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Prison Newspaper

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Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

ISSUE NO. 7

February 2025

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Culture

Back to Black

A biographical drama about singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse

By

Vincent

Vincent writes from Long Bay Correctional Centre, NSW.

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This is a film about music powerhouse, multi-award winning artist, and a one-of-a-kind record breaking songstress from London, Amy Winehouse.

‘Back to Black’ charts Amy's life from her teen years through to her success as a world famous musician and singer. The film shows how Amy's unique sound garnered her a record contract in the UK and the release of her acclaimed album "Frank". This biopic focuses on Amy's love affair with Blake, and the significant impact this period had on Amy's music. Both Marisa Abela (as Amy Winehouse) and Jack O'Connell (as Blake) provide outstanding performances.

A tie that proves all-too-consuming for Amy is her attachment to alcohol. The grip that alcohol held over Winehouse is illustrated throughout the film. Indeed, the battle with addiction is shown to be one of the major obstacles throughout Amy's life.

The movie does a superb job of showcasing the talent and persona of Winehouse. The audience is left with a better appreciation of how and why the gifted artist was able to reach the pinnacle of her industry. Furthermore, Amy's emotional make-up is revealed as the core to her music and the reason she was so relatable and loved by her fans.

I finished the film wanting to see more of the final era of Amy's life. An explanation or an outline of the events that occurred at the end of Winehouse's journey would have served the biopic well. At its close, we are left pondering: just what drove Amy ‘back to black’?

Rating: 4 Jailbirds – "An excellent expose of the woman and artist that was Amy Winehouse"

This is a film about music powerhouse, multi-award winning artist, and a one-of-a-kind record breaking songstress from London, Amy Winehouse.

‘Back to Black’ charts Amy's life from her teen years through to her success as a world famous musician and singer. The film shows how Amy's unique sound garnered her a record contract in the UK and the release of her acclaimed album "Frank". This biopic focuses on Amy's love affair with Blake, and the significant impact this period had on Amy's music. Both Marisa Abela (as Amy Winehouse) and Jack O'Connell (as Blake) provide outstanding performances.

A tie that proves all-too-consuming for Amy is her attachment to alcohol. The grip that alcohol held over Winehouse is illustrated throughout the film. Indeed, the battle with addiction is shown to be one of the major obstacles throughout Amy's life.

The movie does a superb job of showcasing the talent and persona of Winehouse. The audience is left with a better appreciation of how and why the gifted artist was able to reach the pinnacle of her industry. Furthermore, Amy's emotional make-up is revealed as the core to her music and the reason she was so relatable and loved by her fans.

I finished the film wanting to see more of the final era of Amy's life. An explanation or an outline of the events that occurred at the end of Winehouse's journey would have served the biopic well. At its close, we are left pondering: just what drove Amy ‘back to black’?

Rating: 4 Jailbirds – "An excellent expose of the woman and artist that was Amy Winehouse"

The Potential of Video Games in Prison

The Potential of Video Games in Prison

The Potential of Video Games in Prison

By Stacey Stokes
By Stacey Stokes

Video games can be helpful for people both inside and leaving prison. They’re not only entertaining, but they can help people deal with the trauma of prison and re-entry in the community.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 19

2 MIN READ

Paper Chained Prison Art Exhibition Goes National!

Paper Chained Prison Art Exhibition Goes National!

Paper Chained Prison Art Exhibition Goes National!

By Damien Linnane
By Damien Linnane

After running Australia’s first ever international prison art exhibition in Sydney in May last year, it was great to be able to finally tour the works to another city. We plan to bring the art to a new city each year.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 12

2 MIN READ

Movie Review of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Movie Review of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Movie Review of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

By Vincent
By Vincent

Welcome to the planet where the apes are rulers and the humans – as far as we know – are reduced to a subspecies.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 8

2 MIN READ

What’s on TV Today?

What’s on TV Today?

What’s on TV Today?

By Grace
By Grace

Stuck with free-to-air TV? Here are some great shows to help time fly by.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 13

2 MIN READ

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The Potential of Video Games in Prison

By Stacey Stokes

Video games can be helpful for people both inside and leaving prison. They’re not only entertaining, but they can help people deal with the trauma of prison and re-entry in the community.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 19

2 MIN READ

Sports Round Up

By Goal Mouth

An overview of recent sporting events, including AFLW, motor racing, soccer and cricket.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 18

3 MIN READ

Straight Outta Risdon – Bars Behind Bars

By Sara

It takes real courage to grab the mic and share your story, especially in front of fellow inmates and complete strangers. Bars Behind Bars is more than a music program at Risdon Prison; it’s a creative outlet that’s uncovering raw talent and powerful voices.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 18

3 MIN READ

Your Armchair Guide to Summer Sport

By Goal Mouth

An overview of recent sporting events, including horse racing, motor racing, AFLW and cricket.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 17

3 MIN READ

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