Prisoners of the Ghostland is an insanely fun action packed movie that is crazier than you can even imagine. Nic Cage at his most Nic Cage.
Prisoners of the Ghostland is an insanely fun action packed movie that is crazier than you can even imagine. It perfectly showcases Nic Cage and I strongly believe it works so well because of him. If there were any other actor in the lead role, this film might not have been pulled off — but thanks to Nic is works. It really works.
This movie starts off with Nic Cage and another man shooting up a bank during a robbery. This scene immediately had me intrigued because of all the colors. Each person is wearing a different, brightly colored outfit, and here is a large gumball machine filled with the same colors. While we aren’t exactly sure why the place is being shot up, this was a great way to start the film off with some action and some killing.
As the plot moves forward, Nic Cage’s character, who is simply named Hero, is tasked with a job of finding a warlord’s adopted granddaughter who has gone missing. To make sure he stays on task, he is a criminal of course, he is put in a suit with several bombs attached. They are all in key places that will explode should he try anything funny.
The sets and costuming are simply gorgeous to look at and kept me mesmerized throughout the entire film. Each and every scene is stunning to look at because of the lighting, the angles, and the set design. Most of the stills from this film could be hung on a wall as a painting, they are that incredible.
One of my favorite things about Prisoners of the Ghostland is all the post-apocalyptic, Mad Max: Road Warrior vibes. It almost reminded me of a live action Borderlands (which I know we are getting and now I am that much more excited). There are so many wild characters in this movie, most of which have their own agendas.
Of course this movie wouldn’t be complete without some really creepy parts. One thing that gave me the chills whenever I saw it is the doll parts that cover people so they look like walking broken dolls. Weird and bizarre but I feel like it just made sense.
While the script itself is a tad lacking at times, Prisoners of the Ghostland makes up for it with blood, samurai sword fights, and explosions. There is an interesting story as to why the town is the way it is now, and the way this story is told is fun and unique. I would be remise if I didn’t mention the score because these song choices absolutely worked for me.
Overall Thoughts
Prisoners of the Ghostland is part Western, part Samurai, part zombie movie, part Road Warrior — and all banana pants crazy. Nic Cage shines doing what he does best. Admittedly this is my first Sion Sono film but if they are even remotely like this, I see a lot of his movies in my future.
I love strange movies that take you to another world, and out of this one for a couple of hours. That is exactly what Prisoners of the Ghostland does. Cage and Sono make the perfect pair because they are both clearly a bit wild, and I hope to see them working together a lot in the future.
Prisoners of the Ghostland isn’t for everyone, that is for sure. However it is sure to be a film that gains a massive cult following, rightfully so. Each scene feels more wild and crazy than the last. There is action, gore, explosions, zombies, sword fights, and Nic Cage yelling “testicle” at the top of his lungs — what more could you ask for?
About Prisoners of the Ghostland
In the treacherous frontier city of Samurai Town, a ruthless bank robber (Nicolas Cage) is sprung from jail by wealthy warlord The Governor (Bill Moseley), whose adopted granddaughter Bernice (Sofia Boutella) has gone missing. The Governor offers the prisoner his freedom in exchange for retrieving the runaway. Strapped into a leather suit that will self-destruct within five days, the bandit sets off on a journey to find the young woman—and his own path to redemption.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.