Jamie Foxx and Lynn Whitfield provided powerful performances in this real-life story of Stan "Tookie" Williams, Death Row Inmate who has been nomimated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his children's books.

When Redemption originally aired on the FX channel, my interest was piqued but I did not have the time to catch it. With the release of the DVD, I made the commitment to sit down and review it. I am certainly glad that I did.

Jamie Foxx and Lynn Whitfield gave excellent performances in this film based on the true story of Stanley "Tookie" Williams. Williams was the leader and co-founder of the South L.A. street gang known as The Crips. He was a bad dude that is currently a resident of San Quentin’s death row. It was a man also locked-up in solitary confinement that guided Williams to the light of salvation.

That light included learning how to read and educate himself in a way that school had not. Williams became a well-spoken and well-written man who realized that his own redemption would be to save children from following in his destructive past patterns. As best he could, he worked to give back to his community in a positive manner. When he met and formed a bond of trust with the journalist portrayed by Whitfield, Williams discovered the way to truly reach the largest audience possible.

Together they produced a series of children’s books speaking out against gangs and gang violence. Once a publisher was found, the series proved to be well received on a global platform. Williams has even been twice nominated for a Nobel Prize.

Redemption is a powerful film that does not sugar coat or glorify Williams past. It presents a subtle and well-produced script. When you hear Williams message delivered as the only special feature on the DVD, you will be even more moved by the experience.

GRADE: A (movie) B (DVD) Because there is only one feature, but it has a big impact.