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Plot

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.
MPAA Rating:
Not Rated
Genre(s):
Drama,War
Run Time:
134min.
Theatrical Release Date:
04/21/2008
DVD Release Date:
05/06/2003
Distributor(s):
Columbia Pictures
Director(s):
Bryan Forbes
Starring:
George Segal , Tom Courtenay , James Fox , Patrick O'Neal , Denholm Elliott
Themes:
Behind Enemy Lines
Tone:
Claustrophobic,Gritty,Harsh,Somber
Keywords:
American [nationality],POW (Prisoner of War),black-market,rackets [corruption],rat [animal],war
Language:
English