Set after the Francoist Regime (1939-1975) , in 1977 . In spite of General Franco died in November, 1975 concluding the Francoist Regime to establish a new democracy from the dictatorship , the penitentiary system inside prison was preserved for a long time . The first democratic government in 40 years provided an amnesty only for the political immates , in fact all prisoners considered opposites to the Franquism were pardoned , but not to the common ones , then the real-life ¨Coordinadora de Presos en Lucha¨ (COPEL) formed by young advocates at law and inmates join forces to fight for their rights . In 1977 Barcelona Modelo Penitentiary Facility , a young accountant , Manuel (Miguel Herrán), goes to prison awaiting trial for embezzlement with a possible 20 years sentence. At the beginning he attempts to reveal the happened inside the jail by denouncing violent and wrong events , but he was quickly suffocated , then he joins the group of prisoners demanding amnesty with subsequent mutiny and riots and he becomes a main coordinator of the the Prisoners in Fight . Along the way, he befriends a mysterious and reluctant inmate , Pino (Javier Gutiérrez).

Thrilling and intriguing Spanish Prison movie mostly located into a prison . With an excellent cast , including sensational acting from the magnificent starring Miguel Herrán , despite his youthful he gives a splendid lesson in how he is able to withstand the weight of the flick , playing a prisoner in a desperate attempt to survive the ordeal , who did have no right to report it to the authorities , suffering an emotional brutalization who causes an explosion of violence and , of course , a perfect Javier Gutiérrez who steals the show as a peaceful prisoner who eventually fights for the wished freedom . Despite the story of the main roles are fictious , it is inspired on real facts , resulting to be a moving and intense flick picture that packs thriller , tension , straightforward intrigue , sober drama , action , violence and denounce about the repressive laws existent in the Franquism as the real-life "Law of Vagrants and Thugs¨ or ¨Ley de Vagos y Maleantes" depicted in the picture not only served to give the police reasons to arrest people, but guarantee that they were kept in prison once arrested . If the first part deals with the atrocities , cruelty and excessive use of force by the guards , enjoying impunity for committing any act of violence and torture against the prisoners , in ¨Alan Parker's Midnight Express¨ style , along with ¨Daniel Monzón´s Cell 211¨ , after concerning friendship between the two protagonists and their fight for justice and subsequent attempt to getaway . The film contains thrills , exciting scenes and chills and it turns out to be quite entertaining because being laborious and intriguing , adding political happenings in which inmates carry out strong efforts to ask to the government general amnesty , humanization of of the hard conditions of the prisons and purging of tortures , as well as a reform of prison laws and of the sadist and corrupt wardens who use unthinkable brutality . In the picture there's violence , drama , tension and a little bit of action in the final escape. The story contains a statement about inmate's mistreating , despair and a strong criticism of the ruling class , unable to control a dangerous situation . Most part of the movie takes place into four walls of the jail involving and executing the preparatives for riots , their wanted amnesty and against the strict conditions demanded by the inmates . Highlighting the newcomer actor Miguel Herrán -of ¨La Casa de papel¨or ¨Money Heist¨- and excels a great player like Javier Gutiérrez , making a memorable work as the intelligent prisoner who in principle does not want problems , an interpretation without falling into the prison clichés . Furthermore , a top-notch support cast giving awesome performances , such as : Jesús Carroza , Fernando Tejero, Xavi Sáez , Catalina Sopelana, Mikel Losada, Javier Beltrán, Julián Valcárcel , among others .

Interesting and thrilling screenplay by Alberto Rodríguez himself , and Rafael Cobos , Alberto's usual writer , though with some regular stereotypes . Appropriate cinematography by cameraman Alex Catalán who photographs splendidly the cold and dark interiors from Model prison , being shot on the own location in La Model, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain . Adequate and atmospheric musical score by Julio de la Rosa , including a tense leitmotif . The motion picture was stunningly directed by Alberto Rodriguez , he undertakes a skill and riveting filmmaking with some sensationalist touch , though it is also intensely manipulative against prison guards . This is a perfectly realized and superbly crafted film from a multi-prized writer/filmmaker who has won several awards . This prestigious director has shot various successes , such as : ¨7 Virgins¨ , ¨El Traje¨ , ¨Factor Pilgrim¨, ¨The Man with Thousand Faces" or international title "Smoke & Mirrors" it won in San Sebastián International Film Festival 2016 : Feroz Zinemaldia Award to Alberto Rodríguez , Silver Seashell Best Actor : Eduard Fernández and Nominated Golden Seashell Best Film , and , of course , his greatest hit : ¨La Isla Minima¨or ¨Marshland¨ , Goya Award-winning director Alberto Rodríguez . Rating Model 77 (2022) : 7/10 , the latest from this great director is rated above average and well worth watching .