Shot Caller (2017)

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A newly-released prison gangster is forced by the leaders of his gang to orchestrate a major crime with a brutal rival gang on the streets of Southern California.

Film Overview
"Shot Caller" is an American crime thriller film from 2017, directed and written by Ric Roman Waugh. The film follows the change of a business person into a solidified jail gangster, highlighting the ruthless truth of the American prison system. The cast boasts a string of well-known names like Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Omari Hardwick, Lake Bell, Jon Bernthal, and Jeffrey Donovan.

Main Plot
The movie focuses on Jacob Harlon (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), a successful stockbroker leading a happy life with his spouse and boy. The plot takes a turn when a drunken night out ends in a catastrophe after Jacob, behind the wheel, crashes the automobile, causing the death of his buddy Tom. Jacob is consequently sentenced to prison where he, a white-collar expert, needs to navigate the severe brand-new surrounding.

Jail Life and Transformation
To make it through, Jacob aligns himself with a white supremacist gang. His compliance leads him to violent acts, treating him with respect however likewise advancing his rank within the gang. A considerable part of the plot focuses on Jacob's transformation from a law-abiding resident to an active participant in violent and criminal activities. As his sentence ends, he's required by the gang leader, The Beast, to set up a weapons deal, leading him deeper into the criminal underworld.

The Dual Narrative
"Shot Caller" typically shifts in between the time Jacob invests in prison and his life after finally being released. His post-prison experiences are particularly compelling as Jacob, now called "Money", has a hard time to reconnect with his estranged household while continuing to fulfill duties for the gang. The consistent hazard of being pulled back in underlies all his attempts to go back to a typical life.

Climax and Resolution
With the looming weapons deal, Jacob chooses to take control of the situation. He cleverly orchestrates a plan by informing the authorities about the deal, which he makes sure goes south for the gang members. At the very same time, he establishes a trust fund for his family to secure their future. The film ends with Jacob going back to prison after being jailed at the scene-- a choice he voluntarily accepts, highlighting the lengths he has gone to safeguard his household.

Crucial Reception
"Shot Caller" received blended evaluations, with critics appreciating Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's efficiency, the vigorous pacing, and the unflinching representation of the American penal system. Nevertheless, it also dealt with criticism for relying on cliche prison tropes and its extremely significant representation of gang life. Despite this, the film usually delivers a captivating story, boasting powerful performances and effectively capturing the dark truths of the jail system.

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