Brawl in Cell Block 99
S. Zahler / US, 2017 / 132 min.
A former drug dealer goes to extremes in order to save his wife and child, in brutal prison thriller. Imagine Festival’s Nr. 3 of the public poll continues at the film museum; Brawl in Cell Block 99 is a true ode to genre cinema, with brilliant performances of renowned actors Udo Kier and Don Johnson.
Ex drug dealer Bradley works as a courier for kingpin Gil. When a deal for a Mexican connection ends badly, Bradley turns himself in, saving Gil. Once in prison, his wife is kidnapped and the Mexicans order Bradley to kill a man in Cell Block 99 of a maximum security prison. Brutal and stylish descent into hell, with a superb lead from Vince Vaughn.
seedy underbelly
This is a real exploitation film, not just a riff on the genre but a great addition to the list. The fact that the violence is over the top doesn't feel like a gimmick – even though it”s not without laughs - but a necessary part of the narrative.
Bradley”s descent from a well-off family man into the seedy underbelly of prison life represents how far (or how deep) he”s willing to go for love and principle. Vince Vaughn is terrific, being both brutal (to the extreme) and dignified. Udo Kier and Don Johnson shine in their cameo roles as well.
Details
Director
S. Zahler
Production year
2017
Country
US
Original title
Brawl in Cell Block 99
Length
132 min.
Language
English
Format
DCP
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