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Cell 211

Play trailer Poster for Cell 211 2009 1h 50m Action Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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98% Tomatometer 47 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
When an inmate leads a rebellion, a young guard tries to survive by impersonating a prisoner.
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Cell 211

Cell 211

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Critics Consensus

A uniquely sharp, well-acted prison drama, Cell 211 avoids exploitative thrills in favor of expertly ratcheted tension.

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Critics Reviews

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Roger Ebert RogerEbert.com 09/23/2020
3.5/4
In addition to its effectiveness as a thriller, it is also a film showing a man in the agonizing process of changing his values. And it is a critique of a cruel penal system. Go to Full Review
Deborah Ross The Spectator 08/31/2018
It is packed with Tarantino-style violence... but the plotting is so fine and the suspense so blinding and the character strokes so masterful I was totally gripped. Go to Full Review
Anna Smith metro.co.uk 08/24/2018
4/5
Spanish prison movie Cell 211 is a winner if you're a fan of the nail-biting real-time thriller, using deception, undercover work and con artistry to deliver violence and heart-pounding scenes. Go to Full Review
JK Sooja Common Sense Media Mar 26
Thankfully, this prison drama doesn't overstay its welcome. Go to Full Review
Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review 08/18/2023
3/4
The film surprises and engages us in unexpected ways, changing our perceptions of characters and the situation again and again, yet always in an emotionally prevailing way. Go to Full Review
Jas Keimig The Stranger (Seattle, WA) 12/09/2021
This is a (predictably) violent and dark entry into the prison drama genre, but I agree with the snarling and cruel Malamadre... Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Christian M 12h Nerves on edge. 'Cell 211' is a rare, meticulously crafted film, with a precise script and direction that perfectly balances tension, pacing, and emotion. Monzón demonstrates complete control, making every narrative beat count. The cast is fully committed, creating characters that feel real and making the on-screen tension palpable, especially Alberto Ammann, whose performance immerses the viewer in his emotions. The film’s predictability works in its favor: you anticipate events but want them to unfold that way, keeping you engaged. Its thematic depth adds weight, exploring dignity, courage, and loyalty, while the oppressive atmosphere enhances immersion. Even those unfamiliar with prison dramas become absorbed in the moral and human conflicts. Notably, the film avoids sexual content, staying true to its focus. Technical precision, unforgettable performances, and lasting emotional impact make it a standout of Spanish cinema. See more Fernando B 09/17/2024 Cruda, imersiva, escalofriante. See more rafe o 01/22/2024 utterly gripping. from end to end. not at all happy but a wild ride. See more Jose R 03/20/2022 It's a pretty good movie, but it has some screenplay problems, most of them about credibility. See more ari v 05/27/2020 Made it through a half hour but couldn't shake this soap-opera kind of feel. See more panayiota k 05/06/2020 An intense thriller that - i am assuming - really showcases the situation in some prisons and criticism towards government decisions. See more Read all reviews
Cell 211

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Movie Info

Synopsis When an inmate leads a rebellion, a young guard tries to survive by impersonating a prisoner.
Director
Daniel Monzón
Producer
Álvaro Augustin, Juan Gordon
Screenwriter
Jorge Guerricaechevarría, Daniel Monzón
Production Co
Morena Films S.L., Vaca Films
Genre
Action, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
European Spanish
Release Date (DVD)
Aug 30, 2011
Runtime
1h 50m
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