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A drama based on a real experiment carried out in Palo Alto, California where a group of scientists gathered 20 people and had them carry out a psychological experiment for a cash reward. As part of the research project, the recruits were divided up into prisoners and guards. In a controlled penitentiary-like environment, "Prisoners" are incarcerated and ordered to obey the rules, "Guards" are instructed to keep order. They are thrown head-first into a two-week long examination of the effects of assigned roles, power and control. That's what happens to Tarek, Prisoner # 77, an ex-journalist convinced he will emerge with a fascinating story. At first, the prisoners treat their roles with detached humor and playfulness, and the guards treat theirs with nervous unease. But within hours, small conflicts and petty disputes force all twenty men deeper into their assigned roles. As these trivial skirmishes quickly escalate, the guards must explore any possible means to keep the prisoners in line, without the use of force--but once a revolt erupts, tragedy strikes.
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| Also Known As: |
The Experiment
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| Production Status: |
Released |
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| Genres: |
Art/Foreign, Drama, Thriller and Adaptation |
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| Running Time: |
1 hr. 56 min. |
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| Release Date: |
September 18th, 2002 (NY) |
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| MPAA Rating: |
R for strong violence, disturbing situations, language, sexuality and nudity. |
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| Distributors: |
Independent Distribution Partnership (IDP)
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| Production Co.: |
Typhoon Networks AG, Fanes Film, Seven Pictures, Seven Pictures (Germany), Senator Entertainment AG
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| Financiers: |
FFA Filmfoerderungsanstalt
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| U.S. Box Office: |
$141,072 |
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| Produced in: |
Germany |
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In Theaters 
