Prison 77

Manuel Gómez, a young accountant, sits in Modelo Prison in Barcelona as 1977 unfolds. He is jailed while awaiting trial for embezzlement and faces a sentence that feels out of proportion with the crime. In his cell, he bonds with Pino, a tougher, older inmate, and the two link up with COPEL, a prisoners rights collective. They push for humane treatment and amnesty, sparking clashes with guards and with a penal system that resists change. Inside the walls, small acts of defiance become a broader push for dignity and reform. The story foregrounds friendship and solidarity against a backdrop of historical upheaval, drawing on real life events that shaped Spain's late Franco era. Its history still echoes in debates today.

Directed by Alberto Rodríguez and Rafael Cobos, Prison 77 recreates true events around the COPEL prisoners rights movement in Modelo prison in 1977. The film blends gritty realism with intimate drama to show how organizing inside challenged a rigid system.

Box office numbers for Prison 77 are not widely reported, reflecting a modest release beyond Spain. The film found audiences through festivals and limited theaters, appealing to fans of historical drama and social justice stories, with strong word of mouth.

Awards: There are no major nominations or wins widely documented for Prison 77. While the directing duo has earned recognition in other works, this title did not become a staple at the big awards, though some critics praised its craft and historical focus, noting its grounded performances and sensitivity today.

Reception & Themes: The film has been noted for strong performances by Miguel Herrán and Javier Gutiérrez as ordinary men pressed by power. It centers on friendship, collective action, and the human toll of a justice system under pressure during Spain's transition, inviting reflection on accountability and reform for viewers.