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.

(Flash Review)The good 'ol boys down in Arkansas aren't happy with the new prison warden who is trying to uproot generations of corruption at the expense of the prisoners. Redford poses as an undercover boss for two weeks as an inmate to get a firsthand look at how this prison is being operated. Many people stealing from the government's teet. The more he uncovers, the more the officials and surprisingly some inmates become increasingly disgruntled. How much will he uncover? How many incriminating things will he uncover or even be able to change? This is a fairly novel screenplay for the prison movie genre and kept me hooked for the duration. Swift editing keeps the story moving. There is surprisingly solid cinematography for a 1980 movie. Solid drama. A must if you are a Redford fan.

Good story and excellently directed and acted out from all points of view. It is worthy to mention that there is so much real life here as to what is going in prisons today especially the ones run in the south where no one do anything about them without tremendous efforts. Rape, harsh punishments, and threats are all driven by fear and promotes the survival of the fittest concept followed closely by dog eat dog. The real life story took courage to come out and the man behind it all can claim that his life and his work amounted to something decent based on the end results and changes. May we all bring about good change, make the world a better place, and then hand-off to the next fellow prompting him to do the same. Good snack movie, tasty drink and no cell phone, texting etc. Go potty before hand too. Let the movie unfold without interruptions so that it can activate all your emotions thus pulling you into the film. Isn't that what good entertainment does? Enjoy and note: I have seen this movie so many times and will see it again & again. Its a sure thing

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.