Life on Parole Movie Review

“Life on Parole” is a FrontLine documentary aimed at showing its viewers the real struggles that those on parole go through every day. Whether it be a small setback of failing a drug test or a major one like going back to prison, those on parole face challenges that make it easy on no one. In Aaron Kupchik’s CRJU 203 course, parole is a topic that is both explained and discussed heavily between students and Kupchik. In this class, many things taught about parole can be clearly identified in “Life on Parole”. Some of these topics including the struggles of reforming family bonds and issues with seeing loved ones if they are considered a victim.

One new parolee in this documentary is named Jessica, who is now 28 and just finished serving 8 of her 10-year sentence. She now moves on to face five years on parole, which she has deemed unnecessary. While she was away in prison, her son grew up, not even knowing who his biological mother was. Donte was raised by his Godmother, and now as a young adult in high school is meeting his mother for the very first time that he can remember. This is not only hard for him, remeeting his mother, but now also is expected to accept her as a mother figure. As one can imagine, suddenly having a new person to listen to can take time to adjust. Luckily, Donte and Jessica were able to bond but many families face difficulties accepting a parent who has been away. Along with this type of family issue, there can be others as well. For example, as discussed in the recorded “Re-Entry” lecture, families may be part of the problem, or unsupportive (Kupchik, 2021, Re-Entry). If a family member encourages negative behaviors or does bad things themselves, it is a bad idea (and possibly illegal) for someone on parole to be associated with them. In addition, some family members may not want to help their loved ones. This puts the person on parole in a difficult situation since their stable living conditions have not been further limited. 

Another new parolee was named Erroll, who faced an issue when it came to his girlfriend. Erroll had actually been arrested since his girlfriend, Katherine called the cops on him after he pawned their television set to feed his addiction. Although Katherine did not consider herself a victim, she was technically considered one by law given she called the police. At the time, Erroll and Katherine were planning on living together but were told that other plans needed to be arranged. Erroll now has to find an entirely new place to live in order to stay in code with his parole. Not only will this take time, but possibly time off work and expensive moving fans and helpers. Not only do victims play a part on those already on parole, but they can also help to keep the offender under stricter terms. According to the American Corrections Concepts and Controversies, “Victims have the legal right to testify at parole board hearings and to request that protective orders or other restrictions be part of terms of parole” (Krisberg, Marchionna, Hartney, 2019, pg. 174). This is done in order to allow victims to feel safer with their offenders being on the same streets as they are. Victim’s inputs and wishes are often taken into consideration when one faces the parole board. In a situation where a victim is also a significant other, or even someone who wants to stay far away, victims play big roles in one’s life while appealing for parole, or even being on it. 

As shown in “Life on Parole'', recorded lectures, in the textbook, parole faces everyday challenges that one may not even think of. Re-entry is a very difficult process for someone to go through, no matter the situation. Establishing yourself with family and following complicated guidelines are just two of the many issues one may face on parole. Although not everyone will be on parole at one point in their life, nearly everyone will be affected by someone who is.