Borstal

Borstal is a British feature film released in 2017. This gripping drama showcases the arresting performance of Matthew Winters, accompanied by the solid and compelling performances of Patrick Kilpatrick and Tony Fadil. Directed by Steven M. Smith, the movie encapsulates a remarkable combination of emotion, conflict, and transformation set during a dark period in England's history.

Set in 1971, Borstal follows the life of the seventeen-year-old Kris Gray (played by Matthew Winters), honing in on his incredible journey of growth, survival, and self-discovery. The film begins with Gray's arrest for his crime of car theft; what follows afterwards is his remarkable six month-long journey from Sussex to Borstal, a correctional facility in the British countryside.

The Borstal system existed in the UK and operated during the early part of the 20th century. It aimed to reform young men by instilling discipline, routine, and respect into the hearts and minds of the troubled youth. Kris Gray, surprisingly, finds himself amidst this harsh environment resembling a military-style youth detention center.

The performance of Matthew Winters as Kris Gray is particularly praiseworthy and iconic as it captures the raw emotions and feelings of an adolescent striving to adapt to an entirely new way of life. This character undergoes tremendous hardship, struggles against entrenched prejudice and copes with grim reality, all while also evolving along the way.

Patrick Kilpatrick delivers a robust performance in Borstal as Governor Heywood, the authoritative figure running the entire institution. His tough-as-nails demeanor, no-nonsense attitude, and stern personality create a compelling character, strengthening the overall narrative with his presence. His portrayal is realistic and effectively represents individuals who held those types of positions at such facilities back in those days.

Tony Fadil, as Jack Webber, brings an added layer of strong emotional tenor to the film. He carries out the role to perfection, proving his excellence as an actor and contributing significantly to the overall narrative.

Borstal isn’t solely about hardship; it also encapsulates the spirit of camaraderie and friendship. The movie beautifully illustrates bonds formed in the grimmest of situations and how relationships take shape within confinement. These relationships are further highlighted by the stunning performance of the support cast who come together to make the narrative more enriching and relatable.

Set in rural England, the cinematography of Borstal captures the raw beauty of the setting. It vividly illuminates the contrast between the terrifying isolation within the walls of the institution and the serene panorama of the countryside. Filmed at a variety of real locations, the movie encapsulates authenticity, endowing the narrative with an added layer of realism.

The film is expertly directed by Steven M. Smith, who while paying homage to the harsh reality of the Borstal system, tactfully stiches together a story of resilience and growth. Smith capably blends the sub-genres of coming-of-age, drama, and crime to create a coherent and relatable storyline.

The screenplay by Kris Gray and Chris Bell is engaging, keeping viewers hooked with its well-paced narrative, moving dialogues, and unexpected twists. The storyline is as impactful as the characters, with each complimenting the other perfectly to create an immersive cinematic experience.

Few films capture the essence of an era while tactfully blending it with the personal journey of its characters. Borstal is one such film. Though it primarily focuses on lives within a correctional facility, it also seamlessly fuses together the individual experiences of its inhabitants and their quest for survival, and perhaps even redemption.

The movie serves as a stark reflection on society and its systems of correction. It subtly critiques the reformatory methods of past times while also highlighting the desperate struggle for survival from those who were forced to endure it.

Borstal from 2017 managed to tell a powerful story without compromising its portrayal of reality. With its engaging performances and strong storytelling, it is a film that demands the viewer's engagement and invites reflection. Expect a heart-wrenching journey of survival, resilience, a hint of infamy, and profound transformation, expertly portrayed through this cinematic portrayal of the historical Borstal system in Britain.