Brubaker (1980)

83% of critics liked it
(18 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(6,189 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 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 reveals to the guards and administrators that he's not a criminal at all, but the new warden, assigned by the governor to infiltrate the facility undercover. His identity confirmed, Brubaker takes office and sets about shaping up policies and procedures, despite resistance from, incredibly, even some of the more entitled convicts. With the help of the prison's chief trustee (Yaphet Kotto) and a compassionate ally (Jane Alexander), the warden effects some positive change, but powerful business interests line up against him when his ideas threaten their financial bottom line. A reform-minded, socially conscious, and politically liberal picture of the type usually associated with director Norman Jewison, this fact-based prison drama was the result of a troubled production that saw original director Bob Rafelson replaced with Cool Hand Luke (1967) and The Amityville Horror (1979) helmsman Stuart Rosenberg. Despite the backstage turmoil, Brubaker was an acclaimed release and an Oscar-nominated, career-finale triumph for co-screenwriter Arthur A. Ross, creator of Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954) and father of successful writer/director Gary Ross. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: 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

Red L

Brubaker is a prison drama - a little like Shawshank Redemption, but in this one, it is Brubaker that is fighting corruption in prison. It is almost too idealistic, but it is always cool when corruption is stifled.
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.
Byron B

Good message. Sure, the end is somewhat sappy. Redford as Brubaker plays a good reformer. I've read another review that said this is very similar to Serpico, but in prison. I agree, both great movies about fighting corruption.
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
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 away from the harsh realities involved, and not opting for an overly simplistic and studio-friendly happy ending. Solid performances and direction all around. Of note for film buffs- you'll notice an early appearance by Morgan Freeman (Nicolas Cage also appears as an extra in his first film). 4/5 Stars
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.

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Robert Redford as Henry Brubaker

            Yaphet Kotto as Richard "Dickie" Coombes

            Jane Alexander as Lillian

            Murray Hamilton as Deach

            David Keith as Larry Lee Bullen

            Morgan Freeman as Walter

            Matt Clark as Purcell

            Tim McIntire as Huey Rauch

            Jon Van Ness as Zaranska

            M. Emmet Walsh as C.P. Woodward

            Albert Salmi as Rory Poke

            Linda Haynes as Carol

            Everett McGill as Caldwell

            Val Avery as Wendell

            Don Blakely as Jerome Boyd

            Wilford Brimley as Rogers

            Ritch Brinkley as Gate Guard

            Kent Broadhurst as Whitley

            Jane Cecil as Bea Williams

            John Chappell as Captain Cleaves

            James Dukas as Oafish Rankman

            Nathan George as Leon Edwards

            Hazen Gifford as Parridge

            John Glover as Ackroyd

            Brent Jennings as Mr. Clarence

            James Keane as Pinky

            Jerry Mayer as Barber

            John McMartin as Senator Hite

            Bill McNulty as Richards

            William Newman as Dunfield

            Jack O'Leary as Floor Walker

            Vic Polizos as Billy Baylock

            Roy Poole as Dr. Gregory

            J.C. Quinn as Barber

            Lee Richardson as Warden Renfrew

            Ebbe Roe Smith as Pavitch

            Joe Spinell as Birdwell

            Noble Willingham as Dr. Fenster

            Ronald C. Frazier as Willets

            David Harris as Duane Spivey

            Richard Ward as Abraham

            Rob Garrison as Pretty Boy

            Konrad Sheehan as Glenn Elwood

            Alex Brown as Fenway Park

            Allison Caine
            
See full cast