Leofwine_draca BRUBAKER is another exemplary, hard-hitting slice-of-life prison drama from the director who brought us COOL HAND Luke. Robert Redford has never been better as a prison warden who goes undercover in his new posting in order to learn the ins and outs of the place - the ultimate UNDERCOVER BOSS! He soon learns that corruption is endemic in the system and vows to clean it out, with the usual repercussions. This lengthy drama is full to the brim of great sub-plots, moving scenes, fine character work from the supporting cast (David Keith and a debuting Morgan Freeman stand out alongside Yaphet Kotto, Joe Spinell, and Everett McGill as the guards) and a general quality feel. Overall, though, it's Redford himself who sells the picture, embodying his character with a real drive and spirit which is truly inspiring.

Scott LeBrun Based on the real life story of Tom Murton, "Brubaker" tells of a new prison warden, Henry Brubaker (Robert Redford), who enters Wakefield Penitentiary in the South under the guise of being a fellow prisoner. He does this to get a first hand account of conditions for the convicts, because what he's really about is reform. He will earn himself both allies and enemies in his bull-headed quest for changes, eventually getting wind of the fact that bodies have been buried on prison property for many years.It's interesting to note from the leading IMDb review that the film is largely faithful to the true story, with some standard embellishments and inventions for a movie audience. It's pretty straightforward, with a variety of characters that establish rooting interest. Screenwriter W.D. Richter (who was Oscar nominated) keeps some things ambiguous, and keeps one interested in the elements that remain unexplained in the film (like why the men were killed in the first place). The ultimate goal is to expose the skeletons in the closet of this corrupt system, and while Brubaker may come off as a stubborn sort, there's no denying that he's a man with the courage of his convictions.Redford is ideally cast as the protagonist, and he's supported by a simply phenomenal bunch of actors: Yaphet Kotto (who has some great moments), Jane Alexander, Murray Hamilton, a charismatic young David Keith, Morgan Freeman (in what is really a minor sort of role), Matt Clark, Tim McIntire, and Richard Ward. This, unfortunately, was the last feature film appearance for the raspy voiced Ward; the film is dedicated to him. And get a load of the scores of familiar faces in smaller roles. This viewer will refrain from reeling off a list of names and let you discover them for yourselves.Nice music by Lalo Schifrin and vivid location shooting help to make this solid entertainment, that does manage to end in a reasonably realistic way (again, though, this is indicative of a respectable basic adherence to the truth). This viewer could have done without that "slow clap" nonsense, but at least it wouldn't have been as much of a cliché back in 1980 than it would be now.Eight out of 10.

stephen-scott83 Brukaker is, in my opinion, the best, most authentic prison life movie ever made. This movie at times resembles a documentary made utilizing a hidden camera. The cast is suburb! The cinematography is amazing - subdued hues and infrequent, yet mournful music. Robert Redford is simply astounding in his role of the new warden trying to rehabilitate a Dante's inferno of a prison farm in Arkansas. This is NOT a "feel good" kind of movie - definitely NOT for kids. This is a brutal, straight forward expose of the mistreatment of prisoners and the political morass that suppresses all attempts to bring fair and humane treatment to them. I highly recommend this movie to anyone seeking to see a remarkable movie that will engross you from the beginning to the end.

Petri Pelkonen This movie tells the true story of a man called Henry Brubaker.This man arrives at a prison as an inmate and witnesses all the bad stuff that's going on there.Later he reveals he's the new warden of that prison and he's gonna make some changes.Brubaker from 1980 is directed by Stuart Rosenberg.Bob Rafelson started as the director before being replaced.Robert Redford does excellent job as Brubaker.Yaphet Kotto is superb as Richard "Dickie" Coombes.Jane Alexander is very good as Lillian Gray.Murray Hamilton is great as John Deach.Morgan Freeman is good as always as Walter.Matt Clark is terrific as Roy Purcell.M. Emmet Walsh does convincing job as C.P. Woodward.Albert Salmi is great as Rory Poke.Noble Willingham plays Dr. Fenster.Nicolas Cage makes his debut as an extra.The movie succeeds in showing the cruelty of the prison world.One can ask is this something they deserve.Once you commit a crime, you need to be punished.But how much punishment is too much?