Brubaker

Brubaker (1980)

  • 83% of critics liked it
    (18 reviews)

  • 72% of users liked it
    (6,117 ratings)

Fact-based drama starring Robert Redford as Henry Brubaker, the new inmate at a run-down Southern prison that's become notorious for corruption and violence. After he witnesses several instances of gross misconduct and defuses a tense confrontation with a crazed inmate (Morgan Freeman), Brubaker… More

R, 2 hr. 11 min.
Directed By
Stuart Rosenberg
Genres
Drama
In Theaters
Jun 20, 1980 Wide
On DVD
May 20, 2003

Critic Reviews

  • Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

    It was hard to sit through two hours of such brutality and misery and say you enjoyed it.

  • Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com

    Redford is the main attraction, obviously, even though his princely good looks -- like the movie's 'idealistic crusader against the Establishment' earnestness -- are almost too much of a good thing.

  • Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

    intense and a bit cliched

  • Jamie Gillies, Apollo Guide

    The picture and mono sound are of adequate quality.

  • Jamie Gillies, Apollo Guide

    Robert Redford, in a surprise acting tour de force, really stretches his style and mannerisms to become Henry Brubaker.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Mister C


    Classic Robert Redford from the early 80's. A gripping movie from the director of "Cool Hand Luke".

  • Lady D


    Based on the real life story of Tom Murton, this sure is a worthy tale to tell, however I found the whole film pretty boring and I have to say Robert Redford did absolutely nothing for me acting wise.

  • Jeffrey M


    It's no Cool Hand Luke (Rosenberg's earlier film), but Brubaker is still a great prison drama. Depressing as it may be, it's a fact-based story, featuring an umcomprimising idealist played powerfully by Redford. I appreciated the film's willingness to not strain… More

  • Mike T


    A solid drama infused with gritty realism and interesting plot structure. Strong performances from everyone and a compelling, rewarding story are what make this film work so well. There's really nothing to complain about here. Highly recommended.

Cast

See full cast