I started watching this and I couldn't get into it. Then one night I decided to go back to it and I'm glad I did. Such a good movie, Matthew Mcconaughey excelled, and the other leading actors gave a solid performance. Sad story, for a young person; a product of his environment to be put in prison for so long... longer than murderers and shame on the police. Justice should be about rehabilitation and second chances (especially for someone so young), not severe illogical punishment. I hope the family got good money for this film, so they can use it to change their children's lives and the cycle not continue.