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Poster for Punishment Park

Punishment Park

One of the most controversial films ever made.

1971 · 1h 28m · R Drama, Thriller
Directed by Peter Watkins

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Overview

In this fictional documentary, U.S. prisons are at capacity, and President Nixon declares a state of emergency. All new prisoners, most of whom are connected to the antiwar movement, are now given the choice of jail time or spending three days in Punishment Park, where they will be hunted for sport by federal authorities. The prisoners invariably choose the latter option, but learn that, between the desert heat and the brutal police officers, their chances of survival are slim.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

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100%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Shot during the post-Kent State "law and order" election of 1970, Punishment Park can seem so outrageous as to verge on camp, but few other movies capture so painfully the rhetoric and desperation of the times.

J. Hoberman, Village Voice

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