Today I will be taking a look at the 1979 film "SCUM" by Alan Clarke, This was Ray Winstones first role and was the film that was the start of his career!
Scum takes a gritty and real look at the Britain's 1970s juvenile prison system known as "borstal" a regime of strict discipline, swift and harsh punishment and designed to make the young person never want to return - They have been shut down for years now. Some people believe these places should be brought back as there is little in the way of punishment for young offenders these days, others feel they should never return.
The film is a power struggle between the "cons" and the "screws" , Ray Winstone played his part very well, but for me the guards particularly John Judd as "mr sands" were very very good.
For any red dwarf fans Danny John-Jules has a small uncredited part in this too!
This is a great limited edition Indicator release too and the one to get.
Movie - 7.5/10
