The Heist Poster

The Heist 1976

★ 6.523 votes83 min📅 1976-08-05

"A prison system that does not regenerate, it degenerates."

Mexican crime drama *The Heist* (1976), directed by Felipe Cazals, plunges into the brutal reality of Lecumberri prison, where three addicted inmates face unimaginable cruelty after smuggling drugs behind bars.

Director: Felipe Cazals

Cast

Manuel Ojeda
Manuel Ojeda
Polonio
Salvador Sánchez
Salvador Sánchez
Albino
José Carlos Ruiz
José Carlos Ruiz
El Carajo
María Rojo
María Rojo
Meche
Delia Casanova
Delia Casanova
La Chata
Luz Cortázar
Madre del Carajo
Álvaro Carcaño
Teniente
Ana Ofelia Murguía
Ana Ofelia Murguía
Celadora
Sergio Calderón
Sergio Calderón
Oficial
César Sobrevals
Celador

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Heist (1976) about?

The film follows three drug-addicted prisoners in Mexico City's Lecumberri prison who smuggle drugs past guards—only to be brutally punished in the infamous "apando" cell. Their confinement sparks protests that escalate into deadly chaos, revealing the prison system's inhumanity.

Who directed The Heist?

Felipe Cazals directed *The Heist*, a filmmaker known for his socially conscious dramas that challenge institutional corruption.

Who stars in The Heist?

The film's lead roles are played by Manuel Ojeda, Salvador Sánchez, and José Carlos Ruiz, supported by María Rojo, Delia Casanova, and Luz Cortázar.

Is The Heist (1976) worth watching?

*The Heist* is a harrowing but vital watch for fans of gritty crime dramas and Mexican cinema. Its unflinching portrayal of prison brutality and social decay makes it a standout from 1976, though its intensity may not suit all viewers.

How long is The Heist?

The runtime of *The Heist* is 83 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Heist (1976) — A Gritty Look at Mexico's Broken Prison System

Mexican crime drama *The Heist* (1976), directed by Felipe Cazals, plunges into the brutal reality of Lecumberri prison, where three addicted inmates face unimaginable cruelty after smuggling drugs behind bars. Thrown into the "apando"—a nightmarish punishment cell—their ordeal ignites protests that explode into violent chaos, exposing a prison system rotten to its core. Cazals crafts a raw, unflinching portrait of despair and rebellion, where survival hinges on resilience in the face of institutional decay.

The film's tense atmosphere crackles with authenticity, anchored by performances from Manuel Ojeda, Salvador Sánchez, and José Carlos Ruiz as the trapped trio. With its stark cinematography and unyielding social commentary, *The Heist* transcends its 83-minute runtime to deliver a punishing yet unforgettable critique of Mexico's penal system in the 1970s.