IMDb 6.9 1996 HD

Life

Life

1996
Drama
85 min NR USA
6.438 / 10
6.9 IMDB

A highly cinematic adaptation of John Brumpton’s play about a group of inmates incarcerated in an isolated HIV-positive section of a prison.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Lawrence Johnston
Starring
John Brumpton / David Tredinnick / Kevin Hopkins / Robert Morgan / Ian Scott / Noel Jordan / Jeff Kovski / Luke Elliot

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

intense raw human stark challenging affecting somber resilient dramatic confined honest powerful

Reviews

P
Penelope Hayes
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Life', the 1996 cinematic adaptation of John Brumpton’s play, is a profoundly moving and often harrowing exploration of life within an isolated HIV-positive prison section. The film excels through its committed performances, with the cast embodying their characters…

A
Alistair Finch
May 15, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

John Brumpton's potent stage work is brought to the screen with 'Life', a 1996 film that confronts the grim realities of an isolated prison wing for HIV-positive inmates. The ensemble cast navigates their roles with a commendable authenticity,…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 15, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Adapted from John Brumpton’s play, 'Life' (1996) offers a stark and unvarnished look at life within a segregated HIV-positive prison ward. The film's strength lies in its commitment to portraying the human element amidst challenging circumstances. The performances…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This cinematic rendering of John Brumpton’s play, 'Life', is a powerful testament to human endurance within the bleakest of settings. The film immerses the audience in the isolated world of an HIV-positive prison wing, a premise that is…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 15, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

John Brumpton's stage play finds a potent, if occasionally stark, translation to the screen in this 1996 adaptation. The film centres on a group of inmates confined to an HIV-positive section of a prison, and it doesn't flinch…

FAQs

'Life' (1996) is a cinematic adaptation of a play written by John Brumpton. While the play itself may draw inspiration from real-world issues and experiences, the film is specifically based on Brumpton’s theatrical work. This means the narrative and character development are rooted in the structure and artistic choices of the original stage production.