A harsh yet very realistic take on young men who are subjected to time in a young offenders' institute...

Set in a young offenders' institute full of disenfranchised teenage boys, Dog Pound introduces us to Butch, Davies and Angel, new recruits in for various crimes, including drugs, assault and theft and the assault of an officer. The institution's long-term inmates have built a system based on fear and power, with Banks as the ringleader and the most powerful guy at the 'Dog Pound'.

Realising they must stick together to get by, the new-found friends find themselves watching each other's backs. Butch and Davies are subjected to Banks and his gang's violence and general mental torture. The trio join forces and manage even to out-do some of the power-crazed mob. But friendship alone won't save them...

This is an intense film that takes a look at what young offenders' institutes are like; there's scum and even bigger scum. The film inspires conflicting feelings between sympathy with its protagonists and an understanding that their fate is not entirely undeserved.

Kim Chapiron's movie also shows that not all officers are as 'by the book' as they make out; the guards are often seen letting their frustrations out on the prisoners, with one officer taking his venting too far. Kim is a well-respected officer, and his actions come out of frustration and distraction. Due to various incidents at the 'Dog Pound', he's not granted leave for his daughter's birthday. But did he mean to do what he did or was it an accident? And will the outcome mean that blood is on his hands...?

Dog Pound is not for the faint-hearted. But if you like films about power, action and the underdogs coming through, then this is for you.

Extras

The Tour - Clips of the actors and directors promoting the film in Dublin, France and New York.

Cast & director profiles - Featuring Angel, The Bad Guys, Banks, Butch, Davies and Kim. Various film clips and interviews with the actors.

Trailer

Dog Pound is released today.

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