The first half hour of BRUBAKER is a bus ride to a living hell . Here we see the prisoners being brutalised by an uncaring corrupt system. Convicts are guarded by other convicts , violence , male rape and rotten food abound. However as soon as the shock plot twist appears the film very quickly turns into the story of a liberal crusader taking on a corrupt system told in a documentary style . I preferred the bus ride to hell , it was a lot more fun for a law abiding citizen I`m told BRUBAKER is based on a true story and I don`t dispute that for a moment , however in all " based on a true story " films it`s not the word " true " that`s important it`s the word " based " . MIDNIGHT EXPRESS is based on a true story but the film version is almost total invention by Oliver Stone. Likewise IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER takes massive liberties with the true story of the Guilford four. So I`m somewhat sceptical as to how much is fact and how much is embellishment on the part of the film makers. Did Henry Brubaker really look Robert Redford ? How come those violent sadistic trustees seem to get away scot free ? Did Bullen really suffer that fate ? There`s more questions than answers. But having said that BRUBAKER is still a relatively good drama, thanks mainly to its opening half hour

source: Brubaker

Brubaker

It was a wound so hard to be healed, that's felling in everywhere that has a jail, who already went there know as it works inside, Brubaker err thoroug by excess for willy-nilly, find out the penal institution as detailed in movie is one thing, try to change the whole corrupt system right away in another, Brubacker plays with the audience try to making the good guy.....all or nothing, these things changes in slow pace and works very well, each generation has their basic principles, anyway Brubaker brings to us a sensitive issue to discuss, after almost forty years in most part of the world this corrupt system still go on....sadly!!! Resume: First watch: 1985 / How many: 3 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 8

I first saw this movie in 1980 when it came out. Growing up this was one of my very favorite movies. In the beginning when Brubaker sneaks into the prison as an inmate - this is the stuff that kids dream of. Nothing could be more exciting. Slowed down a bit in the middle but picks up towards the end. I thought it was a great movie then & after watching it again in 2012 still think it is awesome. Redford is great. Keith is great. Morgan Freeman is great. Well acted by all. I don't comment on movies much because all I have to really say is - I like it.

This was a well put together film for the period in which it was done in the late 70's. Redford who has always been a social reformer placed an emphasis on communicating the dedication of the Brubaker character in this role. If you happen to live in the Deep South where prison farms have used convicts as virtual slave labor for years, you can appreciate the story as well as the attitudes of the government and local officials who are portrayed. If you are not from that kind of background, then it is a revelation for you. This film is a portrayal of the attempt at prison reform in Arkansas undertaken by Thomas Murton. In the process Murton discovered untold corruption and evidence of multiple murders by previous prison administrations. When he attempted to bring this to light he was threatened with charges of grave robbery. I would heartily recommend this film. It is one of a kind.

Good, gritty prison drama. Good plot, based on a true story. Solid direction, though a bit cliched at times. Solid performance by Robert Redford in the lead role. Decent supporting performances. Includes Morgan Freeman in one of his earliest roles.

Enjoyed this film starring Robert Redford, (Henry Brubaker) who plays the role as a law enforcement officer who poses as an inmate at Wakefield Prison in Arkansas. Henry discovers many corrupt people in this prison and he eventually comes into power as the warden of this prison. This prison is ruled by corrupt politicians and prisoners who are working with prison guards who are stealing food and money from the prison funds. Henry also uncovers some buried graves of many prisoners who have been buried on the grounds of the Wakefield which starts a complete state investigation and changes some of the major problems at the prison. You will be surprised how this film ends and I must say that Robert Redford gave an outstanding performance in this film.

Robert Redford plays another dignified character, this time as new warden Henry Brubaker posing as an inmate in a corrupt prison to understand the deplorable conditions there. As is the case with any prison-related film, we get to see some really ugly things here. Maybe "Brubaker" goes a little overboard in portraying its main character as a saint, but considering that the main point is to show the inhumanity of this country's penal system (which apparently hasn't changed much since this movie came out), they do a good job. I'd say that it's another movie that, if nothing else, deserves kudos for disproving the "Disney-ized" version of the world that we often get shown. A very good movie.

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.