Brian Cox, Joseph Fiennes, Liam Cunningham

Frank Perry is an institutionalized convict twelve years into a life sentence without parole. When his estranged daughter falls ill, he is determined he make peace with her before it's too late. He de...( read more  read more... )velops an ingenious escape plan, and recruits a dysfunctional band of escapists - misfits with a mutual dislike for one other but united by their desire to escape their hell hole of an existence. Much of the action takes place within the tunnels, sewers, and underground rivers of subterranean London.

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64% liked it

12,825 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: Rupert Wyatt

Release Date: January 21, 2008

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Flixster Reviews (473)


  • October 2, 2009
    Not a bad escape film. I'm not a big fan of Damian Lewis or Steven Mackintosh, and I really think they let this film down. Apart from those two, the cast is very good and Cox is brilliant as the lead. I'm not sure about the ending or the structure of the film but it is original a...( read more)nd that's important in a film of this genre!
  • July 28, 2009
    some superb shots down in the old london underground tunnels. really well thought out. only didn't get a four because the ending made little sense
  • June 13, 2009
    Brian Cox, Steven Mackintosh and Liam Cunningham are just a few talents who star in this British prison Drama.

    Set at a fairly slow pace, yet a high standard of acting that keeps your interest throughout. The flashbacks keep your mind focussed on the story at hand and this al...( read more)lows for a chance to get to know the characters individually.

    There was an element here which I feel was risky and brave, in that some of the Actors cast for the roles of the characters were in some senses, out of their usual comfort zones, particularly in the case of Damien Lewis, who seems an unlikely choice to play the King of the prison and yet all the characters worked really well and it was a risk which paid off.

    I would love to think that this one will be widely enjoyed and that, I will have to wait and see.
  • April 21, 2009
    I absolutely loved this movie. It's bold and fearless, almost dream-like. It has one of the most unexpected endings I've ever seen in a British movie and the obscure comic traits versus the obvious tragic ones make this movie come alive.

    Brian Cox is as phenomenal as he always ...( read more)is -he brings something so unique to the characters he embodies. Steven Mackintosh and Damian Lewis do a fantastic job as the prison-running evildoers and even Joseph Fiennes was good. Dominic Cooper still gives flat performances to my eyes -but he doesn't make this movie any less powerful.

    I didn't expect to love this movie so much, but forget Prison Break and forget all the sappy light prison-themed stuff. The Escapist is an emotional, gripping thrill that offers so much beyond the obvious -redemption and forgiveness and wholeness and freedom. Amazing. Truly amazing film.
  • March 10, 2009
    I loved this movie I thought it was fucking great!!! I was so surprised by Joseph Finnes performance as well. It was so different from what he's done
  • October 24, 2009
    I really enjoyed this movie....Brian Cox is my favourite actor....he potrayed brilliantly in this movie....so i'll give 10/10....!
  • October 21, 2009
    Dreaming freedom is the best part.
  • October 1, 2009
    The characters are carefully developed, it starts out well, but the conclusion is so unfortunately unsatisfactory. The acting is quite good, particularly Brian Cox. Well photographed, good atmosphere, effective score. There are enough rewards along the way to hold your interest.
  • September 23, 2009
    Loved it.From start to finish i was hooked.When you hear ''prison break movie'' you kinda know what to expect,but this one was different.From the script and the way the story unfolds through the flick,to the amazing performances of almost everyone involved.Brian Cox,Liam Cunningh...( read more)am and Joseph Fiennes especially.Didn't even recognize Fiennes,an unusual role for him but he played it great.The ending blew me away,totally unexpected.Well worth your time,see it.
  • September 13, 2009
    Acting+Plot= I love it

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  • rbevanx
    January 31, 2009
    Its alright. Overhyped though and the ending (A twist) was cheap and has been done to death.

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