Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Omar and Pete is a poignant look at these two longtime friends that have spent a considerable portion of their lives in and out of the prison system. Before examining the world outside, as Omar is about to be released from yet another stint in the correctional system, he reveals his thoughts and fears regarding his past and his uncertain future of freedom once again.
Upon re-entering society, this story begins by following Leon `Omar' Mason in his sometimes difficult and painful journey to start a new life. Despite the best of intentions and making decent strides to improve himself, Omar eventually suffers from multiple relapses due to a drug addiction, he deals with the agony of a death in the family, and his battle with other personal problems threaten to consume him altogether.
Pete Duncan, a resident manager at a transition house where Omar is placed, is a recovering drug addict who has been out of prison for 10 months now and he helps others to repair their broken lives. Time is spent here looking at Pete and his rewarding efforts and it is evident that he has found the correct mindset to keep himself productive and healthy in society.
I'd like to say that the ending to Omar's story ended up being a happy one but I can't do that. After failed attempts at detox programs and counseling plus new felony offenses, Omar was once again incarcerated and he faces a long prison sentence. Pete, on the other hand, is still going strong these days. He is drug free and out of the transition house and was subsequently promoted from a drug counselor to a residential supervisor.
`Omar & Pete' is a well produced documentary in my opinion and emotional in its content. There aren't any easy answers or quick fixes regarding transition from prison back to mainstream society but this story looks at the struggle from several distinct perspectives and it does an admirable job in that regard.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Omar & Pete (2005)
A "vivid, sobering portrait" that "packs considerable cumulative punch" (Variety) OMAR & PETE is a compelling and highly personal film that examines the social, economic, and personal barriers two ex-offenders face as they try to reintegrate into their communities and families. In and out of prison for more than 30 years, Omar and Pete are determined to change their lives. Upon release, both participate in the Maryland Reentry Program, which is designed to help long-term repeat offenders stay out of prison. This intimate and penetrating film follows the two long-time friends for several years after what they hope will be their final prison release. In that time, their lives take divergent paths as one wrestles with addiction and fear while the other finds success and freedom through helping others. Their story boldly exposes the many barriers to successful reintegration and the complex, often frustrating challenges that men who were formerly incarcerated face when reentering society. Written, produced, and directed by Academy Award nominated and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Tod Lending, OMAR & PETE provides an honest and unflinching portrait of how challending life on the outside can be for men who have lived much of their lives behind bars. DVD Features: Deleted Scenes; Filmmaker Interview; Filmmaker Statement; Filmmaker Biography; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection [NOTE - Aspect ratio 16:9 Widescreen]
