Review by Jon Donnis
Louis Mandylor's 2025 war thriller Prisoner of War is the sort of film that reminds you why Scott Adkins has become such a reliable action star. Set during the Battle of Bataan, it follows RAF Wing Commander James Wright, played by Adkins, as he is captured and forced into a brutal prisoner-of-war camp. On paper the story is familiar, but the execution, particularly the fight choreography and Adkins' performance, makes it stand out.
Adkins is the heart of the film. His martial arts skills are on full display, but what impresses is how controlled and grounded he is in every fight. There are no over-the-top stunts or unnecessary CGI flourishes. Each sequence has weight and consequence. The hand-to-hand combat is tense and visceral, recalling the era of Van Damme and Chuck Norris when heroes relied on physicality and presence. Adkins knows his strengths and leans into them, making him a believable and compelling lead.
The supporting cast adds depth to the story. Peter Shinkoda is a suitably menacing Lt. Col. Ito, while Donald Cerrone, Michael Copon, and Michael Rene Walton bring credibility and heart to the fellow prisoners. The bond between the characters helps raise the stakes when the story reaches its most intense moments. Theresa, the local nurse, provides a human touch without feeling forced, giving the prisoners an ally and adding emotional texture to the narrative.
Where the film struggles is in pacing. At nearly two hours, it is longer than necessary for a straight-up action story. The momentum dips whenever Adkins is off screen, and some quieter scenes could have been trimmed to maintain tension. The story itself follows familiar beats, so the strength of the film rests almost entirely on the performances and the fight sequences.
Still, Prisoner of War delivers on what fans expect. It is a full-bodied throwback to physical action films where heroes really got their hands dirty. It mixes brutal combat with enough emotional grounding to make the stakes feel real. The historical backdrop is respected, and the film conveys the resilience and courage of the men who endured captivity without ever feeling exploitative.
Scott Adkins continues to build an impressive filmography, and Prisoner of War is another strong entry. It might not reinvent the genre, but it achieves what it sets out to do: provide exciting, physical action while telling a story about survival and courage.
I give Prisoner of War a solid 7.5 out of 10. It is entertaining, brutal, and heartfelt, and it reminds viewers why Adkins remains one of the most consistent action stars working today.
Out Now on Digital
