms. Inmates in the program are allowed to wear regular clothes, have personal belongings, and participate in a variety of educational and vocational programs.

Through interviews with inmates and staff members, the film explores the unique challenges and benefits of the Toe Tag Parole program. The program is praised for its ability to promote positive behavior among long-term inmates, who often have little motivation to work towards release. Inmates who participate in the program are more likely to stay out of trouble and become mentors to other prisoners.

The film also delves into the difficult realities of prison life, highlighting the violence and tension that can arise among inmates. We see the effects of the prison system on inmates and their families, as well as the struggles of re-entering society after decades behind bars. The inmates in Yard A struggle with difficult emotions, ranging from regret and shame to hope and gratitude for the opportunity the program has given them.

The film is not just an exploration of the inmate's daily lives, but it is also a portrait of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul. The documentary tells stories of the inmates whose lives are changed and who are given opportunities to grow from being a part of the program. The filmmaker has done a great job in making the viewer understand the backstory of the inmates, what they had to face to be where they are today, and what their aspirations are.

Throughout the film, we get to know several of the inmates in Yard A on a personal level, following their emotional journeys towards becoming better people. Their stories are often heartbreaking, but their resilience and determination to change their lives are truly inspiring.

Overall, Toe Tag Parole: To Live and Die on Yard A is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of incarcerated men who are fighting to overcome their past and build a better future. The film is packed with emotional moments that are sure to stay with the viewer long after the credits roll. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the criminal justice system and the human spirit.

Toe Tag Parole: To Live and Die on Yard A is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.