Summary
A serious, gritty, and investigative series that made me question my own judgement. Does everyone deserve a second chance?
This review of the Netflix series Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 6 does not contain spoilers.
Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons is a documentary series where Raphael Rowe, who was once convicted of a murder he did not commit in the UK, is the forceful, yet sympathetic host who takes viewers inside different jails around the world. Viewers are given a behind-the-scenes insight into what the real living conditions are like, and how inmates are treated.
There are a lot of series, films, and documentaries about prisons, especially in the USA, and what happens inside as it’s always portrayed as a dangerous free for all. We delve into the gritty bits such as what type of toothpaste they are given, the space they’re forced to live in, and even the psychology of the inmates and how they behave. You’ll be surprised at the reality of how some of these prisons are run and treat their inmates, and it really opened my eyes to the states of prisons around the world.
Over four episodes we see four dangerous prisons, speak to inmates and learn more about how prisoners are dealt with all over the world. We see Moldova, in a life-sentence prison, which is fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. Here the prisoners rally for better conditions and are allowed to turn their cell into a small home, having kettles, and a tiled floor, as long as they pay for it all themselves.
READ: Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons Season 7 Review
In episode two we’re taken to Nicosia, a prison in the Republic of Cyprus, which is the most humane one I’ve ever seen portrayed. A woman runs the prison and her unique, kind ways have seen a drop in re-offenses.
In episode three we are taken to Bosnia and Herzegovina to Zenica prison, a maximum security facility, this episode is a chilly one filled with dangerous men. From arms dealers mafia members to murderers, this is one not to miss.
In the final episode we’re in Greece, in the people smugglers’ prison, a growing problem in their country. This is a gut-wrenching reality, and you get an insight into people smugglers, and why they choose to do this.
Rowe is a great host, having been in prison for twelve years trying to clear his name, he is someone who understands what that world is like and clearly has a passion for understanding and helping the people who need it on the inside. The inmates can relate to him and a lot are very open and honest about what they did, what they have experienced, and what they think of their country’s system. There is a certain vulnerability to these inmates, which I wasn’t expecting. We’re given exclusive interviews with inmates, and prison staff and Rowe shares his own personal experiences.
Whilst they are criminals in some of these episodes I can’t help but feel sorry for them. Shows like this are conflicting for a viewer like myself, and I did question my own judgment and morals at times. An excellent watch, I’m already excited for season seven.
What did you think of Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 6? Comment below.
You can watch this series with a subscription to Netflix
