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Poster for Cell 211

Cell 211

Seen it?

2009 | 108 min | Action, Thriller, Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (98% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and action fans. If you loved Room or Escape from Alcatraz, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

The story of two men on different sides of a prison riot -- the inmate leading the rebellion and the young guard trapped in the revolt, who poses as a prisoner in a desperate attempt to survive the ordeal.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    98% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.4 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    11 wins and 9 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $19 million worldwide on a $6 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 16K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Daniel Monzón

  • Alberto AmmannJuan Oliver
  • Luis TosarMalamadre
  • Antonio ResinesJosé Utrilla
  • Marta EturaElena
  • Manuel MorónErnesto Almansa
  • Carlos BardemApache
  • Luis ZaheraReleches
  • Fernando SotoArmando Nieto
  • Vicente Romero SánchezTachuela
  • Manolo SoloPrison Director