Jail Caesar (2012)

Immersed in the raw grit of reality, "Jail Caesar" delves into the formative years of the Roman ruler Julius Caesar, up until his thirty-third year. This unconventional narrative is woven across three active prisons: Pollsmoor in the vibrant heart of Cape Town, South Africa, Cardiff Prison tucked away in the historic charm of Wales, U.K., and the austere Brotherhood Lodge Penitentiary in Alberta, Canada. The tale is brought to life by a select troupe of exceptional professional actors, led by the distinguished Sir Derek Jacobi and the captivating John Kani. This cadre of talent is bolstered by the inclusion of hundreds of actual prisoners, some of whom step into leading roles, presenting a unique ensemble that adds an unprecedented authenticity to the portrayal of this historical figure. Young Julius Caesar's Rome is a steel and concrete labyrinth, a prison within which he must navigate. To ensure his survival, he learns to seduce, to borrow, to kill. Rome's power brokers support him, but only to a point. The underworld's drug dealers, the hardened pirates, and the ruthless gangs all crave his downfall. The tumultuous journey of a prisoner who, at the age of fifty-one, becomes the "dictator in perpetuity" is unveiled. "Jail Caesar" is a compelling reinterpretation of history, juxtaposing the ancient world of Rome with the stark reality of modern prisons, blurring the lines between past and present in a captivating exploration of power, survival, and destiny.

Jail Caesar is a drama movie.

Jail Caesar is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on FilmBox+.