Colman Domingo gives an emotional performance in 'Sing Sing'

Don’t forget to bring a box of tissues with you when heading to see “Sing Sing.”

That isn’t because it’s a sad story necessarily, but one that moves you and makes you empathize with the main characters. It is real and raw.

Colman Domingo’s heartfelt and emotional performance as Divine G is what stands out in the film. That and the fact that some of the actors are from the real Sing Sing Correctional Facility, formerly known as the Ossining Correctional Facility.

Director Greg Kwedar and co-writer Clint Bentley tie together clips at the end of the film of actual performances the theater program at Sing Sing put together. This choice has such a powerful impact on making you realize the men on your screen are real people with stories and struggles.

An insightful statistic also helps you understand the power of rehabilitation: The national recidivism rate is about 60%, while for those formerly in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, or RTA, it's 3%.

What is ‘Sing Sing’ about?

“Sing Sing” looks into the lives of a group of incarcerated men at the Sing Sing facility in Ossining, New York.

The men participate in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, which John “Divine G” Whitfield has had an active role in for years after co-founding it. The playwright is imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit and tries to find the positive in every day.

Divine G remains a glass-half-full kind of guy regardless of what he’s been put through. He uses his enthusiasm and passion for the program to recruit Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin (Maclin plays himself) to join RTA, believing in the healing and transformative power of art and of being on stage.

Although the two don't seem to get along easily at first, they power through as the theater group puts together an original time-traveling comedy with mummies, gladiators, and pirates titled "Breakin' the Mummy's Code." The RTA program is a stark contrast to the walls inside the prison. Here, the men can let loose, be themselves, laugh, and smile.

Is ‘Sing Sing’ based on a true story?

"Sing Sing" is adapted from John H. Richardson's Esquire article "The Sing Sing Follies," which is a true story about the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility.

Colman Domingo leaves it all on the stage

In the RTA program, men are given the space to tap into their emotions to lean on each other for support and truly just leave it all on stage.

This is exactly what Colman Domingo does in his portrayal of Divine G.

The first heartbreak comes when Divine G loses his cell neighbor, best friend and troupe member Mike Mike (San José). You instantly start to see Divine G hold it all in when his fellow troupe members share their favorite memories of their friend.

This jovial person starts to shut down bit by bit, and your heart continues to break piece by piece.

The second pivotal scene where Divine G starts to crumble under the circumstances is when he goes to his parole hearing and doesn't receive positive news. He immediately closes off and distances himself from the group.

Eventually, he opens up to his fellow actors and friends and realizes the power of being vulnerable. He makes his return to the stage and eventually experiences fresh air again when he is granted parole later.

Your heart aches with each of Domingo's sobs, and you can't help but grin with each teeth-baring smile.

Domingo has given powerful performances in "Rustin," "The Color Purple," and "Euphoria," but his portrayal of life in the RTA program through "Sing Sing" shows what it truly means to "become human again."

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'Sing Sing' 4.5 stars

Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★

Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★

Director: Greg Kwedar.

Cast: Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San José.

Rating: R for language throughout.

How to watch: In theaters in Phoenix on Friday, Aug. 16 and nationwide on Friday, Aug. 23.

Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Sing Sing' review: Be prepared to shed some tears