Scum (Alan Clarke, 1979, UK)
Full McDetails
Average viewer rating: 7.4/10
My rating: 10/10
Very likely the best film I've ever seen. Actually, I take that back. But it comes damn close. From the first minute or so, it's unflinchingly violent, and it remains consistently so until the closing credits. Concerning a load of vicious cockney yoofs locked up together in Borstal, who each rebel in their own private manner. Some (specifically a young Ray Winstone) beat up the other inmates and climb the perverse social ladder. Others, namely "Archer" (played by Mick Ford in one DAMN fine performance) argue, talk and reason. In the most distressing scene in the whole distressing film,* one inmate, who has found himself subject to rape, decides to commit suicide and is almost completely ignored by the guards. The film has many standout scenes, the most notable being pretty much any that include Archer- without a doubt, Mick Ford steals the show. The film is merciless, and every cliche concerning Good Prevailing Over Evil is swiftly broken up and then urinated on. The ending creeps up on you, and it made me absolutely infuriated. The film left me feeling as though I had just been hit around the head with a bag of dead cats.
Also notable it its complete lack of a soundtrack. Nothing is dramatised further than the simple acting and directing will allow for. Music would in fact detract from the film's heavy impact.

I downloaded this film. Not entirely legitimate. I'm sorry, I had to see it, and I had no idea where to get hold of it- other than by buying it, of course, but then what if I didn't like it? Out, damn spot!

*You could even go as far as to call it a distress-fest. AHAHAHAHAAA.