In 19th century Louisiana, the Maxwell plantation, Falconhurst, is struggling to maintain its legacy. Hammond Maxwell, the son of the owner, Warren, is under pressure to marry and produce a male heir. He chooses his cousin Blanche, who agrees to the marriage to escape her sadistic brother. On their honeymoon, Hammond buys a slave, Ellen, as a sexual partner and a Mandingo, Mede, to breed with their female slaves and sell for a higher price. However, Hammond uses Mede for no-holds-barred slave fighting, often to the death. His marriage to Blanche becomes unsatisfying, and he turns to Ellen instead. Blanche takes her anger out on Hammond, causing the slaves to suffer as a result.

Mandingo
In 1840s America, a wealthy plantation owner mentors a gifted slave, teaching him the brutal art of bare-knuckle boxing and guiding him towards a prosperous future.