Helloturia I have absolutely never seen anything like this movie before. You have to see this movie.

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Bergorks If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Marva-nova Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.

danc1978 As a big fan of 'Shank', I have to say 'Release' was a disappointment.The plot was fragmented and not very interesting, a lot of things that are happening, you don't understand until later in the film.The depiction of prison life is also very unrealistic (for example, guards restraining an inmate to stop him from helping another inmate being beaten to death (or almost) by other inmates). I think the movie depicts more the public's nightmarish perception of prison, as opposed to prison life in reality.I also didn't like the main antagonist, played by Bernie Hodges. He's a decent actor, but I just could not buy him in this role. He was trying too hard to be smooth, laid back, while being manipulative and controlling. I just didn't believe it. The ending doesn't make sense to me either, but I can't give it away without spoiling.I will also mention positive aspects of this film: I liked Wayne Virgo's performance. I like this young actor, he leaves an impact. The lead character Daniel Brockelbank is decent enough too, as well as Garry Summers. It was also fun to see Simon Pearce appear in this movie (director and camera operator of 'Shank' and this movie). Some creepy nightmare scenes were also well done.

neil-upto11 The makers clearly had a good go at presenting some big issues but it's not enough. It's not so much a story as a bunch of socio-political observations strung together by a school play.And while it shows dedication that the cast must have worked for a share of the profits (ie. nothing) the acting is *so* poor that it detracts horribly from the film's various statements. The statements themselves are worthy but presented in a simplistic way that lacks punch - (Metaphorical) prisons are dark and bad; (Metaphorical) freedom is light and good. Good-looking gays on one side; ugly mutants on the other.I don't want to pile up the complaints because I think the motivation for the film is sound but you've got to do better if you're going to ask for people's time and money.

jpcobb315 Although I found the plot a bit confusing and disorienting at first -- which was intentional I am sure -- with 1 or 2 minor exceptions the actors gave good solid performances. The lighting and camera work was interesting, sometimes non-conventional, but the over-all visual effect was well done. Although apparently a modest-budget film, the final production values seemed to be high quality. While any modest-budget film could be improved if a mega-budget had been available, this film does not seem to suffer from simple settings -- attention to detail is more important than lavish sets. It is an enjoyable drama, although the violence and subject matter may be inappropriate for younger audiences and highly sensitive people. Excellent performances by the leading actors: Daniel Brocklebank and Gary Summers!I was surprised to see a review by someone who only watched the first third of the movie -- that is hardly giving any movie a fair chance.

james richards Just caught this film at the End of the Pier International Film Festival, Worthing.It is a highly original film with some very contemporary and 'hot topic' issues raised in it's dark and twisted narrative.Father Jack is in prison for a crime that becomes apparent only after his clandestine relationship with a prison officer takes hold and blossoms into a honest and trustworthy love affair. His fellow detainees, however, believe he's a paedophile. The prisoners driven on by a mad prisoner who clearly controls more than just harden criminals inside the prison walls, is determined to bring about 'prison' justice on the Priest.It is tense and atmospheric and full of surprises. There was a palpable collective desire from the audience to see Jack leave prison and start a new life with the prison officer.The prison is shot and directed masterfully with imaginative edits and dialogue that keeps you hooked. Religious hypocrisy is everywhere in the prison. The use of candles - right up until the end of the credits, is a device used with skill and a cleverness - as it links the turmoil of questioning ones faith with the iconography of the burning flame representing Christ's light in the Church that Jack once belonged to.The performances are superb, Daniel Brocklebank, Bernie Hodges, Garry Summers all bringing believable characters and the situation that they find themselves in to life.The film won Best UK Feature Drama - and deservedly so. It was a mixed audience and the debate about the film's content and it's meaning carried on out on the pavement outside the cinema afterwards.Great stuff from indie Brit film makers.