Gangers (film)

Gangers, also known as Celda 211 (the original Spanish title), is a 2009 Spanish prison thriller film directed by Daniel Monzón. The film stars Luis Tosar, Alberto Ammann, and Antonio Resines.

The plot centers around Juan Oliver (Ammann), a prison guard who arrives at his new job one day early to familiarize himself with the facility. During his tour, he is knocked unconscious by a falling piece of debris. While unconscious, a major riot erupts in the prison. Juan is left for dead by his colleagues, and to survive, he pretends to be a newly arrived prisoner among the rioting inmates.

He then must navigate the complex and dangerous prison hierarchy, led by the ruthless Malamadre (Tosar), to survive the riot and prevent further bloodshed, all while trying to maintain his false identity and protect his family, who are waiting for him outside the prison gates. The film explores themes of morality, survival, and the corrupting influence of power within the brutal environment of a maximum-security prison. Gangers received widespread critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and intense, suspenseful atmosphere. It won eight Goya Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor for Tosar.