Starred Up

Brutally Superb

Director: David Mackenzie
Release Date: 2014
Rating: 18
Running Time: 105 mins
Genre: Prison Drama
Starring: Jack O'Connell, Rupert Friend, Ben Mendelsohn

'Starred Up means you're a leader'

Jack O'Connell makes his début as a lead actor in this hard-hitting British drama set entirely in an English prison. Never setting foot outside the gates that seal the inmates into this prison, we're made to feel and witness the brutality and the anger that lives inside of with everyone within the walls. It's so fantastically acted by everyone in it and believe it or not it's a film that made me feel proud at what us Brits are able to produce. Though maybe not agreed by everyone, for me it put 'Bronson' to shame, the message that's carried through in this film resonated with me so much more. It begs the question, is anyone capable of change? And do we really know our enemies from our friends?

When teenager Eric Young (O'Connell) is taken out of a young offenders jail and thrown into life living in an adult prison he has to try and change the way he acts before he's killed. Trying to cope with the stress and aggravation of his anger, rehabilitation group, cell mates and the only man he is unable to stand up to, his father (Ben Mendelsohn). It's not long before Eric learns that if he's going to survive life in prison he's going to have to start playing by the rules, but he's not as capable of this as his rehabilitation instructor (Rupert Friend) is first hoping for.

Though not an easy watch, it's a film that I'd watch over and over due to it having something fascinating inside it that we have rarely seen before on the screen.  Having had jails change quite a lot in the past 15 years 'Starred Up' begins to give us a fresh look at the prisoners and guards alike behind the walls, and the most frustrating yet genius thing about this film is, we don't know who to be in favour of. The amazing thing about this film is that, though our head says we should support the law and the police, our hearts draw us towards Eric and the cell mates challenging everything that we believe in.

Though unfamiliar with David Mackenzie's previous work, it does feel that this director has got something special about him through his fabulous use of direction and cinematography. It was once said that if you can show a film without too much dialogue and the audience know what's going on you've made a successful movie, and I think Mackenzie's done this with 'Starred Up'. Even at the very start of the film when we see Eric arrive, there is very little dialogue, particularly once he enters his cell, but it's clear what he's thinking and what he's planning, it's fair to say O'Connell is so well suited to the role, he's come along way since 'Skins'. Throughout the film there are so many wonderfully crafted long duration shots and experimental camera angles that compliment the film so well.

There's a strong sense of enigma in this film and though we never find out anyone's crimes and why they're there. this doesn't take anything away from the films impact. I think this is Mackenzie's way of saying, it doesn't matter what they've done, all that matters is that they're there now and that's what's important and has the biggest impact on the film.

Overall I loved it. The suspense, drama, fighting and the belief that we can change. Fantastic film, the best British drama since 'This Is England'.

9/10