As a Scotsman and also ex-military I found the premise of this movie to be interesting.

The reality for me was that it is a bit of a "wannabee" movie at the end of the day.

Robert Carlyle is absolutely nothing like an officer in the British Army of the 1940's (Let alone the 21st Century) - he should have been cast as a lowly corporal/private or such and would have been much more convincing.

He should stick to playing "Begbie" types if you ask me!

There was an awful lot of "touchiness" and "softness" between the soldiers which might appeal to the gay males watching this movie but it is so far off the mark as far as attitudes of British soldiers are concerned - especially from fighting men over half a century ago!

If any of you readers ever read "Bravo Two Zero" by Andy McNab you would get an idea of the British soldiers mindset - e.g. after several weeks of torture and solitary confinement in an Iraqui prison, two of the soldiers get thrown together in the same cell.

The first words from one soldier to the other? "Alright wanker?"

I guess artistic types just don't see the reality aspect?

Back to the movie - the last scene (the meeting - the factual one!) is the most powerful part of the whole movie and actually reduced me to tears!

Other than that part, the rest of the movie is pretty much forgettable.

The Japanese actors were much more convincing than the "English" speaking actors.

Even if the "humane" Japanese officer did speak with a slightly Scottish accent from time to time!

Unlike all other reviewers, I was very disappointed in this film. I found the script wooden and characters unconvincing. I'd love to read the original book as this is clearly a story begging to be told, but I think the drive to tell the story (particularly the horrors involved) led to the neglect of character. However having just watched 'Tenko' from beginning to end, perhaps I've been spoilt in that respect!

I rented this not having much to do one afternoon. I braced myself for some sort of crappy B Movie but i was very very shocked at how much I LOVED IT. it even had a lump of hardache lodged in my throat. Fantastic acting and an all round emotional POW experience. A MUST SEE.

a brilliant depiction of life in a p.o.w camp in burma.amazing acting by all the cast, especially robert carlisle.for people, like me who have a passion for military history it is a must see film. the film focuses on the argule regiment, based on reel soldiers and there experience under capture and the horrific triles thay had to endure under the japanese.the film is very upseting at times, as it shows some cruel seens. very well filmed and quite accurate historicly.

War brings out the best and worst in human relationships and this film brings out both in startling clarity. The actors are all superb as they portray people whose basic humanity is strained in the most terrible of conditions. Some rise above the horror of the prison camp, some fall and courage is shown not in how strong you can be but in how you respond when strength is not an option. This film is deeply moving in its own right but to know that it is a true story and that the people actually existed ensures that its power does not cross the line into emotional manipulation. Watch this film and weep!