I first saw this when I was 13 years old and I stayed up late one night when my parents went out, only to regret it the next morning. Never before was I so shocked at what unfolded before my very eyes that night. Most people who want to be film makers often cite the films that made them want to get into film making. This film on the other nearly put me off. Not because it was bad, but because it was so heart achingly good. I remember the greenhouse scene wondering what was going to happen and then the full extent of what was happening hit me in the face with a sledge hammer. I felt physically sick and I turned off the television and went to bed but I could not sleep. I did not see the ending until I was 19. The only reason I watched it was because I wanted to see what happened after this, did Carlin deal with these sadistic bullies in the same manner he dealt with Banks and Stripey Richards. No something else happened that was more powerful than any screen beating could ever do. The trainees put up an united front against the establishment. I now regret not watching this film straight through to the end when I was 13.
I have also wrote another comment on the 1977 TV Version. I love the film version therefore I have awarded it 10 out of 10. If I had seen the TV version first I probably would have cited that as my favourite but it that was not to be. The film version holds the vital ingredients that the original lacked in certain cases and that was a lack of strong supporting actors. The first actor being Alan Igbon as Meakin. What a fantastic actor. I love his work to bits. He is brilliant in Boys from the Blackstuff but in Scum he shines through as one of the most important ingredients that the story has to offer. Also there is the wonderful Mick Ford who makes the legend that is Acher. He possesses the smile, posh voice and the intelligent cheekiness that David Threfal could not provide. Again I will take my hat of to Ray Winstone who is certainly one of Britain's best actors. His Carlin is nothing but a complete legend. This time around you can feel that he has gained more acting experience whether it be on stage or television and he has applied this knowledge to the character of Carlin. There is nothing in his performance that you can fault. The rest of the cast are also excellent especially in the area of providing humorous moments which I might add are much needed in the this film.
Definitely an under rated classic that should be compulsory viewing in schools throughout the world.
I have also wrote another comment on the 1977 TV Version. I love the film version therefore I have awarded it 10 out of 10. If I had seen the TV version first I probably would have cited that as my favourite but it that was not to be. The film version holds the vital ingredients that the original lacked in certain cases and that was a lack of strong supporting actors. The first actor being Alan Igbon as Meakin. What a fantastic actor. I love his work to bits. He is brilliant in Boys from the Blackstuff but in Scum he shines through as one of the most important ingredients that the story has to offer. Also there is the wonderful Mick Ford who makes the legend that is Acher. He possesses the smile, posh voice and the intelligent cheekiness that David Threfal could not provide. Again I will take my hat of to Ray Winstone who is certainly one of Britain's best actors. His Carlin is nothing but a complete legend. This time around you can feel that he has gained more acting experience whether it be on stage or television and he has applied this knowledge to the character of Carlin. There is nothing in his performance that you can fault. The rest of the cast are also excellent especially in the area of providing humorous moments which I might add are much needed in the this film.
Definitely an under rated classic that should be compulsory viewing in schools throughout the world.