A new warden (Robert Redford) arrives at an Arkansas state penal farm in 1967-1968 and uncovers a disturbing system of sexual abuse, beatings, electrical torture, and extortion carried out by inmates who serve as “trusty” guards—a cost-saving measure. The prison plantation also generates millions in profits from the sale of its produce and dairy goods. “Brubaker” (1980) is a dramatization based on Tom Murton’s 1969 book, Accomplices to the Crime: The Arkansas Prison Scandal. It's a gritty prison drama that exposes how the institution essentially treated inmates like property—slaves to be exploited, mistreated, and even secretly disposed of when necessary. While it isn’t as dramatically gripping as it could have been because the characters lack depth and don’t fully come to life, the film does bring up some thought-provoking ideas. For example, how widespread is corruption when those in power knowingly allow it? What's the best approach for an idealist operating within a flawed world—should one compromise with corrupt officials to achieve small victories, or maintain unwavering principles even if it prevents any progress at all? It takes real commitment to stick to your beliefs, but what’s the point of that dedication if you can’t effect positive change. “Serpico” (1973) demonstrates that challenging the system is possible, though with serious repercussions. You'll have to see how things play out here for yourself. A young Morgan Freeman appears in the opening scenes as a prisoner held in solitary confinement; he would later star in "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994), both films filmed within roughly 90 miles of each other in Ohio. “Brubaker” wasn’t as popular as “Shawshank,” but it did perform well at the box office. As expected, the story centers on male characters, although Jane Alexander has a significant role as a public relations specialist for the governor and Linda Haynes appears as someone taken advantage of by one of the corrupt trusties. If you’re looking for something similar to “Cool Hand Luke” (1967) or “The Longest Yard” (1974), "Brubaker" is worth checking out. One thing I noticed is that the ending feels familiar—it seems to have been adapted from “Dead Poets Society” (1989). The film’s running time is 2 hours and 11 minutes, and it was filmed at the former Junction City Prison Farm near Junction City, Ohio, as well as in New Lexington and at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in Lancaster. GRADE: B-

Source on TMDB