The docudrama is a partially fictionalized account of the four-day Attica Prison riot in 1971 at the Attica Correctional Facility, where prisoners took over much of state prison to protest inhumane conditions.<ref name="nyt-oconnor"/><ref name="nymag-Leonard"/><ref name="chtri-Randle"></ref><ref name="dn-Attica40"></ref> The movie is focused on rookie prison guard Michael Smith (Kyle Maclachlan) and inmate Jamaal X (Samuel L. Jackson) who develop a wary friendship with each other. It is largely told through Smith, who was shot four times, and based on Smith's testimony.<ref name="nyt-oconnor"/><ref name="vibe-Mukherjee"></ref> Jamaal X is based on several inmates, including the inmate Smith credits with saving his life.<ref name="nyt-oconnor"/> Clarence Williams III plays the inmate Chaka, one of the more ruthless prisoners who does not participate in the riot for honorable reasons.<ref name="nyt-oconnor"/><ref name="chtri-Randle" />
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