- Actors: David Field, Mike Bishop, Chris DeRose, Kevin Mackey, Dave Mason (III)
- Directors: John Hillcoat
- Format: PAL
- Language English
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3 - 1.33:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: 18
- Studio: UMBRELLA
- DVD Release Date: 9 April 2003
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B000A2WBNM
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 76,413 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
An austrailian film about life in a hi-tech, maximum security prison, written and starring Nick Cave, doesn't come more brutal than this. Told in a series of flashbacks by the film's protagonist, an ex-prisoner at the facillity, the film tells of the gradual breakdown of order in a penal system cynically run by a faceless corporation. The movie combines shocking realism with a highly polished narrative, but be warned! This is not easy viewing. Murder, rape, violence, self-mutilation, enforced starvation are just some of the features of a prison system torn apart by conflict and manipulation. It is a thought provoking and challenging film, one that will stay with you long after viewing. However, don't expect a 'Shawshank Redemption" - this is about as real as it gets.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A powerful and prophetic movie that explores the genesis of the 'penal services industry' in the US and Australia. The film makers present a nightmare vision of manipulation, coercion and control. A vision that's subsequently become a reality for the millions of 'unprofitable' people incarcerated within the now burgeoning industry.
Yet the shadows cast by the lives of the protagonists stretch far beyond the confines of the prison walls, and as we witness the calculated destruction of their lives we're left with an acute awareness of our own fragile place within a pervasive system of corporate tyranny, media manipulation and private control.
Yet the shadows cast by the lives of the protagonists stretch far beyond the confines of the prison walls, and as we witness the calculated destruction of their lives we're left with an acute awareness of our own fragile place within a pervasive system of corporate tyranny, media manipulation and private control.
10 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
I have to admit i only really watched this because of Nick Cave's input and i think many people would say the same.
The film is very harsh and graphic, it is not an easy ride for the audience. This makes it very in-accesable and hard to watch. It also is fairly confusing as none of the characters are properly introduced and at points we are just told what has happened between scenes instead of being shown it. The lack of knowing who the characters make you have to wonder "so what just happened and who was that?" at the end of most scenes.
I felt that the director, instead of trying to shock the audience with overly graphic shots should have illustrated the missing bits. For example a junkie shooting up, or a warden vomiting onto a glass table shot from beneath are just un-necisarry. That said it makes a change to see a film not afraid to show you the true brutality as opposed to giving a sugary watered down version to make it more viewer friendly. Of course if you are into "alt-cinema" this is no surprise but some who don't expect it will be offended! By the end of the film you feel partly like you have been left trying to solve the questions it will inevitably raise but it will make you think! And that's why you really have to see this film as despite what problems i had i still think it was very though and emotion provoking and very powerful. Get a copy if you can-maybe rent it to see if its the right film for you 1st!
The film is very harsh and graphic, it is not an easy ride for the audience. This makes it very in-accesable and hard to watch. It also is fairly confusing as none of the characters are properly introduced and at points we are just told what has happened between scenes instead of being shown it. The lack of knowing who the characters make you have to wonder "so what just happened and who was that?" at the end of most scenes.
I felt that the director, instead of trying to shock the audience with overly graphic shots should have illustrated the missing bits. For example a junkie shooting up, or a warden vomiting onto a glass table shot from beneath are just un-necisarry. That said it makes a change to see a film not afraid to show you the true brutality as opposed to giving a sugary watered down version to make it more viewer friendly. Of course if you are into "alt-cinema" this is no surprise but some who don't expect it will be offended! By the end of the film you feel partly like you have been left trying to solve the questions it will inevitably raise but it will make you think! And that's why you really have to see this film as despite what problems i had i still think it was very though and emotion provoking and very powerful. Get a copy if you can-maybe rent it to see if its the right film for you 1st!
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