King Rat Reviews

1965

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Inside a Japanese POW camp during World War II, an American prisoner runs a black market operation for the benefit of his fellow captives, and among his "merchandise" he includes rats, breeded to supplement prisoners' food rations. Read more

Starring	George Segal, Tom Courtenay, James Fox, Patrick O'Neal
Director	Bryan Forbes
Genres	Action/Adventure, Drama

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Critics' reviews (3) of King Rat
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In this Second World War prison drama set in a Japanese PoW camp, George Segal plays the opportunist and arch-manipulator who is the custodian of everything of value, from coffee to rats. It's a great performance — he is the sole American amid the pukka English accents and class warfare of James Fox, Tom Courtenay and Denholm Elliott. Directed by Bryan Forbes from James Clavell's novel, and shot in Hollywood (not that you'd notice), this gripping if overlong film is also notable for one of John Barry's finest musical scores.
- Radio Times
- Posted 29 Jan 2006
Interesting but flawed adaptation of James Clavell's novel about a Japanese POW camp in Singapore towards the end of... read more on Time Out
- Time Out
- Posted 04 Nov 2008
Overlong but generally gripping character melodrama Ð 'not a story of escape but a story of survival'.
- Halliwell's Film Guide
- Posted 02 Mar 2006
Most helpful members' reviews (3) of King Rat
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

Superb.....

Saw this again recently after a few years and forgot just how good it is.

Excellent, thought provoking movie with a great central theme. Superb ... more

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- - Richard Morgan from London, England
  - Posted 22 Sep 2005 15:50
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

A stark and powerful movie

First off: if you enjoyed the book you will find this picture a worthy adaptation - a rarity in the world of cinema. Secondly: I found the opening sequence of ... more

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- - A customer from London, UK
  - Posted 17 May 2007 16:59
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

it will pass a night

old b&w film good cast worth sticking with

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- - A customer from n ireland
  - Posted 29 Nov 2005 23:05
Most recent members' reviews (2) of King Rat
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

Superb.....

Saw this again recently after a few years and forgot just how good it is.

Excellent, thought provoking movie with a great central theme. Superb ... more

Report this review
- - Richard Morgan from London, England
  - Posted 22 Sep 2005 15:50
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

Classic

Great Character Actors

James Clavell's book well filmed

Report this review
- - David Wood from Letchworth
  - Posted 11 Dec 2005 21:06

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

Superb.....

Saw this again recently after a few years and forgot just how good it is.

Excellent, thought provoking movie with a great central theme. Superb ... more

Report this review
- - Richard Morgan from London, England
  - Posted 22 Sep 2005 15:50
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

A stark and powerful movie

First off: if you enjoyed the book you will find this picture a worthy adaptation - a rarity in the world of cinema. Secondly: I found the opening sequence of ... more

Report this review
- - A customer from London, UK
  - Posted 17 May 2007 16:59
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

it will pass a night

old b&w film good cast worth sticking with

Report this review
- - A customer from n ireland
  - Posted 29 Nov 2005 23:05
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

Classic

Great Character Actors

James Clavell's book well filmed

Report this review
- - David Wood from Letchworth
  - Posted 11 Dec 2005 21:06
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

Powerful and absorbing

I could have sworn this was in colour the first time I saw it forty years ago! Terrific ensemble playing from a team of Britain's finest plus George Segal. ... more

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- - Mike from Leamington Spa, England
  - Posted 22 Mar 2006 09:39
good film

good film portrays prisoner of wars very well

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- - anthony wood from england
  - Posted 09 Dec 2005 13:59
Classic

Great Character Actors

James Clavell's book well filmed

Report this review
- - David Wood from Letchworth
  - Posted 11 Dec 2005 21:06
Absolutely brilliant

Really enjoyed this film.

Wonderful music (think Ipcress Files), great acting and inspiring story.

Report this review
- - A customer from England
  - Posted 15 Dec 2006 01:42
So, so

Husband wasn't overly impressed with this one, said it went on too long.

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- - A customer from Barmouth
  - Posted 30 Nov 2008 19:41
Gripping

This film was surprisingly good and gripping so all credit to Bryan Forbes for his direction. Nobody stole the film - it was a good ensemble piece. George ... more

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- - A customer from Exeter
  - Posted 14 Dec 2008 16:44

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Critics' reviews (3)
In this Second World War prison drama set in a Japanese PoW camp, George Segal plays the opportunist and arch-manipulator who is the custodian of everything of value, from coffee to rats. It's a great performance — he is the sole American amid the pukka English accents and class warfare of James Fox, Tom Courtenay and Denholm Elliott. Directed by Bryan Forbes from James Clavell's novel, and shot in Hollywood (not that you'd notice), this gripping if overlong film is also notable for one of John Barry's finest musical scores.
- Radio Times
- Posted 29 Jan 2006
Interesting but flawed adaptation of James Clavell's novel about a Japanese POW camp in Singapore towards the end of... read more on Time Out
- Time Out
- Posted 04 Nov 2008
Overlong but generally gripping character melodrama Ð 'not a story of escape but a story of survival'.
- Halliwell's Film Guide
- Posted 02 Mar 2006

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