Rent Scum (1979)

Daddy Issues - Scum review by Steve

Alan Clarke won a reputation as a director of violent, uncompromising television dramas. After his Play for Today original was shelved by the BBC, he and writer Roy Minton created an even more extreme version for cinemas. It is a sensational exposure of the British borstal system. These prisons for boys were actually shut down between the two editions.

A couple of tough offenders fight for the supremacy of their corner of the organisation; to be the 'daddy'. Ray Winstone is formidable as the new kid who takes over the block and there's a strong support cast of UK stalwarts. Mick Ford also makes a deep impression in a difficult role as a more thoughtful iconoclast who articulates most of the editorial content.

The borstal socialises the kids to conform with the prevailing culture; but the values they assimilate, are utterly insane. No one survives. The institution and the sentences are incidental to the true savagery of the experience; the prisoners brutalise each other. The rape and subsequent suicide of one of the more vulnerable boys is incredibly harrowing.

Though the reality was quite probably worse, certainly in regards to sexual abuse. The low budget actually enhances the feel of chilly brutality; all is grim, and hostile, and malign. And yet the episodic story is absolutely spellbinding, even before the shocking climax. This landmark cult classic is the best prison drama ever made in the UK... Maybe any country.

A brutal, graphic & unforgiving look at the horror of surviving in borstal - Scum review by Timmy B

Banned by the BBC, who originally commissioned the film, due to the (what was considered in those days) graphic violence, this still remains an extremely unsettling & upsetting film. Other elements such as disgusting racism & casual violence are also commonplace.

The film focuses on the new inmates to a borstal and their interactions with the staff and fellow kids. It is in many ways an updated Lord of the Flies, except the oppressors are also the adults.

As much as Ray Winstone is in many ways seen as the lead, I was most moved and horrified by Davis who should never have been in the borstal in the first place. The way this vulnerable & slightly mischievous boy is destroyed is heartbreaking to watch, especially the later scenes.

But as much as it is difficult, it is also an incredible production. The young actors involved, as well as the seasoned pros, all do magnetic work. As much as it is difficult to watch, this is sadly a piece of history which needs to be seen, learnt from and yes, enjoyed as great cinema.

Young winston - Scum review by PT

This is the film that guaranteed Ray Winston the stardom he now has. Winston plays young offender Carling who wants to do his bird keeping his head down. The Daddy of the joint will not let Carling do his time hassle free though, which prompts Carling to take another path to survive the violent regime.

A harrowing portrayal of borstal life and a great performance from the young Winston. If you've been living on Mars, or you're too young to have seen it when it was first released, I would definitely recommend it.