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King Rat [1965]


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Editorial
Amazon.com

High on the list of best POW movies, King Rat bears some comparison to that compound over by the River Kwai... but this is an entirely more cynical exercise. In a Japanese prison camp, a brash American corporal (George Segal) runs a variety of money-making operations, much to the amazement of a young British officer (James Fox). Director Bryan Forbes, who adapted James Clavell's novel, follows different POWs through various strands of plot, each episode seemingly designed to highlight the dog-eat-dog nature of men held in close confinement. (In one pointedly black-comic sequence, it becomes man-eat-dog.) This was one of Segal's breakthrough roles, and his modern style fits the movie's anti-heroic, '60s approach. It was Oscar®-nominated for art direction and cinematography, which may sound odd for such a bleakly confined location, but the lucid starkness of the camp justifies the nods. The John Barry score, while apt, is similarly stark. --Robert Horton


Timeless
Review date: 2008-01-29 Rating: 10 out of 10

My wife - who wasn't even born when King Rat was released - fell in love with George Segal as we watched this film last night. This film really does stand the test of time. Apart from Mr Segal there is wonderful naturalistic work from James Fox and Sir Tom Courtney, fully rounded cameos from Denham Elliot, James Donald and Sir John Mills but for me the treat was the performance of Patrick O'Neal as Max. This American actor was never again put to such use on screen. John Barry's music is spare and works to tighten the edge. It's moving, frightening and dryly amusing. Fans of the novel will not be disappointed in Bryan Forbes adaptation or his sharp, unfussy and unsentimental direction.

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Reviews


Very good adaptation
Review date: 2007-12-15 Rating: 8 out of 10

After reading the wonderful and moving novel by James Clavell, and finding out there was a film based on it, I was intrigued by how someone managed to adapt this complex story for the screen. At first, I thought that the challenge was so daunting that the movie must fall way short of the mark. Luckily, I was mistaken, and even though the film cannot convey the depth the novel has, the final result is more than satisfactory. We definitely get a clear feel for what life in Changi, the POW camp in Singapore where Clavell was detained during the war, meant.

Even though there are many characters involved in the story, it clearly focuses on two of them, and their relationship could almost serve as a study in sociology. One is an American, the King, who is a corporal that has the ability to facilitate commerce, which is prohibited by camp rules, and therefore makes a very nice living, especially when compared with everyone else. The other one is Peter Marlowe, a British Lieutenant, whose personality and moral codes clearly contrast with the King's. When they meet, this marks the start of an unusual friendship that will test Marlowe's character and convictions, since he will have to decide between compromising his morals in return for better living conditions for him and his friends, and sticking to his guns and keep on living miserably.

The visual representation of the story in terms of the appearance of the prisoners and the living environment certainly coincides with what I pictured when I was reading the book, and the fact that it is filmed in black and white helps align the mood. The performances of the cast are all at a high level, and you will see many actors here that you know from other later productions. The only shame is that the first edition of the novel did not include the portions that were added years later, dealing with the events that the families and loved ones of the prisoners, were facing. This was a great tool in understanding these men, and could have helped the movie too. Maybe if there is a remake...

Overall, this is a tough story, due to the brutality of the living conditions these men have to endure, but I recommend it wholeheartedly. However, I believe that even if you watch this movie, you should also read the novel, which provides one of the most rewarding experiences you can get from a book.

Segal'sTriumph
Review date: 2007-06-27 Rating: 10 out of 10

I saw this film on its release many years ago when I was comparatively young. The fact of my youth probably contributed to the abiding memory of the anarchic spirit and somewhat intimidating character played by George Segal. The theme of the film is that of survival and Segal's character achieves this with style and aplomb in the most terrible of circumstances in a POW camp. His character clearly believes that the best way to survive is to wheel and deal and to exploit everything and everybody. It seems a clear parallel of how to survive in a competitive corporate world. The film has some stunning scenes which emphasise the differences between those who know how to cope with life's challenges and those beyond help. The filmwork also utilises some unusual tricks to add to the effect. The film is shot in black and white and this supports the starkness of the theme. A classic

Not a typical hollywood prison story....
Review date: 2006-04-10 Rating: 8 out of 10

Great film - I last saw this 25 years ago and had forgotten just how poignant a depiction of struggling for survival this was. Excellent performances and a script which exposes the brutality of the japanese but equally the hypocrisy of the allied officer class.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Todd Armstrong
James Fox
Denholm Elliott
Tom Courtenay
George Segal

Creators:
George Segal (Primary Contributor)
Tom Courtenay (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
EAN: 5035822789234
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Black & White, PAL,
Release date: 2005-08-08
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 129 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1965
Language: English (Original Language)

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