First of all, I have to say the acting is amazing, Kevin Bacon at his best. Now, I would like to say, even though it may not necessarily be the point of the movie, but it has such a strong metaphorical message, in fact it represents the dark side of life. We, the humanity, are kept in captivity and manipulation by those who have more power under excuse that "it builds character" or "it makes us better" and if we fight back by our opinions and moral values we get thrown into the dungeon. We must fight back against mind control and captivity within us even though it makes us seem like lunatics. I was very touched by this movie and I'm sure I'll watch it quite a few more times just to get really in to.

The guards at Alcatraz kill one prisoner and recapture others including Henri Young (Kevin Bacon) during an escape attempt. Young would spend three years and two months in solitary confinement. He had stolen $5 from a grocery store to take care of his sister. The fact that a U.S. Post Office is also in the store made it a Federal offense. After being released from solitary, he kills a fellow prisoner. Young James Stamphill (Christian Slater) becomes his defense lawyer who makes Alcatraz and Warden Milton Glenn (Gary Oldman) as the ultimate cause of the murder.This is one of those based on true story but one shouldn't look too closely. The story is filled with big stereotypes. Kevin Bacon is stripped down in an amazing performance. I like certain touches of this historical setting. Slater is fine and Oldman is great evil. I can't shake off the feeling that this has a fake fable feel.

Brilliant judicial drama. Very engaging - you empathize with Henri Young and wince at the hardships he faced. Also makes you realise how despicable people, especially people in authority, can be.Christian Slater is solid in the lead role. Standout performance, however, goes to Kevin Bacon. He makes the movie. How he did not get an Oscar nomination, I do not know. Gary Oldman is excellent as the bad guy, but that's a given. Good supporting cast which includes William H Macy, Embeth Davidz and Stephen Tobolowsky, plus Kyra Segewick and Mia Kirshner in minor roles.Only dull note is the performance of R Lee Ermey as the judge. He was not convincing at all. He really should stick to gunnery sergeant roles...

This is a great movie that, for some reason, no one has seen. I recently bought it because I am a big fan of Kevin Bacon, and I was completely amazed by his performance. The fact that he wasn't even nominated for an academy award shows you what a joke they are. All the actors are great, especially Bacon and Gary Oldman. The story is pretty good, and the movie is never boring, but the highlight of the film is Bacon's haunting portrayal of a man forced into solitary for three years. He manages to be both creepy and touching, which is amazing. There is some violence in the movie, so if you are not a fan of that, you might not want to watch. Other than that, however, I give a strong recommendation to fans of prison and courtroom movies, as this film contains some compelling elements of both. Overall - 8/10