Scott LeBrun Director Alan Clarke originally made this as a television movie commissioned by the BBC.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.

The Couchpotatoes I saw way better prison movies then Scum so that's why I gave it only a five star rating. The dialogs are kind of cliché and boring. It's again all about the tough guards bullying the juvenile prisoners. The whole movie is just screaming and bullying. Some young scum intimidate the other inmates because I guess they are power hungry, dumb, and have nothing better to do in their pathetic life. It's all about being "The daddy" of the prison. The rules are absolutely ridiculous and too severe. It's not like that you will prepare young delinquents to fit in society. On the contrary that's how you create even more disturbed psychopaths. The actors were not that bad. It's just the movie that is not good enough to be remembered. To me it's rating here on IMDb is way too high.

IanPhillips 'Scum' (1979) may now be over 30 years old, but its power, notoriety and shock factor certainly hasn't dwindled! Nor has its wide spread appeal. Films like 'Scum' are just timeless in their power! This totally harrowing, often stomach-churning drama, is a commendably daring (but then again its not really daring when you are merely depicting the truth - no matter how grim or appalling) and unflinching look at life inside a boys juvenile centre (otherwise known as borstal).Extremely edgy, startlingly powerful and shocking, 'Scum' depicts brutal violence, racial prejudice, homeosexuality and sexual abuse in an unflinching way that hits you right between the eyes! Not comfortable, easy viewing by any means. At times, you could easily forget your watching what is a superbly made drama, and think you are viewing a fly-on-the-wall documentary as it has that in-your-face, stark effect! You really will not be able to take your eyes off this stuff - if you enjoy being kept on the edge of your seat and being continually shocked then 'Scum' is definitely the film for you! The brutally stark realism in Ray Minton's screenplay is richly complemented by razor-sharp direction from the innovative, award-winning Alan Clarke (one of his few feature films as he mostly worked in television).The ever-excellent Ray Winstone excels in the lead role as tough-boy Carlin. The role seems as though it was tailor made for him! Watching Ray Winstone stride confidently with that air of authority through the grim corridors of the borstal with that famous "Don't f*** with me" look on his face that Ray is renowned and legendary for, you do get the immediate impression that he didn't have to do much acting to convince you that he's not a man to be messed with! Ray breezes into the role naturally, though on the audio commentary of the DVD he credits this to director Alan Clarke.Carlin (Ray Winstone) had ended up in a juvenile centre after being convicted of petty theft. He had been transferred to the borstal after defending himself against a vicious prison officer that had been kicking and beating the living daylights out of him! At first Carlin keeps his head down, wanting to serve his time as quickly and quietly as possible. Unfortunately the "daddy" on the wing has other ideas for Carlin. During one night in the crowded dormitory, the "daddy" and his gang of no-hope bullies give him a brutal beating. Carlin is visibly bruised all over and for this he ends up on a charge for fighting and serves 3 days in an isolation block! Having had plenty of time to brood whilst locked away, Carlin soon realises its time to assert himself in order to survive.Some of the most violent moments in 'Scum' occur during recreation period, when Carlin stuffs a few snooker balls into a sock. With it tightly clenched in his fists, Carlin strides casually over to Richards (played by the superb Phil Daniels) and at full force, literally wraps it around Richards face and head, then gives him a good few kicks where it hurts! Casually again, Carlin strides off, places the snooker balls back on the table , glances at the bemused prisoners playing snooker and calmly says "well, carry on then" and then goes and hunts down the "daddy". He is found in the washroom, washing his face. Carlin wastes no time and grips hold of the so-called "daddy" by his head and continually smashes his face into the sink, cutting half his face open. It is then that Carlin utters those legendary words most associated with the film: "I'm the f***** daddy round here now!". Yes, it's all nasty, stuff yet riveting at the same time. It's due to Alan Clarke's astute, street-smart direction that gives the film that docudrama-like sharp edge.The excellent Phil Daniels is particularly scary and menacing as the notorious bully, Richards, while Mick Ford is endearing as Archie. The refined but troublesome Archie thoroughly enjoys rebelling against all rules of the system and making life as difficult as possible for the corrupt, violent prison officers. Claiming to be a vegetarian (though he really isn't!) he refuses point blank to wear any leather shoes, having to have plastic shoes tailor-made for him, much to his amusement and their annoyance, refuses to attend chapel on a Sunday, much to the frustration of the deeply religious governor and is something of a philosopher (something else he enjoys annoying the "screws" with). A sensitive side to the character is shown in a touching scene where he takes the time to read to an illiterate boy all of his parents letters to him. Its a role Mick Ford plays with conviction, sensitivity and intelligence.In a more gentle role is Julian firth Davis as the niaeve, vulnerable Alrick Riley, who has "victim" written across his face. He quickly becomes an easy target for the bullies, though is taken under the wing of Carlin. It has to be said that Julian Firth Davis is involved in what is easily the most harrowing scene of "Scum" when he is sexually abused and assaulted by 3 other prisoners. And the climatic riot scene is all visually powerful stuff!"Scum" is outstanding in its direction, acting and screenplay and firmly stands a good head and shoulders over many British films today.In fact "Scum" is unparalleled! Its a film that immediately draws you in, not letting your attention lapse until the credits roll. Over 30 years on, it stands as a riveting, uncompromising look at life inside a borstal and is truly an out and out masterpiece.

dushyant chaturvedi 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.