In the United Kingdom, juveniles which prove too violent for their young offender’s institution are “starred up”, prison slang for being transferred to an adult facility while still under the age of 21.
This film was written by a therapist with first-hand experience of working at a reknowned English prison which has housed some of the country’s most savage criminals.
Starred Up is a violent and frightening ride. But what a well-crafted and acted film. What tension and exhiliration!
Wonderful Cinema strongly recommends you do not ruin the impact directors meticulously plan for you by watching trailers or reading spoilers. For those who can’t resist:
You can find more information on this British film on Wikipedia, IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
Production Details
Title: Starred Up
Director: David Mackenzie
Year/Country: 2013, England
Stars: Jack O’Connell, Ben Mendelsohn, Rupert Friend, Peter Ferdinando, Dennis Spencer (click here for full cast)
Screenplay: Jonathan Asser
Cinematography: Michael McDonough
Editing: Jake Roberts, Nick Emerson
Score: Tony Doogan, David Mackenzie
Language: English
Wonderful Cinema 
I really enjoyed the film, but adult prison age in the uk is 18
Hi, Kisha! 18 year olds are treated as adults by UK law but if they are sent to prison, they are sent to institutions that hold 18 to 25 year olds, not a full adult prison.
Good one Shims!!!
I love prison flicks… from the top of my head some nice ones, Ghosts… of the Civil Dead, Un Prophète, Short Eyes, Dog Pound, Hunger… but if only watching one, the master Un condamné à mort s’est échappé ou Le vent souffle où il veut =)
All good
Hello, Oh Bearded One! Thank you very much for the tips – I’ve only seen “Un Prophète” out of those, and you are right – great flick!
If you love prison dramas, you might not have seen a couple of these, listed in order of excellence:
Cool Hand Luke (1967)
https://wonderfulcinema.com/2013/05/26/cool-hand-luke-1967/
Papillon (1973)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070511/
Bronson (2008)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172570/
Le Trou (1960)
https://wonderfulcinema.com/2011/12/31/le-trou-1960/
Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman (2005)
https://wonderfulcinema.com/2013/08/19/pierrepoint-2005/
American History X (1998)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120586/
The Great Escape (1963)
https://wonderfulcinema.com/2012/01/24/the-great-escape-1963/
Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079116/
Das Experiment (2001)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0250258/
Celda 211 (2009)
https://wonderfulcinema.com/2012/01/25/cell-211-2009/
Pierrepoint is not a prison crime drama but the true story of the last British hangman.
We love fucking lists don’t we, yipa nerdy flicks!!!! Je je je
From those Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman is the only I haven’t seen and just made the 2000th entry in my watchlist, thank you rabid rabito 😛
I used to keep score of films by theme like prison or NY… remember I had asian and braziliian flicks (like Carandiru or On the Job); but who knows where it went.
Just remembered one that (despite not that a great flick; the sound design was cool though) impacted me profoundly, even today as I saw it again recently, Konchalovsky’s Runaway Train. That beast of freedom made of twisted iron… piercing through the snow… wowo wow. That and a very young DeMournay. Pity that Konchalovsky’s films got so dated, he did good things.
Not so long ago saw Apprentice… which despite its flaws is an absolutelly must see… like Newman eating eggs, that’s a timeless classic that even my father enjoyed. Salu2
Many thanks for the two recommendations, Max. I’ll look out for them!
A pretty rough and brutal movie. Nice review.
Thanks, Dan!
I loved this film, and thought O’Connell was outstanding. Did you see him in ’71? That’s a powerful film too, and recommended.
Here’s my review.
https://beetleypete.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/just-been-watching-5/
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, I was gobsmacked by Jack O’Connell’s acting chops in this one, and immediately rushed to see ’71 – also a brilliant movie.
That is a wonderful synopsis and review of ’71 on your site, Pete!
and finally a blog I must follow😁, loved the advice “do not watch trailer”
Many thanks!
I confess that I find it hard to see this kind of movies, because of my sensitivity. But as a lover of cinema, I love that this kind of authorized work is done, and in the cinema.
Hola Jorge. Yes, it is a brutal film, indeed. But I love my senses being abused!
I saw this film recently and deeply enjoyed it. Great story and the acting was phenomenal.
Yes, I agree, Tanyeno. Without the amazing displays of anger, this film wouldn’t have the power it has.
****Agreed. And I was fascinated by all the actors, like wow. The whole thing was so stirring, I was instantly kicking myself for renting instead of BUYING it!!