“A lot of people will be disappointed in you” – A greedy lumber contractor
“It won’t be the first time.”- A steadfast warden, Brubaker.

What is it about

Brubaker is a 1980 American prison drama film directed by Stuart Rosenberg. It stars Robert Redford as a newly arrived prison warden, Henry Brubaker, who is up against a corrupt system, knowing the fight could go all the way.

Brubaker knows exactly what is wrong and know how to fix it. The people he is pitted against know more about what is wrong, as they are the perpetrators and do everything in their power to stop him, violence included. Their policy is not to take any prisoners. Will Brubaker emerge as hero or a martyr? Will his few friends come to his rescue?

Thumbs up

Robert Redford
Believable setup

Thumbs down

Documentary feel in the first half hour.
Forced drama towards the end

Final verdict

The movie doesn’t disappoint a Robert Redford fan and provides just about enough to sustain the attention. The role is tailor made for him, and his screen presence allows him to steer through both good and mundane scenes.

Excellent production design, cinematography and music makes the movie an engaging fare. Special mention to Lalo Schifrin’s music, which once again stands, right from the main titles.

Management Concepts/ Lessons/ References

“If they answer not to thy call, walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall, O unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.”
― Ekla Chalo, Rabindranth Tagore

“Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and opressions of the body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.”
― Thomas Jefferson