The Mustang (2019)

Roman is a violent offender who has been in prison for a dozen years and who doesn't do well with people. Coming into a new prison system, he's assigned outdoor work and, eventually, is accepted into the horse training program. In working with a high-spirited wild animal, Roman is humbled and gains pride in his abilities. This opens him up to growth in other ways.

Though there are obvious flaws -- I doubt seriously that the program was accurately depicted (at least I hope it wasn't) -- I was genuinely moved by this film. I was also encouraged to read the end notes in which we are told that prisoners involved in this program are much less likely to re-offend. That makes perfect sense to me and gives me hope that prison as true rehabilitation rather than simply as punishment might actually be possible in America.

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