A Sense of Freedom

A Sense of Freedom
DVD cover
GenreTrue crime
Drama
Thriller
Written byPeter McDougall
Story byJimmy Boyle
Directed byJohn Mackenzie
StarringDavid Hayman
Jake D'Arcy
Sean Scanlan
Hector Nicol
Fulton Mackay
Music byFrankie Miller
Rory Gallagher
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerJeremy Isaacs
CinematographyChris Menges
EditorAlan MacMillan
Running time85 minutes
Production companyScottish Television
Budget£500,000
Original release
NetworkITV
ReleaseFebruary 17, 1981 (1981-02-17)
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A Sense of Freedom is a 1981 Scottish crime film directed by John Mackenzie for Scottish Television. The film stars David Hayman and featured Jake D'Arcy, Sean Scanlan, Hector Nicol, Alex Norton and Fulton Mackay. It is based on the 1977 autobiography of Glasgow gangster Jimmy Boyle, who was reputed to be Scotland's most violent man.

A harrowing tale of a habitual and brutal criminal. Boyle repeatedly resisted attempts by the Prison Service to dampen his temper. He was brutally assaulted many times by Prison Officers. He also assaulted many staff including a brutal attack causing an officer to lose his eye.

The film received a BAFTA nomination for Best Single Play.