One thing I really like about Nicolas Cage is that he’s prepared to take a chance. That often results in him doing some really weird films. This is my Prisoners of the Ghostland blu-ray review, a 2021 movie that fits that description perfectly.
At the time of writing this movie review (03.02.22) you can pick up Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021), released by Elysian Film Group, on Amazon for £9.99 (blu-ray) or £6.99 (DVD).
The question to answer is whether or not it’s worth a look, let’s find out…
- Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021)
- Genre: Action, Western, Comedy
- Directed by Sion Sono
- Running Time: 103 mins
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 1
- Released by Elysian Film Group
- Blu-ray Released: 15th November 2021
Plot
Nicolas Cage plays a man, (Hero) that carries out a bank robbery in Japan along with his friend Psycho (Nick Cassavetes). However it goes horribly wrong when Psycho goes psycho. He is caught and given to the Governor of Samurai Town, a place near a nuclear waste accident.
He gives “Hero” the task of finding and returning one of his granddaughters (sex slaves) Bernice from the Ghostland. If he succeeds he will be allowed to go free.
Oh and to ensure he doesn’t run off he is put in a leather suit that contains explosives at certain vital points around the body and includes two special ones near his testicles.
Style / Direction
Director Sion Sono creates a truly bizarre and surreal action western type of film that’s visually striking. The cinematography is vivid in Samurai Town whilst the Ghostland is post apocalyptic and really feels like a character in its own right.
The cinematographer for the film was Sôhei Tanikawa.
Music / Audio Effects
The film’s score comes from Joseph Trapanese and feels like a take on the spaghetti western style meets Japanese culture.
Acting / Characters
It’s one of those over the top films I mean just look at some the character names, Hero, Psycho, Ratman and Governor.
Cast
- Nicolas Cage as Hero
- Sofia Boutella as Bernice
- Bill Moseley as Governor
- Nick Cassavetes as Psycho
- Tak Sakaguchi as Yasujiro
- Yuzuka Nakaya as Susie
- Young Dais as Ratman
- Koto Lorena as Stella
- Canon Nawata as Nancy
Conclusion: Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021) Film Review
I’ve reviewed pretty much all of Nicolas Cage’s movies (those available on blu-ray at least) and this one is probably the weirdest one to date. Does work? I should say I quite applaud the fact that films like these even get made these days.
In the end it’s all just a little too disjointed. If you wish to see a movie maker taking a risk like they used to before it all became about sequels, remakes and superhero movies then you may want to give this one a look.
In short this film has plenty of post apocalyptic mayhem. It’s a truly wild, strange and visually striking Nicolas Cage movie that is surely worth a watch at least once.
If you’ve enjoyed my Prisoners of the Ghostland blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following Nicolas Cage films:
Conclusion: Prisoners of the Ghostland Blu-ray Review
The good news is the film made it on to blu-ray in the UK. The picture quality is obviously excellent given that the film is only from 2021.
On the extras side there’s the making of feature and a Q&A.
Extras
- Making of Featurette (8 mins)
- UK Premiere Q&A With Director Sion Sion (27 mins)
- UK Theatrical Trailer
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021)
MOVIE RATING: WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021) On Blu-ray
Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021) is available now on blu-ray.
Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021) Trailer
For those of you yet to see who crazy the film is I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
Let Us Know What You Think
That concludes my Prisoners of the Ghostland blu-ray review, let me know what you thought of the film over on our Facebook page. I’m aiming to review more Nicolas Cage movies soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
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Summary: Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021)
Movie description: Post apocalyptic mayhem
Duration: 103 mins
Director(s): Sion Sono
Actor(s): Nicolas Cage, Sofia Boutella, Bill Moseley, Nick Cassavetes, Tak Sakaguchi, Yuzuka Nakaya, Young Dais, Koto Lorena, Canon Nawata
Genre: Action, Western, Comedy
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Rating
Summary
Post apocalyptic mayhem
Pros
- Nicolas Cage
- Visually Stunning
- Excellent Picture Quality
Cons
- Completely Weird
