James "Animal" Allen (Ving Rhames), is serving a life sentence for murder at Folson Prison, taking the rap for his eldest son. After a brutal prison riot between the Mexicans and the Blacks, he is transferred to Susanville Prison, where he previously served 15 years. On the outside, Animal's son, James Jr., is framed for murder and faces serious jail time. To help his son, Animal has no choice but to return to his violent past as a money fighter. His new role brings him to the height of power as the leader of the Blacks, but he uncovers he is being used as a pawn in a conspiracy to spark an all out race war between the gangs.