Theo Robertson's review of this title suggests that this film is worth a watch if you liked the nature of HBO show Oz, but didn't like the outlandish plots and events as it went on and this claim is a very valid one because this film really focuses very much on mood over narrative. What this produces is a film that is slow and oppressive and in this regard it is very convincing as a setting because as you watch you do feel the time passing slowly and with little to fill it apart from petty drama and violence, and you do feel the constant heat and tension of the cells where the threat of violence is constant.In terms of plot we are basically put back before a massive lockdown occurred and shown what occurred that caused it. This essentially means acts of cruelty and violence between guards and inmates with a building tension within scenes. In regard to this aspect of the film it is really well done because it is hard to watch and difficult to really be part of what is happening. The downside of this is that the film is technically very light on plot and as such the slow movement is something you will feel. It also isn't very rewarding as a story or a film – it does give you a sense of immersion in the created world, but this is a tough sell and ultimately although it is building towards something, that "something" isn't really as strong as I would have liked.The delivery supports the aim of the film and as such the direction and sets are convincingly real while the cast never feel like anything other than guards and inmates – even the presence of Nick Cave doesn't break the illusion. All of this side works and it does produce a memorably cruel and tough experience, but I really felt like I got through it rather than being rewarded with an engaging experience or a takeaway learning. This is the paradox I guess – the film is so good at producing an endlessly grim, pointless and depressing world that it turns watching the film itself into such an experience.

Director John Hillcoat who also created the classic flick, The Proposition 2005 has created another gem in Ghosts of the Civil Dead.Starring the talented David Field who has also been in other classic flicks, West 2007, Feed 2005, Getting Square 2003, Chopper 2000, Two Hands 1999, Blackrock 1997 and another classic prison flick, Every night Every night 1995 as well as directing the classic flick, The Combination 2009 and co-directing and starring in another classic Aussie prison flick Convict 2014.Also starring Mike Bishop who has also been in other classic flicks, Ground Zero 1987 and Metal Skin 1994.Also starring Chris DeRose who was also in the classic flicks, Drive 1997 and Blue Tiger 1994.Also starring and written by musician Nick Cave who also wrote the screenplay for John Hillcoat's The Proposition as well as starring in the classic flick, Johnny Suede 1991. Also starring is musician Dave Mason from The Reels.I enjoyed the violence and the set designs.If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic prison flicks, Dead Man Walking 1995, Das Experiment 2001, Felon 2008, Hard Justice 1995, Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS 1975, Island of Fire 1990, Life 1999, Love Camp 7 1969, Midnight Express 1978, Papillon 1973, Prison 1988, Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky 1991, Scum 1979, Seed 2007, The Shawshank Redemption 1994, Stir 1980, Turkey Shoot 1982, Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing 2006, Escape from New York 1981, Dog Pound 2010, Undisputed 3: Redemption 2010, Lockout 2012, Get the Gringo 2012, Offender 2012, Starred Up 2013 and Wilderness 2006.

Roger Wenzil is transferred to one of the new humane maximum-security prisons as an inmate.The new prisons have been built open plan and the guards have a relaxed attitude toward hard-drug use.However the prison bureaucracy begin a crackdown,stirring up minor incidents– confiscating all drugs and weapons,turning the TV's off–but this creates a state of high tension that sets the inmates and guards against one another.Everything finally explodes in one violently bloody outburst.This bleak and somber prison drama offers truly unsettling look into the penal system.There are some unflinching scenes of violence and heroin use,so be prepared.The performance of Nick Cave is absolutely insane.The singer plays a psycho,who screams obscenities and paints on the wall in his own blood.The climax where one inmate starts repeatedly stabbing at a guard's body is hard to stomach too.9 out of 10.

I saw this movie years ago when it was shown as part of Channel 4's "Down Under" season. I don't think it has been shown on UK TV since - to be honest I am surprised it was shown even once.A great movie to be sure, brilliantly scripted, and of course Nick Cave's manic performance is truly astonishing. This movie is notoriously hard to get hold of, especially in the UK, however! I have recently purchased a (new) copy of the Collectors Edition DVD from an Australian retailer (EzyDVD). It is all-region PAL format so I can play it no problem on my UK player. Dirt cheap it was as well. There are a whole host of extras too so all-in-all a top DVD.I thought I would pass the information on as I had been trying to buy the film on Ebay for ages but the prices were going too high when there were any copies on there. Then lo and behold the Net came to the rescue. I got it shipped from Oz in just over a week.