Introduction

As many horror, martial arts, and sci-fi films as I’ve watched over the years, I’ve also seen my fair share of historical and military movies. Maybe it’s because I’ve always been fascinated by history—or maybe it’s because I have family who served in various wars—but I never turn down a good war film. That’s why when we at SunsetNerdVerse received an early review copy of Prisoner of War starring Scott Adkins, I was more than ready to dive in.

Combining military history with martial arts, Prisoner of War sounded like an intriguing fusion. With Well Go USA distributing, I was eager to see what kind of story and action awaited. Is this the next Saving Private Ryan with a dose of Ip Man—or a piece of history better left forgotten? Let’s find out in my spoiler-free review of Prisoner of War. Big thanks to Well Go USA for providing the review copy!

Story

The film begins in a modern-day dojo, where an intruder enters unannounced. The sensei demands to know who he is, and the stranger introduces himself as James Wright, looking for a man named Benjiro Ito. The sensei—Shunsuke Ito—orders his students to remove James, but they are swiftly defeated. Curious, Ito asks why James seeks his father. From here, we flash back to World War II to uncover James’s past.

James, a Royal Air Force Wing Commander, is stationed in the Philippines during the Battle of Bataan. When his plane is shot down, he’s captured by Japanese forces and made a prisoner of war. His repeated escape attempts fail, and he’s eventually forced to fight in a brutal underground arena for the amusement of his captors. James does everything he can to keep his fellow POWs alive while enduring the cruelty of Commander Ito, the camp’s ruthless overseer. As James battles for survival, he hopes that rescue—or at least redemption—might come before it’s too late.

The story in Prisoner of War is straightforward and easy to follow, though admittedly predictable. You can often see major moments coming long before they happen. Still, the simplicity works in its favor, keeping the focus on what truly matters—the action and martial arts. While there are some minor twists toward the latter half, none of them are particularly groundbreaking. It’s not a bad story by any means—just don’t go in expecting a deep historical epic or something grounded fully in realism.

Acting and Cast

Scott Adkins continues to impress as both an actor and martial artist. Known for his roles in Ip Man 4: The Finale, Ninja, and John Wick: Chapter 4, Adkins brings a believable toughness and survivor’s grit to the role of James Wright. He’s convincing as a pilot-turned-prisoner who must rely on both skill and willpower to endure impossible conditions.

Unfortunately, the rest of the cast doesn’t fare quite as well. Talented names like Peter Shinkoda (Midway, Daredevil), Michael Copon (Power Rangers: Time Force), Gabbi Garcia (who plays a captured nurse), and UFC fighter Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone all have potential, but their characters are underdeveloped and underutilized. Most serve as background support to elevate Adkins’s performance rather than stand as strong characters on their own. There’s a missed opportunity here for camaraderie and emotional weight among the POWs, which could have strengthened the story’s impact.

Cinematography and Direction

Where Prisoner of War truly shines is in its cinematography and fight direction. There are no disorienting jump cuts or shaky camera work—each fight sequence is clear, intense, and well-choreographed. The action scenes are staged beautifully, highlighting Adkins’s incredible martial arts skill. The camera’s focus occasionally lingers on him even when other elements deserve attention, but given he’s the film’s centerpiece, it’s understandable. The direction balances atmosphere and energy, ensuring that the film’s visual storytelling enhances its action rather than distracts from it.

Conclusion

Despite its flaws, Prisoner of War delivers exactly what fans of Scott Adkins and martial arts action are looking for—tight choreography, clear visuals, and plenty of fight sequences. The narrative might not break new ground, but it’s serviceable enough to keep you invested until the next brawl. I’ve seen stronger military and WWII-themed films, but this one is still entertaining for what it is. Stay for the fights—that’s where Prisoner of War earns its stripes. Be sure to grab it on Blu-ray/DVD this November 11th from Well Go USA.

—Aaron