Scum (1979) User Reviews

Mecca, Archer?

[philkessell · 9/10 · 11 June 2005]

The grandaddy of 'incarceration' films - this is one of the best, oft copied but never bettered.

I liked it because it's so damn British. The one liners are legion; you all know what they are and where, but among a stellar list 'Mecca, Archer' rises just above and never fails to have me in fits. The way Goodyear looks at the Governor just after this great outburst is also revealing; as is the look of satisfaction on Archer's face when he finally succeeds in riling the 'religious maniac'.

Of course, there's a serious message in here; expedited best in the conversation between Archer and Mr Duke over 'coffee'. Analysing the situation, as Archer attempts to do, will simply not be tolerated and is interpreted as dissent by a man who embodies the 'system' and is intellectually and emotionally unequipped to deal with his own, and the State's ultimate failure to deliver.

Like true class acts, this film works on several levels; it's a no nonsense drama bedecked with Taj Mahal one liners everyone loves, yet it also works on a deeper level; you cannot punitively 'correct' all offenders with violence and cruelty. You are not corrected, you are merely broken, as Davis and Toyne are. If you're not broken, you run amok, but the point is you're not 'cured'.

When this film was on TV in 1983, just after Channel Four started broadcasting, they edited the notorious potting shed sequence to such an extent that the heinous act committed was virtually excised, thereby diluting the dramatic effect to virtually zero. Interestingly enough, they also edited out the bit where Mr Greaves ignores Davis' second press of the bell. Why? Presumably because they feared the ire of the State at the highlighting of its inadequacies? I suppose they can be forgiven, Channel Four was new then after all, but it's quite revealing nonetheless.

If I'm home alone, I quote this film as I'm wandering around the house. I don't quite know why. It's all about the importance of individuality, standing up for yourself and not just 'accepting' things. That's probably the reason. Now, where's your tool?

Gripping and shocking

[Patrick_Allan · 8/10 · 2 October 2003]

I'd had the opportunity to watch Scum a long time before I actually did, and I was always turned off it by the very sensationalist box and taglines. I've never been a fan of "The film they tried to ban" and similar phrases being used as advertisement for a film, so when I sat down to watch the film today I was very surprised.

It doesn't need phrases like that to advertise it - it's bleak and horrific, and should be advertised as a serious drama rather than some kind of exciting gore-fest. As well as being powerful and thought provoking, it's gripping too, and you won't feel bored when watching it. Although there is a lot of stuff crammed in there, and some scenes are very prolonged, at just over and hour and a half it's the perfect length to achieve what it sets out to do. This is one film you won't be bored watching.

I'm actually surprised that this film doesn't have more of a recognition or following nowadays, and isn't seen in the last light as Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange" and Lindsay Anderson's "If...".

Easily One Of The Finest Studies Of Conformity I Have Ever Seen. A Blistering, Unseen Social-Commentary and An Attack On A Unbelievably Flawed System

[Det_McNulty · 8/10 · 15 May 2007]

Alan Clarke first released Scum in 1977 as a BBC TV-film, yet the BBC disapproved of the film due to the amount of raw, harrowing realism which had been packed into a short running-time. Therefore the BBC banned the version, and it was not until fifteen years later that the TV-version was aired on the UK's Channel 4. Though, to get around not being able to release the TV version of Scum Alan Clarke opted in for developing a remade, feature-length version to be aired at cinemas, this was released in 1979. The film sent shockwaves through cinemas across Britain, causing huge controversy from the media, government and British public. Some people saw the film as a "visceral image of a flawed system", while others saw the film as "exploitive trash in the form of a documentary".

Scum is a disturbing look at a British Borstal's futile attempt at rehabilitating young offenders, the inmates of the Borstal range from adolescent teen to young adult. Most of them (if not all) have little hope in achieving anything in their life, except for just moving from prison to prison for their antisocial crimes. The film focuses of on brutality of a flawed and corrupt system whereby the inmates have no hope of rehabilitation due to the infantile regimes. The film shows how survival through brutality is the only way of getting through the system and even then there is still no sign of release for any of the prisoners. Thankfully in today's Britain, Borstals are inexistent, since they were (as is quite apparent in Scum) deemed unfit for people, due to the despicable infliction of violence and vicious corruption.

Scum is undoubtedly a film which will prompt viewers to question to entire rehabilitation process used for society's undesirables. Scum makes you wonder whether it is morally incorrect for even the most disgusting of individuals to get such vile treatment. As the brutal treatment is only prompting the individual to become even more sadistic and inhumane. The film details what men will do to "comply" with a system they loathe and how they will form their own rules and beliefs to suit the system in a way which will benefit them. There is a strong element of wasted talent etched into the film, this is in the respect of intelligent men who have potential, yet do not know how to use it. Scum takes you inside a world where young men have been reduced to their most primitive form; a place where violence breeds violence and respect is shown through class and power, rather than morals. I beg of you to think about what Scum is attempting to say and question through its subtext.

The performances from the entire cast are pulled off with raw, natural intensity. Ray Winstone's debut performance as –nicknamed "the daddy"- Carlin is one of the most unflinching and uncompromising performances I have ever seen. It is a performance which bursts with adolescent rage and masochism. He is a boy who has been demoralised by the life he has grown up in. It is distressing to see a man of complex capabilities be destroyed by his primitive brutality, which has been forced upon him by the human instinct of survival.

The technical prowess of Scum helps to create and delve inside the bland, grim and unpleasant environment of the Borstal. Making the film feel even more genuine in its atmosphere through its documentary style editing and camera techniques, the use of long-haul, close-ups and tracking-shots add to the film's aggressive ingenuity. In some of the more violent scenes of the film the camera is held for longer takes, which helps to provoke more emotional power. The camera feels somewhat intrusive, this is because of how Alan Clarke is achieving to shed light on a conformity situation people were afraid to question and examine, yet Alan Clarke is unadulterated when it comes to presenting realism and so tries to make his film-making as tight as possible. There is no use of score either, nor any form of music to accompany scenes, making scenes feel all the more haunting and prolonged.

Scum is an engrossing, convincing and complex example of British film-making at the top of its game. It is a story you will never forget, and remains a film which contains scenes that once viewed will be etched into the depths of your mind. Scum should be compulsory viewing for everyone as it remains a highly affective film of searing emotional intensity.

Spot On!!

[rfsavio · 21 September 2006]

As a resident of the United States who has worked in this country's "enlightened" prison systems, both juvenile and adult, I must say that the depiction of life in the boy's school is as realistic as it can be.

Prisons do not work. So called "reformation" is basically limited to repetitious mind numbing labor that is, for the most part, useful to the institution since they often sub-contract inmates work in the "industries" section to outside firms, mostly government related.

There is nothing about SCUM that I saw as exaggerated or unrealistic. The institutions I have worked at were filled with under educated guards who enjoyed their so-called authority over their charges. Many were in collusion with the "powerful" inmates and often victimized the weaker inmates by celling them with people who were seeking a "wife". This was done by the guards in order to pacify the violent inmates and help maintain calm in the cell block.

But, as to this film, I can only say that it is realistic, brutal and direct but then so is prison. No one is sent to prison to change or reform, they are sent there to be punished and the internal workings of the system are far more brutal than anything a court will dispense.

One line from the film that encapsulates the entire process of "penology" is uttered by the character named Archer when he tells the guard he is talking with that it has been his observation that more crimes are committed against the inmates than they have collectively committed against society. THAT should have been the advert tag line for this excellent and most enjoyable video.

The character DAVIS just epitomized the suffering of every slight, passive inmate in any prison or jail in any part of the world. His sense of desolation after he was raped by the thugs in the greenhouse spoke volumes about the sadistic and ignorant nature of both the inmates that perpetrated this act and the cowardly "guard" who witnessed it and did nothing.

Knowing that as I write these words, there are many DAVIS types in prisons everywhere gives one cause to reflect on the very nature of so-called humanity.

WATCH THIS FILM!!

On consent and violence

[paul2001sw-1 · 8/10 · 27 October 2004]

In Britain circa 1980, there was a lot of hope placed by the new Conservative government in the recipe of the "short sharp shock" as the ideal way to deal with young offenders. This faith, of course, reflected a dream that the problems of society can be addressed through the fair application of discipline (and the illusion that discipline can ever be applied fairly). In the real world, prisons don't work. However much non-prisoners may be afraid of them, once inside, most become institutionalised and accustomed to their environments; of course they act as schools for crime; and treating people like animals is hardly likely to turn them into civilised humans. Perhaps worst of all is the fact that all power rests on a mixture of violence and consent, and the power of the prison officers is thus crucially dependent on their forming an alliance with the nastiest, most violent of prisoners. Welcome to the world of 'Scum'!.

The late Alan Clarke had a reputation for making television dramas of searing intensity. This background is apparent in 'Scum', which is directed in a flat, no-nonsense style. But it rings with horrific truth in a way that other prison dramas (like 'The Shawshank Redemption') do not: there's no redemption here, only the brutality of a nightmare world where everything civil has been lost. One typical detail is the recreation the officers arrange for the prisoners: basically just an organised fight, to release their energy and aggression in controlled circumstances. Clarke also had a reputation for discovering talent, and a young Ray Winstone made his name here, playing a "Daddy" only slightly less nasty than his predecessor. The sense of reality means the rape scene is still powerful, even in an age where such material is routinely handled much more explicitly.

'Scum' is powerful stuff, and a voice on behalf of the young and powerless (who continue to commit suicide in Britain's jails at an alarming rate). It also makes one think about the very nature of power (the way of governor remains personally "civilised", while presiding over his brutal staff, is truly telling). Recommended.

Hard To Watch & Impossible To Ignore

[reelreviewsandrecommendations · 8/10 · 31 October 2022]

It is the late 70's and the borstal system is in full effect in England. To one such institution a young man by the name of Carlin is sent. Though ostensibly there for reform and education, the brutality of the place and its inhabitants (wardens and inmates alike) is more conducive of violence than rehabilitation. Facing daily beatings and constant subjugation, Carlin soon realises that he must rise up the pecking order if he wants any kind of respect or security, and that the best way to do that is through thuggery. Whether or not Carlin will conquer the borstal, or be destroyed by the place, remains to be seen in Alan Clarke's uncompromising, unforgettable 'Scum.'

'Scum' is a cutting treatise against borstals and those who ran them, which must have shocked audiences when it was released. It was not until the passing of The Criminal Justice Act of 1982 that borstals were officially shuttered across the UK, so the film was a most contemporary excoriation in 1979. Clarke had actually filmed 'Scum' two years earlier, for the BBC'S Play For Today series. It was deemed too unremitting for television, so it was rewritten, the same cast (largely) were assembled- as well as a new crew- and 'Scum' was reshot and released as the full-length feature discussed here now.

'Scum' is a tough film, one that is immensely affecting and unpredictable. The tale is bleak and harrowing, full of uncomfortable moments of persecution and ferocity. Written by Roy Minton, the story portrays the system of borstal to be a deeply flawed one that does more harm than good, led by brutes and disinterested stooges who believe that mercilessness is a positive attribute. The children have no hope of amelioration when trapped in that vicious, defunct system. The savagery they engage in is a barbaric but understandable, inevitable cry of frustration against the detachment and callousness with which they are treated.

The film is shot by cinematographer Phil Meheux, who has worked on movies ranging in quality and subject matter from 'The Long Good Friday' to 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua.' His work for 'Scum' is strikingly natural and gritty. He captures the starkness of the institution and its grounds with his documentary-style camera work masterfully, reinforcing the aura of cold nastiness which surrounds and envelops the inmates. Mike Porter's unembellished production design must also be mentioned, as it is understated work that is most notable, making the locations look lived-in and true-to-life. Additionally, Michael Bradsell's tight editing keeps the film running smoothly at a fast, even pace; ever building in intensity towards an explosive finale.

The great Ray Winstone stars as Carlin, delivering an intense, towering performance that is captivating and frightening both. One of his first acting roles, he performs with an ease and power unmatched by the rest of the cast, dominating the movie completely. Never once do you feel that Winstone is acting on screen, he inhabits the character of Carlin as if by birth-right. Playing him like a young Richard III and Reggie Kray combined, Winstone showcases seemingly boundless depth, energy and ability; leaving an indelible impression on the viewer.

Winstone's supporting cast don't let him down, each and all delivering strong performances, with a few particularly of note. Mick Ford plays a fellow inmate named Archer, who believes in pacifism, and Julian Firth stars as another, the introverted, ill-fated Davis. Both impress with their emotional range and perspicuity. John Judd and Philip Jackson star as two of the wardens, both playing sadistic egocentrics with real verve and panache. Judd is especially sinister, and his seedy grin will no doubt linger in the mind long after the credits have rolled on 'Scum.'

Uncompromising and unforgettable, Alan Clarke's 'Scum' is a powerful piece of cinema that holds a mirror up to society; reflecting back a cruel, cold and very real vision of life in the borstal system. Featuring strong performances all round- including a commanding central one from Ray Winstone- as well as striking visuals, the film impresses on nearly every level. It is shockingly violent and sadly realistic, making it hard to watch; but also thoroughly impossible to ignore.

Cold-hearted and hard watching

[pippa_12 · 7/10 · 5 January 2012]

Harrowing, cold-hearted and engrossing are just a few words to describe the 1979 film Scum, directed by Alan Clarke and written by Roy Minton. It shows the apparent brutality within a 1970's British borstal, including hard watching scenes of violence, racism, suicide and most notoriously rape. The film follows the experiences of Ray Winstone's character, "4737, Carlin" and other inmates; as they struggle for justice among themselves and from the crooked wardens.

The film starts with three young men in a police vehicle: Angel, Davis, and Carlin, being driven to a borstal. Scum does not reveal the convictions of these three men, but emphasises more upon the borstal environment. In 1902, borstals were introduced for young male offenders to protect them from the influence of older offenders. They were designed to be religious and educational, with a focus upon military routine, discipline and authority. As shown throughout the film, there was a strong belief on the use of corporal punishment as an effective way to suppress delinquent behaviour. Scum portrayed life within borstals as a continual conflict between the inmates and wardens ("screws") through scenes of violence, racism, suicide and rape. Inmates would fight among each other in order to gain hierarchy power, with the top status as "The Daddy". Wardens would take full advantage of their authority, often beating inmates and turning a blind eye to incidents involving "The Daddy", as he was deemed to have leadership qualities. Scum leads viewers to see the matron as a mother figure for inmates, during group discussion sessions, but similar to the wardens; she does not show any compassion or sympathy towards them. Inmates were unable to speak up about the continual abuse, for being known as a "grass" doesn't bode well within this environment. The harsh reality was that the film Scum actually showed incidents that frequently occurred within borstals; yet highlights the ineffective borstal system. In 1982, shortly after Scum was released, borstals were abolished and instead Young Offender Institutions were introduced.

Scum showed the effects of continual corporal punishment on inmates. Most notably when the inmates hear of the suicide of Davis following a rape attack; Carlin, now known as "the daddy", prompts a riot and in the final scenes is seen bloody and unconscious after a thorough beating from the wardens. If these are similar to reality of borstals, then it would show corporal punishment as effective only for short term means; but may increase delinquent behaviour and subsequently lead to re-offending.

This therefore leads to the widespread view of whether the current justice system is too "soft" on criminals. Many of the public have a consensus agreement that harsher and corporal punishment should be brought back; this view has especially been raised due to the recent London riots. Current Youth Offender Institutions have a different take on criminal punishment and is based on restorative justice principles. It focuses more upon offenders taking responsibility for their wrong doings through various means; for example education to ensure offenders fully understand the consequences of crime. Young offenders are examined individually, rather than in groups as Scum portrayed with the matron. This has shown to be much more effective upon re-offending rates, as it accommodates more to the individual needs.

From Scum, it is clear to see how the youth offending system has changed. CCTV cameras are now implemented in modern day institutions, so inmates can not abuse each other and vice versa with the wardens. The current approach has been improved on and seen to be better in reducing re-offending rates. It hasn't completely ruled out crime and re-offending; which is a possible reason as to why the public see this approach as too 'soft' for criminals. So, may be a balance between restorative justice principles and corporal punishment will be more beneficial. Scum also highlights violence, sexual and racial abuse; violence and sexual abuse has been reduced, but sadly, racism is still a big part in today's society.

Scum brings to light the corruptive justice system in the 70's. The film depicts the harsh reality of borstals from the director's perception; it highlights the extreme rivalry within the inmate hierarchy and wardens taking full advantage of their position. From watching this film we learn that juveniles within a borstal do not take responsibility for their actions and due to the disturbing environment, inmates are led to commit more crimes; as seen through Carlin using violence as a tool for self-protection. Therefore, bringing back the borstals would bring no benefit for the justice system, in fact may make it worse and lead to higher re-offending rates. Scum is still seen as very controversial and valuable, however, the graphics are deemed as out-dated so a remake of the film may be more enticing for viewers.

Bloody Powerful

[mulhollandman · 10/10 · 8 February 2006]

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 had to return my tool to the hardware shop.

[SusanAdebisi · 7/10 · 3 December 2005]

After bouncing his rivals head off a particularly unfriendly ceramic sink big, lumbering Ray Winstone's Carlin' Is the Papa now.

Years ago the authorities saw fit to send delinquents to places like this, those not seriously troubled upon arrival certainly would be come time to leave - If they got to leave. Not long In the tone Is set with the top boy drawing his own conclusions of Carlin' - mainly all over his face, but Winstone's character Is not to be tested. Within 25 mins he's running the block ascending the wings brutal hierarchy In no time, not only a a hazard for his fellow porridge consumers but a big problem for those In charge.

It looks dated 35 or so years on but really that adds to the bear pit mentality of nastiness and base human behaviour. Give this a revisionist re-make with gleaming white teeth and tidied up language It just wouldn't work. The point Is treat people like dirt and what do you expect In return?

Hard arsed condemnation of routine borstal life, a million miles away from the Lock Stock... tarted up violence played for laughs(I'd love to see Guy Ritchie In one of these places) The Idea of the Institution being the problem Is hard to Ignore which makes It all the more menacing, the screws/hacks are In a position of complete power despite their deviant ways. Like those old propaganda bits the government used to bang on about - the system's right - without question. Even when It couldn't be further away - and there's bugger all you can do about It.

I remember seeing this on a Tuesday on C4 years ago, about 2 In the morning and the sheer visceral experience sticks with you. Scum doesn't even consider pulling a punch, It lamps you with a crude kosh. The two suicides are horrible, just In the Imagination. The way that black kid Is told about the death of his partner made me wince and I defy anyone to even mumble as the silence of the credits roll. After the old nonce In charge patronises them and asks them to pay respect to the kid who'd just been burglarised then took his life In a most terrible way.

Scum Is Infinitely quotable ie:- "Where's your *expletive* tool?", "what *expletive tool?", "this *expletive tool you *ethnically diverse Individual*".

It Is a reminder of how the Scum of today get It easy with their play-stations and rec. time but also how to breed the problem people of tomorrow- Watch this film.

"You mardy ass little toe-rag. You touch that bell again for no f*cking reason, I'll have you down the block before your feet touch the ground." Brilliant, harsh drama.

[poolandrews · 8/10 · 9 November 2007]

Scum starts as three new inmates arrive at British borstal for young offenders, Carlin (Ray Winstone), Davis (Julian Firth) & Angel (Alrick Riley) are all introduced to Mr. Sands (John Judd) the brutal senior officer who runs A wing. The three new inmates quickly discover life at the borstal is brutal & unforgiving, Carlin is known as a hard-case & Pongo Banks (John Blundell) the current 'daddy' on A wing fears competition so beats Carlin up. Carlin decides to take over Banks operation & with the aid of some snooker balls in a sock 'convinces' Banks & his cronies that he's the new daddy on A wing. However the inmates have as much to fear from corrupt & uncaring screws as they do each other...

This British production was directed by Alan Clarke & one has to say once you have seen Scum it'll probably stay with you forever. Originally commissioned by the BBC for their Play for Today series in 1977 they refused to broadcast it, this is the TV version referred to in the IMDb's 'Alternate Versions' section. Writer Roy Minton & director Clarke then went & re-shot it (Archer for instance is played by a different actor in both versions) for a theatrical release which is far more violent & has much more profanity in it. I have never seen the original BBC version but it is available on The Alan Clarke Collection as is the theatrical cut as well which is the one I am basing my comment on. Scum is a very harsh & brutal look inside a British borstal for young men during the late 70's, it is unflinching in it's detail & depiction of cruelty, corruption & is utterly damning of a system which was wholly inadequate & didn't work. It's a brilliantly written film, the character's are superb & you really feel for them as people, the dialogue takes no prisoners with lots of swearing & racist insults (jungle bunny, coon, black barst*rd etc.) that may offend some of the more politically correct members of the audience. In fact the whole of Scum will probably offend the PC brigade. The film presents the borstal as an institution run by violence & fear, both the inmates & prison officers are seen to be guilty of perpetuating the circle of sadism, violence & corruption in a system that is abused by everyone for their own ends. Scum is just a brilliantly compelling, absorbing, shocking & wonderfully written film that tells it like it was & pulls no punches & doesn't try to fool the audience with any sort of Hollywood romanticised 'happy ending' where everyone happily walks away.

The one thing I must say at this point is that I am positive the way borstal is represented here is no longer the case in reality, in that sense you could almost call Scum a period film at this point in time although it was very much contemporary at the time it was made (these days young offenders in Britain are more likely to have Playstations in their cells). The lack of any sort of soundtrack adds to the gritty realism, the borstal is a cold & bland looking place just like it should be. The violence is extreme at certain points, from a very harrowing scene in which a boy attempts to commit suicide to Carlin using snooker balls in a sock to knock someone out to a very unpleasant & graphic sequence showing a boy gang raped. Scum is not an easy ride, it's not a pleasant film to watch although it doesn't set out to pleasant & nor should it. It's scenes of violence are shocking but they have a purpose & are effective in helping to tell a shocking yet always compelling story.

Technically Scum is basic but the harsh simple gritty documentary look of it helps immensely, both to make it difficult to watch & keep it very much grounded in reality. The acting is superb from a fantastic cast, everyone here is just utterly convincing, chillingly so at times in fact.

Scum (the theatrical cut anyway) is a brilliant film & it's as simple & straight forward as that. It's definitely not a film for everyone that's for sure but if you want to watch a challenging film that will stay in your memory for a long time then Scum is it.

Fantastic, undiluted drama

[slimecity-38663 · 7/10 · 13 October 2020]

If you need a break from hollywood bloated blockbusters, then this is it.

Awesome acting, gripping tension. Very raw and well-directed. A harrowing account of what borstal life must have been like, complete with the psychopaths who ran them with the blessing of the Home Office.

Highly recommended

Shocking and realistic portrayal of a young offender's institution

[The_Void · 8/10 · 23 April 2009]

The story on which Scum is based was originally penned to be a part of a BBC series 'Play For Today' but was not shown at the time. It was made into a film two years later by Alan Clarke; and the reason it was not shown earlier is clear to see; as Scum is a shocking and unflinching account of life in Britain's now defunct Borstal system. The film is gritty and realistic and features no shortage of violence, so it's hardly a surprise that it didn't go down particularly well with Britain's conservative film censors. The film revolves around a young offender's institution in Britain. The place is shook up upon the arrival of a young man named Carlin. Carlin was moved from another institution for fighting with a guard, and arrives with his reputation already in front of him. He soon finds out how the prison works and quickly seeks to take out "the daddy" and his cronies to take control of the place himself.

Ray Winstone would go on to have a good career playing hard man types; and this is where it all started. The actor has a much younger look about him than the grizzled actor many will know better; but he still fits the bill well here and is always believable in his role. The film also features a number of faces that will be familiar to anyone who knows anything about British TV. Scum doesn't just rely on violence to deliver its shocks; the whole atmosphere of the central location is thoroughly grim and the guards' attitude towards the inmates does not inspire confidence in the system that the film is portraying. The film does not generally directly expose the flaws of the prison system; although this is given some attention by way of Mick Ford's Archer character; that cleverly condemns the system through dialogue. The story runs smoothly for the first two thirds of the film, while the final third is dedicated to the film's most shocking scenario; a sequence of events that is most likely, from anything in the film, to stay with the viewer once the film is over. Overall, this is an excellent little film that deserves to be viewed by anyone that considers themselves a fan of wayward cinema.

Graphic Borstal Drama

[CharltonBoy · 7/10 · 25 February 2000]

Scum has to be one of the most graphic , violent movies i have ever seen. I dont know if this film was banned back in the seventies but wouldn't be suprised if it was( not that i agree with censorship). Ray Winston stars as a juvenile who is sent to this Borstal institution for beating up a warden in his last residence. If any kid ever had any doubts about how hard Borstal is they should watch this! I'm not sure how accurate the film is as regards the way the wardens treat the inmates but if it is true to life no wonder these kids turned out like they did! There are some very near the knuckle scenes in this movie which include , suicide, violence racism and male rape but i suppose these things do go on but maybe not all in one day as it seems in these film. 7 out of 10

Bad story

[kneiss1 · 4/10 · 18 September 2010]

Real life often tells great stories. The story in "scum" might be real, but it's not good, and not told well. There is no no dramatic arc, no line of development and no real ending. The story seems to live mainly from its "shock value". - And that simply isn't enough.

I also didn't find the characters realistic, nor interesting. A movie that wants to be as realistic as this one, needs a better script. It had a very documentary style - no music, no visual characteristics. Pretty much all this movie wanted, was to be realistic. It failed in that aspect.

The movie managed to shock and arouse though. The film-makers achieved that goal. The movie got a lot of attention. In this case, that's a good thing. Also, some psychological aspects and some of the conversations are quite interesting. But still, "scum" simply isn't a good movie.

Brutal Prison Story

[RobertF87 · 18 April 2004]

This is probably one of the most notorious films to have emerged from Britain. It's become almost a cult film now with it's mixture of brutal violence and memorable quotes ("I'm the Daddy now!")

"Scum" was originally produced for the British television in 1977 (as part of the BBC's "Play for Today" series) but the TV version was banned, so writer Roy Minton and director Alan Clarke re-made it as a cinema film. The film takes place entirely inside a British "Borstal" (a prison for young criminals) and details the experiences of three new inmates, notably the violent Carlin (memorably played by Ray Winstone in his first starring role), who soon rises to the position of "Daddy" (or "top dog") in the institution.

The frequent violence (dealt out by both inmates and guards) is brutal and uncompromising, there are a couple of graphic suicides and, in the most notorious scene in the film, a horrifying rape.

This is a very powerful film that has not lost it's power to shock. Worth watching but only if you've got strong nerves and a strong stomach.

By the way the Borstal system was abolished in Britain in the early 1980s and is replaced by the current "Young Offender's Institutions".

A raw, powerful film

[wellthatswhatithinkanyway · 10/10 · 12 July 2005]

STAR RATING: ***** The Works **** Just Misses the Mark *** That Little Bit In Between ** Lagging Behind * The Pits

Tough thief Carlin (Ray Winstone) is transferred from his previous borstal after assaulting a prison officer to a much tougher institution where force and fear is the ultimate currency. The film follows the fortunes of him and the other inmates there and Carlin's relentless quest to come out as 'the daddy' among the other hard-case cons...

Nowadays, many people complain about the shambolic state of British Justice (once the envy of the world!) and, significantly, how Young Offenders Institutions are now just converted holiday-camps for those sent there who scoff at their lamentably lame punishment. Yet the very purpose of this film, made over 20 years ago, was to show the abuse of human rights that was taking place at the time in the borstals in Britain and to get something done in the way of changing it.

Having chosen a crime-free life in my youth and thus never being sent to a borstal (and not knowing of anyone who did!) I would have no way of knowing if the events portrayed in this film really took place, but if they were as bad as this, the film very chillingly gets them across. It's another one of those cult films where there's no real actual plot (i.e. Trainspotting) par se, but in it's drama function it very involvingly depicts the trials and tribulations of the inmates in their struggle to survive in the oppressive, violent world of the borstal and their individual characteristics that ultimately determine whether they'll come out on top or not. The bleakness of their world is further emphasized by the film's clever absence of a soundtrack.

As for the performances, Winstone cemented his future success with his ground-breaking performance here as the foul-mouthed, hard-cased, cockney to the bone 'daddy' who fights to come out on top in a world of aggression. All of the supporting cast do wonders in their individual roles do wonders to, especially those portraying the prison officers who are not far separated from the very thugs they're meant to be controlling.

Scum is a film that is thoroughly deserving of it's cult status, a film that spurned those in power into action and, though dealing with issues that are nowhere near as bad as back then, is no less as shocking and disturbing. *****

You'll be scared to go into the greenhouse.

[BA_Harrison · 10/10 · 4 June 2015]

Had the Borstal system not been abolished in 1982, Alan Clarke's controversial drama Scum could have been used as a potent form of crime deterrence, the film's gritty, documentary-like approach being so harrowing that any potentially delinquent viewers would surely think twice about flouting the law for fear of finding themselves banged up in a concrete hellhole with a bunch of sociopathic thugs. If shown as part of the school curriculum, teenage crime figures would surely have dropped quicker than Davis's pants in the film's notorious greenhouse rape scene.

Being buggered while potting plants is just one of the many dangers that face the young inmates of Scum's tough correctional facility. Even hard-nut Carlin (Ray Winstone) feels the pain, receiving a thorough beating from both his fellow cons AND the screws, before eventually establishing himself as 'the daddy'-the top dog amongst the prisoners-by cracking a few select skulls (his methods including the classic 'snooker balls in the sock' trick). Tensions run high when one of the inmates commits suicide after the death of his wife, but when Davis (Julian Firth), seriously depressed after his assault, slashes his wrists during the night, anger and resentment boil over, resulting in rioting.

Chock full of strong language, extreme brutality, and unflinching scenes of racism, suicide and rape, Scum is still extremely shocking stuff, even by today's standards, but is far from exploitative: director Clarke simply tells it like it is, showing us the harsh reality of life behind the walls of the UK's borstals, where every day is a lesson in survival. His film benefits greatly from memorable performances from the excellent cast, both young and old, and a genuine atmosphere of hopelessness. Don't expect an uplifting ending: this ain't no Shawshank Redemption.

Pretty powerful stuff.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 13 June 2016]

Director Alan Clarke originally made this as a television movie commissioned by the BBC. But they took exception to the incredible intensity of the subject matter, especially the way that the camera never flinches or cuts away from such horrors as suicide, rape, and racism. Clarke refashioned the story (written by Roy Minton) as a theatrical feature two years later, and made it angrier than ever, a scathing indictment of the treatment of juvenile offenders in this setting.

And that setting is a "borstal", or British reform school. Minton relates what happens from day to day as the staff go about their business of dominating their charges without ever bothering to really take an interest in them or understand them. One of the newest arrivals is a youth named Carlin (Ray Winstone, just 22 at the time), and Carlin is threatened by the big fish of the joint, or "Daddy", named Banks (John Blundell).

Our young protagonists may not be little angels, but they generate sufficient sympathy as we see what they are forced to experience. This particular borstal is quite the oppressive environment, and the staff, by and large, are very cold individuals. They really don't like their charges to show too much spirit, so one of the biggest thorns in their sides is self-styled individual Archer (Mick Ford, delivering a commanding performance). Among other things, he's an atheist and a vegetarian, and takes the latter seriously enough that he walks around barefoot, rather than wearing any sort of leather on his feet. Archer is this viewers' favorite character.

Winstone does a creditable job in the lead, all the way through his characters' arc. Julian Firth (as the very unfortunate Davis), Phil Daniels, John Judd, Philip Jackson, Peter Howell, and P.H. Moriarty round out this exemplary cast.

"Scum" isn't a particularly revelatory film, but it is quite sobering and offers some provocative entertainment. It's not hard to see why it would have a cult following.

Seven out of 10.

a real harrowing hard as nails classic.

[blanks · 10/10 · 11 December 2000]

As brilliant as Alien and Apocalypse Now were, the most realistic, truthful film of 79 has to be Scum. Banned by the BBC and converted into a feature film, this has to be British Cinema's most brutal look at prison life. Making absolutely no concessions to the subject matter or the audience, this absorbing, entertaining, thought provoking look at borstal, a teenage prison, is totally convincing as a document about prison life.

Using a documentary style director Alan Clarke shows us that borstals only make teenagers far worse. By no means glorifing the behaviour carried out by the youths however, Clarke deftly attacks the government and their techinques showing them to be more cruel and violent than the inmates.

Fiercely intelligent, this perfectly depicts the classes that the inmates grow into, there's the bullies, the boys who are often let by the wardens to carry on with their dirty work if they keep everyone in order, then there's the weaklings who often suffer as a result and the ones who just muck in, shut up and defend themselves when necessary. The story is simple; Carlin played by avery young Ray Winstone ) a young trouble maker but not particularly brutal minded arrives at this borstal, certainly not his first and certainly not his last has to climb up the ladder from being a neutral as so to speak to being the Daddy, the leader of the gang. Simply the film points out that you have to be brutal but fair if you're to survive in this kind of environment,although this is the basis to nearly any prison/action drama, rarely has it been made with such clarity, never has it hit home quite so much as it does here.

This is a film you won't forget in a hurry, in a way it's a real horror movie which conveys a sense of not being able to escape a horror based and rooted in reality,twenty years later the BBC drama Care with Steven Mackintosh would explore the long term effects of such exposure with incredible realism and power which shows the legacy of something as groundbreaking and real as Scum.

When Scum was first made in 1977 for the BBC, it was actually banned, the reason for this is something much further than mere censorship, in fact the Home Office actually supported the BBC and the borstals at the time so when they were confronted with this piece of brutal anti establishment filmmaking, the natural response was to dump it. One person for the BBC said something on the lines of this " yes it's true violence and abuse does go on in borstals as you see in Scum but in real life it goes on over a period of months rather than the continous stream of violence in scum which is conducted over a much shorter period."

Make of that what you will but did he know exactly what went on behind those walls and how often, one doesn't think so. What Clarke and his crew did after the contract on the film expired was to refilm it and convert into a cinema feature, it was eventually shown on channel 4 in 1983 but the BBC didn't show it until 1991 one year after Clarke's death. Only now getting the proper appreciation that it deserves, this is a true classic, this makes The Shawshank Redemption look sentimental and twee in comparison, this film personifies the word hard,right from the ballsy hold no bars script to the harsh photography by Phil Meheux ( Goldeneye ) this is not only rock solid, this little number launched the careers of quite an few people. Phil Daniels ( Quadrophenia, Clarke's Made in Britain and the Firm, Mike Leigh's Meantime and the chirpy voiceover for Blur's Parklife ) PC Quinlan from the Bill and of course Ray Winstone who after a dull patch in the 80's came back fighting with Gary Oldman's Nil by Mouth.

In conclusion four scenes from this film will stay in your mind forever SPOILERS ALERT the brutal gang rape of Davis in the conservatory while the warden turns a blind eye, Carlin smacking a snooker ball in a sock into Phil Daniels face, Carlin smashing the Daddy's head into a basin and most frightening of all, Davis slashing his wrists and what follows.

A film that won't suit all tastes but a film everyone should see, you'll never watch another prison drama in quite the same way.

Scum...

[amy_brookes_13 · 6/10 · 2 January 2013]

With several mixed reviews, it was essential that an open mind was kept. Released over thirty years ago it was expectedly dated. However the raw and poignant messages of the harrowing and hard life in British Borstals for young males were very clear. It is likely that you have heard the expression 'Treat others how you wish to be treated'; this disturbing and violent film shows, that in the 1970's, youth offenders were pushed to behave like scum as they were constantly treated like scum.

Directed by Alan Clarke, Co- produced by Clive Parsons and written by Roy Minton in 1977, 'Scum' was originally deemed "too controversial" to be released and was therefore banned by the BBC. It wasn't until Borstals were abolished in 1982 that it was aired on Channel 4 (1983). The film clearly aimed to portray the brutality of life inside a British Borstal. Immediately from the onset; violence and corruption is shown as the warden's target the three new inmates; Carlin, (Ray Winstone), a re- offender with a bad reputation, Davis, (Julian Firth), a timid and scared first offender and Angel; a young black male. Carlin finds himself fighting with 'trainees' and 'screws' to gain ultimate hierarchy power to become 'the daddy'. Becoming the 'top dog' allowed Carlin to take advantage of the black market as he takes a large cut of any incoming money from the other trainees. The wardens bizarrely respect Carlins' leadership qualities as they expect him to keep the other trainees in order; in return he is given privileges such as a single- cell bed and the wardens even overlook his criminal behaviours.

Borstals were introduced to Britain in 1902 to prevent young offenders from being influenced by adult offenders; aiming to reduce re-offending. They also aimed to reform young delinquents; focusing on routine, discipline and authority. One character in the film, who is determined 'not to be taken' by the system, is Ben Archer. This character is used to implicitly express the clear weaknesses of Borstals.

Archer (Mick Ford) is a middle- class misfit who should have been sent to prison, due to his older age of 24; however he was sent to the Borstal and wanted to complete his sentence quietly yet causing as much trouble for the wardens as possible- being a vegetarian and atheist to infuriate the sternly religious Governor. Archer is extremely intelligent and it wasn't uncommon for some of the 'cons' to be better educated than the 'pigs'. There is a significant scene in which Archer has a conversation with warden Mr Duke. He states 'How can anyone build a character on a regime based on deprivation.. If it's not a con at me it's a screw.. More criminal acts are imposed on the prisoner's than criminals on society..' This was the sad reality. The aims of Borstals completely failed as violence lead to further violence.

The film shows no evidence of rehabilitation or reform for these young offenders. Group meetings were held by the (female) Matron as she asks the young males to talk about any problems they might have. But no one wants to be the grass, right? She appears unsympathetic, showing no care or emotion, leading the trainees to feel further frustrated and psychologically strained. This is portrayed when an inmate becomes aware of his wife's death. She doesn't sympathise or offer any support or emotional help; this lead to his disturbing suicide attempt. The film also highlighted that each of the individuals' needs should have been separately cared for, as each individual is different. During the group session, the case of a fourteen-year-old boy is briefly shown. He is being held at Her Majesty's Pleasure for murder. He is socially isolated as he receives no family visitors and is always shown sat on his own. For such a young boy who committed such a serious crime it is most certain he needs to be psychologically treated- not physically punished. Inmates are stripped of their identity; "Matron? Can you not call us by our Christian Names?", and are labelled with a four digit number "You can't remember? That's all you are, a number!" This would have consequently affected their self-identity.

Throughout, there is very strong language. Racial attacks; physical and verbal are explicitly shown; wardens isolate the young black males to single cells and racial fights during sports classes are shown- racism seemed to be the norm. Although racism in our current multi- cultural society has reduced through awareness and campaigns, it has by no means been erased. However, violent acts (such as racial or sexual attacks) between offenders; and between prison guards and offenders can be strictly controlled via CCTV. There is a horrifying and shocking scene in which Davis is gang raped by three older inmates whilst being watched by a corrupt, sadistic and callous 'pig'. Such changes allow protection or punishment for the offenders and guards in present prisons/ youth custodies.

After being gang raped, Davis expressed he felt "lonely, scared and depressed" to a warden. He was ignored which lead to his poignant suicide. After a rebellious riot lead by Carlin the film ends with the 'screws' and 'cons' giving a minutes silence.

Although some of the scenes are raw and cold- hearted, it does what it set out to; educate people of what life was like in Borstals; for both offenders and wardens. This film has been deemed to be significant contribution to abolishing corporal punishment and Borstals in 1982. They were since replaced with 'Youth Custody Centres' which have the necessary facilities and tools in place to successfully reform and rehabilitate youth offenders to their individual needs. Intensive community orders, Youth offending teams, restorative justice programmes and youth referral orders are other options available to suit individual cases and have been shown to have great success.

Better then shaw shank redemption

[vrs2007 · 10/10 · 20 August 2007]

In shaw shank redemption there was a grown man who was wrongfully accused. Tragic, but still, he was a man who have had a life and he was not a child. Scum is about criminal youngsters, brutally treated by other violent and sadistic youngsters and brutally treated also by sadistic and violent grown ups who are supposed to rehabilitate them. The rape scene, and the victims suicide and desperation are amongst the most shocking scenes made in movies. Unfortunately, institutions all over the world like the ones in scum, and the victims and sadists in them are still active today. I have watched many shocking and disgusting movies, but none of them comes near Scum. Nothing beats the shocking treatment of innocent young victims, terrorized by sadists.

See the BBC version instead

[eidolon79 · 7/10 · 22 February 2007]

If I hadn't seen the BBC version first, I would have rated this title more highly. It suffers from "cinematic" pretensions. Ray Winstone gives a better performance in the original and the replacement actors are, though fine, a disappointment across the board. This is particularly true with the actor portraying Archer. All of the prison employees are a let down as well. The crappy film stock used in the original is a boon to the realistic ambitions of the film and the more polished look of the cinematic release does the subject matter no favors. The DVD set is excellent; the comparison between the two is very interesting but if you see only one version, be sure it is the original made for TV.

Gritty Look Inside A British Youth Correctional Facility....

[EVOL666 · 9/10 · 6 June 2006]

SCUM, originally commissioned by the BBC and then later banned after it's contents were considered to "rough", is a harsh look into the lives of a group of youths being held at a British borstal (juvenile correctional facility). Violence and submission are the rules that the youths live by, and although cliché - it's often true that in situations and environments such as these, it's "survival of the fittest"...

Carlin is the "new-guy" at this particular borstal, having been transferred after being accused of assaulting a guard. Carlin is hassled by the current "Daddy" (self-appointed "toughest" kid on the wing and "leader") Pongo, who wants to make it clear that although Carlin may have been the Daddy where he was, it ain't gonna be the same here. Carlin initially goes into the borstal with his mind set on doing his time and getting out - but after receiving a vicious beating from Pongo and his boys, Carlin resorts back to the behaviors that he "knows", and decides to retaliate. Meanwhile, we also meet other of the borstal residents, including the brainy and mischievous Archer, and several other of the boys. Inside the facility, we witness the daily violence, humiliation, and despair that the boys face at the hands of the brutal "screws" (adult guards) and each other.

SCUM is a harsh and realistic look at the life that these kids live while in the "correctional facility" system. Not that these kids should necessarily be "pitied" - as many are locked up for violent and serious crimes - but it also makes the point that countering violence with more violence and degradation doesn't really work either. Some will find SCUM a little too much - as the audience is witness to brutal beatings, suicide of two of the young "residents" and a brutal gang rape - but those that can appreciate strong, "in your face" films, this will probably be appealing. Think American ME meets KIDS (but made in 1979). The performances from all of the kids and guards are VERY strong and are worth mentioning as well and really carry the film. My only complaint is that SCUM tends to go in several different directions at once, so when we first meet Carlin, the film seems to focus on him, but then goes off to focus on another resident for long stretches, and then back to Carlin - giving the film a somewhat disjointed quality. Even so - SCUM is a powerful film and definitely worth checking out...9/10

Ray Winstone owns the movie

[ragingbull_2005 · 7/10 · 13 July 2012]

I was browsing the net to find out about movies which were banned for some reason or other. there were some shitty movies in the list like Grotesque. then there were some known great movies like the exorcist and the Texas chainsaw massacre. and then there was this hidden gem. from the bleak start wherein three "new comers" are admitted in the borstal (English correction homes for the youth ), you know you are in for a shocking time. racist expletives, slaps and punches fly with equal gusto. the characterization is vivid. the characters are real creatures and not plastic figurines. the "daddy" of the borstal is played with rare panache by a very young Ray Winstone. then there is a veggie who is convinced that wearing leather contaminates him. so he walks barefoot in all conditions. there are the administrative f*ckers who are always ready to make a governor's report for the smallest of offences. and then there is the governor himself, a religious nut. the direction is top notch. there is no music, none at all so that the atmosphere of a chilly hell is created faithfully. watch this fantastic movie brothers. it is right up there with classics shot in institutions like sleepers, one flew over the cuckoo's nest.

Pretty boring to be honest

[quadrophenia-69524 · 1/10 · 20 February 2022]

Just like being in a boarding school where the people who stay there are crooks who like to bugger boys younger then them in the potting sheds. Oh and other then that iits just about who is the toughest and who survives there time there.