Scum

Name: Scum
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: August 20, 1980
Duration: 98 min
Rating: 78
Cast: George Winter, Herbert Norville, John Blundell, John Fowler, Julian Firth

1980

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Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews

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Scum

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Movie Details & Credits

G.T.O. Films Ltd. | Release Date: August 20, 1980 | R

Starring: George Winter, Herbert Norville, John Blundell, John Fowler, Julian Firth, Mick Ford, Patrick Murray, Phil Daniels, Ray Burdis, Ray Winstone

Summary: An uncompromising story of life in a British juvenile offender institution in the 70's.

Director: Alan Clarke

Genre(s): Drama, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 98 min

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Critic Reviews

Alan Scherstuhl

One of the great films about boys and violence, about the allure and horror and inevitability of young toughs seizing power by smashing some skulls — and replicating, in their own private hellscape, the societal structures that have ground them down. Read full review

The Guardian Paul Howlett

This grim picture of borstal life packs a real punch. And kick, and headbutt. [13 Feb 2010]

Staff (Not Credited)

A toughened docudrama (schools of BBC/old Warners/Corman) that carries the same force as the improvised weapons Ray Winstone uses to bludgeon his way through the Borstal power structure. Read full review

Empire Philip Thomas

It has lost none of its power: Scum is, in the final analysis, horrific. Read full review

The Film Stage Mike Mazzanti

Scum lives up to its title to this day, its manic energy balanced with an assured and naked openness that creates a searing level of realism and, as such, savagery. Read full review

Mike D'Angelo

A straightforward prison flick, basically, honoring all of the genre’s many conventions, from the sadistic screws to the wars between rival cell blocks to the innocent who gets brutally gang-raped. Read full review

Staff (Not Credited)

Given that Scum, a relentlessly brutal slice of British reform school life, is strongly directed by Alan Clarke, and acted with admirable conviction, it is a pity that the hard-hitting screenplay is more passionate tract than powerful entertainment. Read full review

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