Scum

Scum



Some films protect their audiences from the hard cold truth of real life by carrying them away to fairytale worlds with happy endings and such. If you're idea of a good movie is more sugar coated than a bag of M&M's, then you might want to avoid this one.

Carlin, played by a young Ray Winstone, has a reputation for being a hard nut. Having been transferred from his old prison for assaulting two guards, he can only expect a hard time in his new Borstal (Young Offenders Prison). It doesn't take long for the Heavy weights to get on his case, making sure he knows his place in the pecking order.

Despite Carlin's protests that he only wants to serve out his time in peace and quiet, he is given a severe beating by the prison 'Daddy' (Top Boy) and his gang.
Just when they think they have him where they want him, Carlin turns the tables and takes control, terrifying the prisoners and screws alike.

There are other characters who have their own way of dealing with prison life like Archer(Mick Ford), who is intent on stirring up as much trouble for the screws as possible, by pretending to be Vegetarian and a reborn Muslim.
Some are destined to be chewed up and spat out by the penal system though and demonstrate that reform through sadistic violence will never work.

The gritty acting from all and the gloomy corridors of the prison make this film all to real. A feat that British filmmakers like Alan Clarke have been achieving better than Hollywood since we first picked up a Camera.

The stand out iconic scene for me (there are a few) is when Carlin first strikes back against the Daddy's gang with two pool balls in a sock. The set up and pay-off are executed with finesse. Everything up to that point has been begging for Carlin to show his worth and he does it in explosive form.

There are some scenes in this film that aren't for the faint hearted though. Like the gang rape of a young prisoner and his subsequent suicide. The camera never shies away from the graphic violence which might be too much for some audiences.

Verdict 10/10
I likes me violence.