The Escapist (2008)

Jon Duckworth from Nottingham, England [Highly rated reviewer] , 17/11/2008

'The Escapist' tells the story of a life-sentance serving prisoner (the brilliant Brian Cox) who hatches a plan to break out of prison when he learns of his daughter's illness. Don't expect high octane thrills. Though suspenseful and atmospheric (prison life here is grim and the setting is more like a medieval dungeon than a modern-day prison), 'The Escapist' is more of a meditation on the human spirit than your standard prison-break thriller. That's not to say there aren't moments of high tension in Cox's escape with his band of fellow convicts - their journey through the subterranean rivers and tunnels of London being particularly claustrophobic and riveting - but the director and screenwriter here has a different, more moving story to tell. Hopefully, it won't be giving too much away to say that things aren't quite what they seem, and the conclusion to the film is both haunting and thought-provoking. A sterling cast of supporting actors includes an almost unrecognisible Joseph Fiennes as a prison hardnut, a rare good role for Dominic Cooper, the likes of Seu Jorge and Steven Mackintosh, and a chilling performance from Damian Lewis. Although there are some disturbing moments of brutality you should rent and watch this if you enjoy thoughtful, well-acted drama and British film-making at its best.

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