A Very Open Prison Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: A Very Open Prison
| Movie | A Very Open Prison |
| Release Year | 1995 |
| Director | Guy Jenkin |
| Genre | Comedy / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 55 minutes (55m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is A Very Open Prison (1995) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in A Very Open Prison are led by Tom Wilkinson . The supporting cast, including Ronald Pickup and Stephen Tompkinson , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
A Very Open Prison stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, A Very Open Prison has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: A Very Open Prison
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1995, A Very Open Prison is a Comedy, TV Movie film directed by Guy Jenkin, written by Guy Jenkin. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tom Wilkinson as David Hanratty.
Ending Explained: A Very Open Prison
A Very Open Prison Ending Explained: The Home Secretary has his eye on the Prime Minister's job. Directed by Guy Jenkin, this 1995 comedy film stars Tom Wilkinson (David Hanratty), alongside Ronald Pickup as Brian Silcott, Stephen Tompkinson as Jeremy Craig, Emily Mortimer as Amanda Ellis. With a 8.5/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of A Very Open Prison?
The Home Secretary has his eye on the Prime Minister's job. But an experiment in the way the prisons are run leads to embarrassment - and escaped murderers! The fore runner of Crossing The Floor
Guy Jenkin's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Tom Wilkinson (David Hanratty)'s journey. But an experiment in the way the prisons are run leads to embarrassment - and escaped murderers.
How Does Tom Wilkinson (David Hanratty)'s Story End?
- Tom Wilkinson: Tom Wilkinson's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Guy Jenkin delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 0h 55m runtime.
- Ronald Pickup (Brian Silcott): Ronald Pickup's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Stephen Tompkinson (Jeremy Craig): Stephen Tompkinson's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of A Very Open Prison Mean?
A Very Open Prison concludes with Guy Jenkin reinforcing the comedy themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Tom Wilkinson leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
A Very Open Prison Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is A Very Open Prison Based on a True Story?
No, A Very Open Prison is a work of fiction. While the comedy, tv movie film directed by Guy Jenkin and starring Tom Wilkinson may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch A Very Open Prison?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Comedy cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate smart humor and well-timed comedic performances
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
At just 55 minutes, it's a quick watch.
A Very Open Prison Parents Guide & Age Rating
1995 AdvisoryWondering about A Very Open Prison age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of A Very Open Prison (1995) is 55 minutes (55m). Directed by Guy Jenkin, the film runs for 55 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.5/10, and global performance metrics, A Very Open Prison is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1995 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Very Open Prison worth watching?
A Very Open Prison is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 8.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find A Very Open Prison parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for A Very Open Prison identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of A Very Open Prison (1995)?
The runtime of A Very Open Prison (1995) is 55 minutes (approximately 0h 55m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
