Where's your tool? (Scum (DVD))

Member Name: Flying Dutchman

Product:	Scum (DVD)
Date:	08/08/00 (212 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: gritty, honest, pulls no punches.

Disadvantages: slightly disturbing in parts(greenhouse scene)

In its time, this was one of the most controversial films available, and the board of censorship tried to ban it. I for one am glad that they didn't, as this is one of the rare prison films that doesn't glamourise prisonlife in any way. It is a gritty film, that doesn't ignore the violence, racism and horrific acts of terrorism that occured in the confines of Borstal. Ray Winstone is excellent as Carlin, a prisoner that is transfered to Borstal after hitting an officer at another prison. He realsises that to survive, he must fight, and the results are devastating. Notable scenes include the boiler scene (where's your tool?), the pool table incident, and last and definitely least the green house scene, which I think everyone will fast forward. There are also several good sub plots going on in the film, following other characters, and it all adds up to a film that pulls no punches and makes you think about the punishment after committing a crime.

Summary: