Educational Media Reviews Online

The Mark of Cain presents a rare intriguing look into the world of the Russian prison system and uncovers the history behind criminal tattoos. Each tattoo tells a different story providing a glimpse into the person who wears it. Tattoos have a variety of meanings ranging from power to station in the prison caste.

Mr. Lambert mixes interviews with prisoners as well as non-prisoners resulting in a nicely rounded piece. The inclusion of historical film clips allows the viewer further glimpses into a once restricted world. While the majority of the film takes place in a male prison, a female prison is visited toward the end.

The original music is hauntingly appropriate and helps to set the tone of the piece. Russian is spoken throughout the majority of the movie. The film is to be commended on its use of subtitles which are easy to read and quite distinguishable from the background.

There is a brief shower scene with frontal nudity which is in no way gratuitous but is worth noting. The tattoos and the environment in which the prisoners live can be a bit overwhelming at times.

This film is recommended with reservations for the intended audience. For the faint of heart, the tattoos and the environment can be a little hard to watch. With that being said, the ability to look inside a world that until now has been of limits is worth it.

College and university libraries with programs in criminal justice and psychology would benefit from having this in their collection.