Genre Country Director Actor

Scum

Alan Clarke, 1979

Film Description

Expanded by Roy Minton from his own, banned BBC TV play, Scum is an uncompromisingly bleak and aggressive companion piece to the kind of gritty crime dramas that painted a dour picture of Britain in the late seventies and early eighties. Ray Winstone in his first major role excels as the newly committed borstal boy with a chip on his shoulder, and Alan Clarke’s direction is merciless, stark and unsubtle. Not a likeable film by any means, but a significant reminder of the brutal failings of an anachronistic penal system.

Reviews

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By steve stafford on 23rd February 2000

What on television had been a powerful, savage indictment of the borstal system becomes onscreen merely a creature feature, cynically designed to cash-in on the notori... more >

By freddy D. on 14th February 2000

A pure stroke of genius alan clarke's a mastermind!! more >

By Anon on 15th December 1999

I think scum is an outstanding film. it displays real life borstal action which always and currently exists. I love the actors in it and find it frighteningly compell... more >