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Poster for Starred Up

Starred Up

We're all different on the inside.

2013 · 1h 46m Drama
Directed by David Mackenzie

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Overview

19-year-old Eric, arrogant and ultra-violent, is prematurely transferred to the same adult prison facility as his estranged father. As his explosive temper quickly finds him enemies in both prison authorities and fellow inmates — and his already volatile relationship with his father is pushed past breaking point — Eric is approached by a volunteer psychotherapist, who runs an anger management group for prisoners. Torn between gang politics, prison corruption, and a glimmer of something better, Eric finds himself in a fight for his own life, unsure if his own father is there to protect him or join in punishing him.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
Fresh

Director David Mackenzie has empathy for the characters, but also knows how to ratchet up the tension and make the scene of mayhem pack a wallop.

Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle
Fresh

[An] unusually cohesive and exciting prison drama ...

David Denby, New Yorker
Fresh

"Starred Up" manages to be sympathetic, not only because of O'Connell's galvanizing turn, but also Asser and director David Mackenzie's unwavering commitment to portraying his character with as much compassion as brutal honesty.

Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
Fresh

It's almost as difficult to sit through "Starred Up" as it is satisfying to watch it.

Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
Fresh

The British prison movie Starred Up has the excitement of a nonstop psychological cage fight, but its goal is enlightenment, not terror or cheap thrills.

Michael Sragow, Orange County Register

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