Nerdly » ‘Prisoner of War’ VOD Review

10th Oct2025

‘Prisoner of War’ VOD Review

by Phil Wheat

Stars: Scott Adkins, Peter Shinkoda, Donald Cerrone, Michael Rene Walton, Gabi Garcia, Michael Copon, Gary Cairns, Masanori Mimoto, Atsuki Kashio, Shane Kosugi | Written by Scott AdkinsMarc Clebanoff | Directed by Louis Mandylor

Scott Adkins has built a career on precision, power, and presence, but Prisoner of War might just be his defining moment. Directed by frequent collaborator Louis Mandylor, this World War II action drama fuses emotional depth with relentless physicality. The result is emotionally charged and action-packed – a standout in modern action cinema.

Set amid the chaos of WWII, the story follows British SAS officer James Wright (Adkins), whose mission over Japanese territory goes disastrously wrong when his plane is shot down. Stranded behind enemy lines, Wright must fight for survival in the dense jungle before being captured and taken to a brutal prisoner-of-war camp. There, under the watch of the merciless yet disciplined Lieutenant Colonel Itto (Peter Shinkoda), Wright becomes an unwilling participant in deadly combat for the amusement of his captors.

What follows is a gripping, no-filler thrill ride from start to finish. Mandylor wastes no time plunging viewers into the grim world of the camp: a place of survival, strategy, and sacrifice. While much of the film unfolds within its confined walls, Prisoner of War feels larger than life. Mandylor balances intensity with atmosphere, conjuring the spirit of The Great Escape with the visceral energy of Mortal Kombat.

Adkins anchors the film with magnetic authority. His portrayal of Wright begins with that familiar stiff-upper-lip British resolve, but as the story evolves, the mask of composure gives way to raw emotion. Beneath the discipline lies a soldier torn between honour and rage, humanity and vengeance. It’s a rare chance for Adkins to showcase not just his physical mastery but his emotional range, and he seizes it fully.

Supporting him is an excellent ensemble. Donald Cerrone impresses as the stoic Captain Collins, while Michael Rene Walton brings charm and grit as “The Beard,” the camp’s wily fixer. Gabi Garcia delivers warmth as a nurse caught between duty and compassion, and Michael Copon rounds out the prisoner group with quiet conviction. Together, they form a believable brotherhood under fire. Shout out to Shane Kosugi, playing Corporal Hirano, too – it’s always great seeing the Kosugi legacy continuing in modern action cinema!

Peter Shinkoda’s Itto is a fascinating adversary, not a caricature of evil but a man of warped honour, equally skilled and dangerously composed. The respect and rivalry between him and Wright give the film real dramatic weight. When the two finally collide, “an intense, well-paced story with a knockout finale” unfolds, delivering everything fans could hope for and more.

Naturally, the action sequences are where Adkins shines brightest. The stunning fight choreography hits with real impact and defines every encounter, from one-on-one duels to chaotic group melees. Each fight feels distinct, brutal, and beautifully staged, filmed with clarity and rhythm rather than the choppy chaos of modern studio fare. Mandylor knows how to frame his star – letting Adkins’ kicks, strikes, and throws tell their own cinematic story.

Yet what truly elevates Prisoner of War is its sincerity. Beneath the sweat and grit lies a sense of humanity: brotherhood, resilience, and the refusal to surrender. Mandylor crafts a film that feels both old-school and fresh, proving that intelligence and emotion can coexist with action spectacle. For Mandylor, this is a major step forward as a filmmaker. His direction is tight and confident, and despite a modest budget, the film often looks grand in scale. The jungle sequences and the final stretch are particularly cinematic, evoking the feel of a big-budget war epic without losing its indie authenticity.

In the end, Prisoner of War stands tall as one of the year’s most impressive action films. It’s a reminder that great action doesn’t just come from scale, it comes from heart, craft, and conviction. Adkins once again proves why he’s the beating heart of modern martial arts cinema, while Mandylor cements his status as one of the most exciting directors working in the genre today.

“A must-watch for fans of smart, hard-hitting action,” Prisoner of War is both fierce and heartfelt – a film that punches hard, moves fast, and lingers long after the credits roll. A dkins and Mandylor are a dynamite duo, and here’s hoping for more!