Films about prison gangs often depict the gritty realities of life behind bars, exploring the power dynamics, conflicts, and alliances that emerge within these closed, volatile environments. These films delve into the inner workings of prison gangs, their influence on inmates, and the challenges faced by those caught in the crossfire.
“American History X”, 1998
Director: Tony Kaye
This film follows the story of a former neo-nazi skinhead, Derek, who tries to prevent his younger brother, Danny, from going down the same wrong path that he did. While not entirely set in a prison, a significant portion of the film takes place inside a penitentiary, where Derek becomes entangled in the racial tensions and power struggles among different prison gangs.
Starring: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien, Ethan Suplee, Fairuza Balk, Avery Brooks, Elliott Gould, Stacy Keach, William Russ, Guy Torry, Joe Cortese, Jason Bose Smith, Antonio David Lyons, Alex Sol, Keram Malicki-Sánchez, Giuseppe Andrews, Michelle Christine White, Jonathan Fowler Jr., Christopher Masterson, Nicholas R. Oleson, Jordan Marder, Paul Le Mat, Thomas L. Bellissimo, Cherish Lee, Sam Vlahos, Tara Blanchard, Anne Lambton, Steve Wolford, Richard Noyce, Danso Gordon, Jim Norton, David Basulto, Alexis Rose Coen, Kiante Elam, Paul Hopkins, Keith Odett, Paul E. Short, Nigel Miguel, Darrell Britt, Robert «Duckie» Carpenter, Sydney «Big Dawg» Colston, Hans Cozzens, John Embry, Maximillian Kesmodel, Barbie Marie, Andre McCoy, Allie Moss, Denney Pierce, Glendon Rich;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
More information about the film “American History X” on the website imdb.com
“Shot Caller”, 2015
Director: Ric Roman Waugh
After a DUI incident leads to a tragic accident, a successful businessman is sentenced to prison, where he becomes embroiled in the prison gang culture in order to survive. The film delves into the protagonist's transformation from a law-abiding citizen to a hardened convict and the challenges he faces within the complex web of prison gangs.
Starring: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Omari Hardwick, Lake Bell, Jon Bernthal, Emory Cohen, Jeffrey Donovan, Evan Jones, Juan Pablo Raba, Matt Gerald, Max Greenfield, Jessy Schram, Chris Browning, Michael Landes, Jonathon McClendon, Benjamin Bratt, Holt McCallany, Mark Sivertsen, Cru Ennis, Keith Jardine, Derek Dinniene, Howard Ferguson Jr., Jacob Browne , Sarah Minnic, Anthony Bridges Jr., Monique Candelaria, Matthew Page, Esodi Geiger, Cajardo Lindsey, Diana Gaitirira, John Christian Love, Vincent E. McDaniel, Ivan Brutsche, Andrew Bachelor, Chris Adams, Joshua R. Aragon, Euphrates «Tee» Arthur, Nathaniel Augustson, Bill Babnick, Santiago Campos, Cathleen Lixian Daly, Marika Day, Jetto Dorsainville, Dash Hamblin, J.D. Herrera, David House, Charles Jimenez, Brendan Kelly, Dylan Kenin, Michael Benjamin Kirby, Josh LaCombe;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: crime, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“Animal Factory”, 2000
Director: Steve Buscemi
Based on the novel by Edward Bunker, this film portrays a young man's struggle to survive in a violent prison environment, where he forms alliances with different prison gangs for protection. The movie offers a raw and unflinching look at the harsh realities of life inside prison walls.
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Edward Furlong, Danny Trejo, Mark Boone Junior, Seymour Cassel, Mickey Rourke, Tom Arnold, John Heard, Chris Bauer, Rockets Redglare, Jake La Botz, Mark Engelhardt, Victor Pagan, Ernest Harden Jr., Afemo Omilami, Michael Buscemi, J.C. Quinn, Steven Randazzo, Mark Webber, Jonny Spanish, Vincent Laresca, Larry Fessenden, Mark Amitin, Sal Mazzotta, John Lumia, Anohni, John Knox, Rick Walls, Jeffrey Dwayne Cousar, Richard Burton, James Johnson, Paul P. Panepinto, Wendee Pratt, Jim Goodall, Wil Holshouser, Hahn Rowe, Francisco Sandoval, Brian Anthony Wilson, Sixto Ramos, James Martin Kelly, Christopher Long, Sean P. Anderson, Patrick McDade, Damali Mason, Joilet Harris, Anika Hawkins, Paul L. Nolan, Vince Mancini;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Animal Factory” on the website imdb.com
“Felon”, 2008
Director: Ric Roman Waugh
When a family man is convicted of involuntary manslaughter, he is sent to a high-security prison where he must navigate the dangerous dynamics of prison gangs. The film explores the protagonist's transformation as he confronts the brutal realities of incarceration and the influence of prison gangs on his life.
Starring: Stephen Dorff, Val Kilmer, Harold Perrineau, Marisol Nichols, Anne Archer, Larnell Stovall, Sam Shepard, Johnny Lewis, Shawn Prince, Chris Browning, Vincent Miller, Nick Chinlund, Greg Serano, Jake Walker, Nate Parker, Michael Seal, Louie Pescador, Gabriel «Bam Bam» Merendon, Mark Sivertsen, Mara Holguin, Carrie Fleming, Roman Mitichyan, Adam Taylor, Brittany Perrineau, Harry Zimmerman, Kevin Wiggins, Brian Keith Gamble, Rosalia De Aragon, Jesus Jr., Ivan Brutsche, John Trejo, Cynthia Ruffin, Christien Tinsley, Christopher Dempsey, Bill Allen, Esodi Geiger, Eric Gomez, Elton Walker, Tait Fletcher, Adrian Ponce, Ben James Roybal, Joey Villasenor, Antonio Leyba, John Koyama, Jermaine Washington, Mike Smith, Shawn Rosales, Steve Ulibarri, David E. Augustson;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Felon” on the website imdb.com
These films about prison gangs offer a glimpse into the complex and often brutal world of incarcerated individuals and the gangs that shape their experiences.
In the realm of films about prison gangs, one cannot help but be captivated by the gritty and intense narratives that unfold within the confines of correctional institutions. From the unforgettable performances to the raw portrayal of the power struggles and camaraderie, these films offer a glimpse into a world that is both terrifying and fascinating. Whether it's the loyalty and brotherhood depicted in “American History X” or the harrowing journey of redemption in “The Shawshank Redemption,” these movies delve deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of survival, identity, and the indomitable spirit of the human spirit. Through their compelling storytelling and thought-provoking characters, films about prison gangs leave an indelible mark on audiences, reminding us of the complexities and hardships faced by those behind bars.
