Review of Brubaker (1980) by Stuart K — 24 Mar 2011
A hard-hitting prison drama directed by Stuart Rosenberg, (The Amityville Horror (1979) and The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984)), this is an indictment of an all-too familiar problem that's happening all over the world, and the story of a man who stood up to the system.
It has Henry Brubaker (Robert Redford), arriving at an inmate at Wakefield Prison, there he witnesses firsthand inmates being abused by prison guards, doctors charging prisoners for treatment, overcrowding of prisoners in one big cell, sexual abuse, maggot ridden food and insurance fraud.
During a stand-off with prisoner Walter (Morgan Freeman), Brubaker reveals himself to be the new warden of the prison, and proves it to the acting officials. He used this to get an idea of the corruption and deceit that's going on within Wakefield prison.
Brubaker takes the matter into his own hands, and has a view of prisoner rehabilitation and human rights within the prison, and wants reform. But learns that food has been kept from prisoners and that the corruption runs deep within the local state officials, Brubaker is facing an uphill struggle.
It's a dark and gritty drama, with a brilliant lead performance from Redford. It's partially based on true events that took place in Arkanas in 1967, and it's a good story that translates well to screen.
But, not even a film can stop the corruption from still going on today.
This review of Brubaker (1980) was written by Stuart K on 24 Mar 2011.
Brubaker has generally received positive reviews.
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