King Rat

Starring:George Segal, Tom Courtenay, James Fox, Patrick O'Neal, Denholm Elliott, James Donald, Todd Armstrong, John Mills, Gerald Sim, Leonard Rossiter, John Standing, Alan Webb, John Ronane, Sammy Reese, Michael Lees, Wright King, Hamilton Dyce, Joe Turkel, John Merivale, Geoffrey Bayldon
Director: Bryan Forbes
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

High on the list of best POW movies, King Rat bears some comparison to that compound over by the River Kwai... but this is an entirely more cynical exercise. In a Japanese prison camp, a brash American corporal (George Segal) runs a variety of money-making operations, much to the amazement of a young British officer (James Fox). Director Bryan Forbes, who adapted James Clavell's novel, follows different POWs through various strands of plot, each episode seemingly designed to highlight the dog-eat-dog nature of men held in close confinement. (In one pointedly black-comic sequence, it becomes man-eat-dog.) This was one of Segal's breakthrough roles, and his modern style fits the movie's anti-heroic, '60s approach. It was Oscar®-nominated for art direction and cinematography, which may sound odd for such a bleakly confined location, but the lucid starkness of the camp justifies the nods. The John Barry score, while apt, is similarly stark. --Robert Horton

Description

George Segal is the mastermind of all black market operations in a Japanese prison camp. He is called "King Rat" because of his breeding of rodents to serve as food for his emaciated fellow prisoners. British officer James Fox helps Segal expand his operation to include trading with the Japanese officers. Though on surface level a thoroughly selfish sort, Segal saves the ailing Fox's life by wangling precious antibiotics from the guards. Stars Academy Award nominee, George Segal (TV's Just Shoot Me). Academy Award nominated film for Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography.

Customer Reviews:

Poor Sods.......2007-06-13

Good movie. Follows book very well. Amust see for George Segal fans.

you are loved whilel you're useful.......2006-08-24

This film isn't excellent but has quality although I think joints several aspects that are unpopular. Firstly, there are no women, as it happens in a Japanese prisoner camp of Singapore during WW II. Secondly, the plot shows many facets of human miseries and that don't taste much people. The bitter reality in effect, is about after three years of imprisonment, discipline is very relaxed in the camp and a behaviour not very ethic and excessively accommodating reigns there, officers having forgotten many of his duty and when not as in the role played by Tom Courtenay, it attains stupidity. The case is similar of these of "Bridge on the river Kwai", but Japanese soldiers are less brutal here. Sea and jungle makes impossible to escape. So, American corporal King played by George Segal is a businessman king of black market in the camp breaking all rules and ordnances ordinary in military life, trafficking with food, medicines, cigarettes, etc. But King isn't at last so bad or no poor than the others. I think he has recognized the absurdity of the military life and war, as he saves finally the life of a British officer. He's King Rat, a nickname he wins owing he sells rat meat as if it were rabbit o something else, as hunger and lack of all supplies is widespread. All that experiments a brisk turn when war ends. Then, King Rat losses all his power, as military ordnances and laws rule again with full force, and he's rejected by those who during these three years depended on him and his abilities. Today this movie is perhaps seen as made with modest means, but is plenty of good actors and the theme is to reflect about human condition and absurdities of conventions in war and peace.

An Overlooked Classic.......2006-05-31

George Segal shines in this very good prisoner of war film as Cpl. King, KING RAT. George Segal shines literally while all the Allied POWs (mainly British) in the Japanese prison camp are reduced to rags, malnutrition, and disease and exposed to all the ill effects of a jungle environment. Only George Segal seems to remain immune. He is a natural born survivor wheeling and dealing his way with the Japanese guards and intimidating the British officers to succumb to his whims. If you want something Cpl. King is your man. The story scripted by director Bryan Forbes and based on the novel by James Clavell is quite interesting if not fascinating. How can a lowly Cpl. King carry so much clout? That is at the heart of this film. King is not only a survivor but also a chauvinist of the first degree showing or having little affinity with his fellow prisoners. This is perhaps George Segal's finest performance. George Segal is the very cold and calculating King right down to his ironed shirts and well manicured fingernails. George Segal is a strange fellow as well taking a liking to Flight Lt. Marlowe played by James Fox. Fox's performance is equally interesting as the well-bred and highly educated Lt. Marlowe who remains unaffected by his own background and is intrigued by Cpl. King. Lt. Marlowe posses the one thing that King will never have, that being social status back in civilian life, and that keeps King intrigued. The acting all around is very effective and convincing. In addition to George Segal and James Fox the strong cast includes John Mills, Patrick O'Neal, Denholm Elliott, Tom Courtenay, James Donald, Todd Armstrong and Richard Dawson. I particularly liked the black and white cinematography by Burnett Guffey which received an Academy Award nomination and John Barry's minimalist score depicting the despair and hopelessness of the less fortunate prisoners. Also, the script worked on many levels making it appealing to a wide audience. I found this film to be both entertaining and thought provoking on both a practical and moral level. I think this is director Bryan Forbes best work as it truly is outstanding. It is shame that Bryan Forbes has gone so unrecognized as a great director since he chose to concentrate on writing after leaving a post as head of production at London's Elstree Studios.

Kurosawa in Khakis.......2006-05-25

Something about the cinematography and pacing of King Rat kept making me compare it to Akira Kurosawa. Today, this is a mostly forgotten film, but it ranks with the best of them. Could it be that George Segal's incessant banjo playing on countless Tonight Show appearances degraded his status and by association, this movie? Thankfully, today's movie fans are largely ignorant of Mr. Segal and his infernal banjo. However, I confess, King Rat lingered on my shelf for months while I struggled to overcome the unreasoning dread that he might somehow produce that cursed instrument within the confines of Chang Gi prison. Thankfully, Mr. Segal's character far trancends his late-nite persona.

From the start, King Rat is first-class. John Barry's mesmerizing and surreal score sets the mood as if you are entering a bad dream. James Clavell (who I enjoyed in one of my other Forgotten Favorites-The Last Valley) creates another oriental masterpiece of a story. It is free of stereotypes, even though we are familiar with the personality types in prison movies. The characters are distinct and human-even the Japanese. Edward Fox stands out in an extraordinary Oscar worthy performance. I couldn't help comparing him to Paul Bettany. Put in Edward Norton for George Segal and you've got a remake. Of course, contemporary filmmakers wouldn't come near the quality of this piece. I agree that this is a better movie than Bridge on the River Kwai. It just doesn't have that catchy whistling. Maybe it needed a banjo sequence to make the Academy take notice.

Gritty POW drama.......2005-12-05

Director Bryan Forbes' "King Rat" is a seamy, no holds barred film depicting the hierarchy established in the Japanese controlled Changi POW camp in Singapore. The year is 1945 and the war has been dragging on. The bedraggled two thousand plus men in the camp are starving, subjected to disease and scratching to stay alive.

U.S. Corporal King, a ground breaking role for George Segal, is a prison camp profiteer and entrepreneur. He lives in lavish fashion by comparison to his compatriots and even superior officers are at his beckon call. He brokers deals and conjures up schemes for cash and has an array of minions doing his bidding. He in effect lives up to his name.

Tom Courtney, a disciplined, straight laced British lieutenant Gray is acting as the camp's provost marshal. He represents Segal's nemesis looking to bust him for his illegal activities.
James Fox playing proper British POW Peter Marlowe initially rejects but then accepts Segal's advances to recruit him for his enterprises. His ability to speak Japanese aids Segal in making his deals and they become friends or so he thinks.

In a poignant moment, Fox whose arm has turned gangrenous due to an accident has Segal come to his aid when he is threatened with amputation. Segal purchases black market medication to stave off the infection.

The film which is realistically set in squalidly created conditions in a Hollywood backlot, follows many incidents which demonstrate the hopelessness and desperation of the prisoners.

The movie reaches a critical juncture when the camp commandant announces the cessation of hostilities and the surrender of Japan. At once the previously established pecking order has been altered. An examination of interpersonal relationships by the prisoners occurs with some surprising results.

Average customer rating:

GET THIS!!!

Hot Rods, Rat Rods: Back from Dead
Starring: Hot Rods Rat Rods-Back from Dead
Manufacturer: Circle King
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GAKBDA
Release Date: 2007-01-26

Customer Reviews:

GET THIS!!!.......2007-01-12

I can't believe that no one else has reviewed this dvd. take advantage of the low price and BUY THIS NOW! i'm no expert on the HOT ROD scene, but this was very enjoyable. The footage of pinstripe artist SKRATCH is worth the price alone.
I would say anyone who is into watching creative people do something artistic and original will really love this. you get to see the creative process of some great project cars, as well as getting into the motivation of some of the builders and car club members. I will definitely be watching this one a few times.

Average customer rating:

Hot Rods, Rat Rods
Starring: Hot Rods Rat Rods
Manufacturer: Circle King
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Bryan Forbes Film

King Rat [PAL, Region 2, Import]
Starring: George Segal , Tom Courtenay , James Fox , Denholm Elliott , and Todd Armstrong
Director: Bryan Forbes
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Product Description

James Clavell incorporated a few of his own experiences as a British POW in his novel King Rat. Bryan Forbes' film version stars George Segal as the mastermind of all black market operations in a Japanese prison camp. He is called "King Rat" because of his breeding of rodents to serve as food for his emaciated fellow prisoners; the nickname also alludes to Segal's shifty personality. British officer James Fox helps Segal expand his operation to include trading with the Japanese officers. Though on surface level a thoroughly selfish sort, Segal saves the ailing Fox's life by wangling precious antibiotics from the guards.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Bryan Forbes Film.......2006-10-27

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