The 4th Company
Mexican inmates form a vibrant football team
About The 4th Company
Released:
Platform: Netflix
Rating: TV-MA
Run time: 1h 56m
Cast
Adrian Ladron, Andoni Gracia, Hernán Mendoza, Gabino Rodríguez, Darío T. Pie, Manuel Ojeda
About The 4th Company:
The 4th Company is a Mexican TV show that falls under the genre of Mexican Movies. The show revolves around a group of prisoners in Santa Martha Prison who form a rugby team called "Los Perros" (The Dogs). The team participates in the prison's semi-professional league, known as La Liga de la Prisión, in order to gain certain privileges and protect themselves from the violence and corruption within the prison walls.
Explore:
- About
- Making / Production
- Actors
- Trivia / Interesting Facts
- Music / Soundtrack
About:
The 4th Company takes place in Mexico City in the late 1970s. The protagonist, Zambrano, is a young man who is sentenced to Santa Martha Prison for vehicular manslaughter. Upon his arrival, he quickly realizes the harsh reality of life inside the prison and the power dynamics that exist among the inmates and the corrupt prison guards. Through the guidance of a fellow inmate, Zambrano is introduced to rugby and assembles a team of prisoners to play in La Liga de la Prisión.
Throughout the show, the team of "Los Perros" faces numerous challenges both on and off the field. They must navigate the treacherous politics within the prison, often resorting to violence and corruption in order to survive. As the team gains success, they must also deal with the consequences of their actions and confront their own personal demons.
Making / Production:
The 4th Company was directed by Amir Galván Cervera and Mitzi Vanessa Arreola. It was released in 2016 and received critical acclaim for its intense and gritty portrayal of prison life. The show was partly inspired by true events and combines elements of sports drama, crime thriller, and social commentary.
Actors:
- Adrian Ladino as Zambrano - Zambrano is the main character and the driving force behind the rugby team. Ladino delivers a powerful performance, showcasing the character's transformation from a naive newcomer to a hardened survivor.
- Andoni Gracia as Solórzano - Solórzano is a seasoned inmate who becomes Zambrano's mentor. Gracia portrays the character's complexity and internal struggles with great depth.
- Gabino Rodríguez as Cabeto - Cabeto is the team's captain and a key member of Los Perros. Rodríguez brings a raw intensity to the role, capturing the character's leadership and determination.
- Hernán Mendoza as El Negro - El Negro is the prison's leader, and Mendoza delivers a chilling performance, portraying the character's ruthlessness and authority.
Trivia / Interesting Facts:
- The 4th Company was inspired by the testimonies of real-life inmates who played rugby in Mexican prisons during the 1970s.
- The show was shot on location in Mexico City, using the actual Santa Martha Prison as the primary setting.
- The scriptwriter, Alfonso Suárez, spent over a year researching and interviewing former inmates to accurately portray the reality of prison life.
- The 4th Company was Mexico's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 90th Academy Awards.
Music / Soundtrack:
- The soundtrack of The 4th Company features a mix of traditional Mexican music and contemporary tracks, creating a unique atmosphere that complements the show's gritty setting.
- Some notable songs featured in the show include "La Cumbia del Pez" by Celso Piña and "El Andariego" by Los Invasores de Nuevo León.
Overall, The 4th Company is a compelling TV show that delves into the dark underworld of Mexican prisons and explores themes of survival, redemption, and the power of camaraderie. With its gripping plot, strong performances, and authentic portrayal of prison life, it stands as a standout entry in the Mexican Movies genre.
Watch on Netflix
About The 4th Company
The 4th Company showcases a convict joining a prison-football team evolving into a violent crime unit controlled by a corrupt administration.