/Cell 211 (2009).jpg)
/Cell 211 (2009)2.jpg)
/Cell 211 (2009)3.jpg)
Cell 211
Original Title
Celda 211- Director: Daniel Monzón
- Writer: Jorge Guerricaechevarría; Daniel Monzón
- Producer: Álvaro Augustín; Pilar Benito
CGiii Comment
Quite simply...one of the best prison dramas ever made.
Monzón delivers...and more.
There is a worrying dip halfway through - but it is necessary - because, from then on, the tension doubles in intensity.
This is on-the-edge-of-your-chair stuff...
Monzón manages to keep the tension and the momentum right up until the last second - there's no cop out here.
Superior film-making - with some damn fine performances.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Juan Oliver wants to make a good impression at his new job as a prison officer and reports to work a day early, leaving his pregnant wife, Elena, at home. His destiny is forever changed by this fateful decision, as during his tour of the prison, an accident occurs that knocks him unconscious. He is rushed to the empty but visibly haunted walls of cell 211. As this diversion unfolds, inmates of the high security cell block strategically break free and hijack the penitentiary. Aware of the violence that is to come, the prison officers flee, leaving Juan stranded and unconscious in the heart of the riot. When Juan awakens, he immediately takes stock of the situation; in order to survive, he must pretend to be a prisoner. Juan develops a dialogue with the violent leader of the riot, Badass, and the two begin a partnership, Badass fully believing that Juan is a new inmate. Negotiations go smoothly until the rioters take three ETA (the militant Basque separatist organization) prisoners.
Cast & Characters
Luis Tosar as Malamadre;
Alberto Ammann as Juan Oliver;
Antonio Resines as Jose Utrilla;
Manuel Morón as Ernesto Almansa;
Carlos Bardem as Apache;
Marta Etura as Elena;
Luis Zahera as Releches;
Fernando Soto as Armando Nieto;
Vicente Romero as Tachuela;
Manolo Solo as Director carcel