A Sense of Freedom

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 autobiography of Glasgow gangster Jimmy Boyle, who was reputed to be Scotland's most violent man. Due to non-co-operation by the Scottish Prison Service in allowing a film crew access to their property, Hayman's scenes in prison were filmed in Dublin's Kilmainham Jail.

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.

The music is by Frankie Miller and Rory Gallagher.

Cast

 * Jimmy Boyle - David Hayman
 * Rab - Jake D'Arcy
 * Jada - Sean Scanlan
 * Malkie - Alex Norton
 * Piper - John Murtagh
 * Chief officer - Roy Hanlon
 * Inspector Davidson - Fulton Mackay
 * Bobbie Dougan - Martin Black
 * Uncle Jodie - Hector Nicol
 * Barman - Frank Welshman
 * Boyle's mother - Katy Gardiner
 * Archie - Billy Jeffrey
 * Judge - David Steuart
 * Prison officer - Ken Drury
 * Prison governor - Gerry Slevin
 * Prison governor - Ron Paterson
 * Prison governor - Hugh Martin
 * Special unit officer - Jackie Farrell