Prisoners of the Ghostland

Bitters End | Release Date: September 17, 2021

3.8	USER SCORE Generally unfavorable reviews based on 28 Ratings

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TheQuietGamerNov 23, 2021

An intriguing pairing of Nicolas Cage and one of Japan's most notoriously wild directors that seemed poised to be the next Mandy. Playing out like a live-action oddball anime, this samurai western black comedy can certainly be delightfullyAn intriguing pairing of Nicolas Cage and one of Japan's most notoriously wild directors that seemed poised to be the next Mandy. Playing out like a live-action oddball anime, this samurai western black comedy can certainly be delightfully strange at times. Yet, what keeps it from reaching the same heights as other of the Matchstick Men star's wackier outings like, say, Willy's Wonderland is that its peculiarity is really all it has to offer.

Sion Sono was intent on packing every scene with as many eccentric sights as possible, so there's always something interestingly bizarre to look at and I was left consistently impressed by his ability to direct such elaborate clutters of madness. The vast majority of it though occurs without meaning. An enticingly goofy opening gives way to a lengthy middle portion where the plotting hits a brick wall and only a few noteworthy moments can be found (all of which involve the lead's ballsack), before eventually picking up again in the action-packed finale. This causes the curious flourishes and outlandish visuals to often feel like filler content designed to pad out the length rather than anything of actual significance. Particularly inspired filler, but filler nonetheless.

If you're like me and check out Cage's work just to see whatever kind of ridiculous crap he's getting up to next, you'll get a sense of satisfaction out of knowing you watched what may very well be the weirdest release of his career thus far. It's weirdness without substance however so its staying power compared to his modern successes such as Color Out of Space is limited. Perhaps even being one of the more forgettable entries in his catalog overall, outside of the one or two instances where it delivers some of the most memorable Cage-isms to date.

6.6/10… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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jamessNov 20, 2021

A convict is tasked to find a kidnapped female from a doomed, restrictive area while wearing explosive devices set to detonate within a specified time. You'd think after John Carpenter successfully sued the makers of the Guy Pearce starrerA convict is tasked to find a kidnapped female from a doomed, restrictive area while wearing explosive devices set to detonate within a specified time. You'd think after John Carpenter successfully sued the makers of the Guy Pearce starrer Lockout, that filmmakers would think twice before "borrowing" the main plot of Escape From New York. Guess we call it an homage. Nicolas Cage scowls and yells (before the afore mentioned bombs start ticking), and acts the middle aged tough guy. But not like Jason Statham tough guy. More like drunk uncle in a bar tough guy. Striving for style on a budget, it's more "eh" than anything.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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devgreSep 17, 2021

Is the film objectively good? No. Is it entertaining? Yeah! The film suffers from messy storytelling and messy camp (camp that doesn't really feel fun), but excels in its imagery, amazing costumes and cinematography. If you and your friendsIs the film objectively good? No. Is it entertaining? Yeah! The film suffers from messy storytelling and messy camp (camp that doesn't really feel fun), but excels in its imagery, amazing costumes and cinematography. If you and your friends are fans of this genre, it is worth a watch and a laugh together.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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JLuis_001Sep 17, 2021

Among all the latest films Nicolas Cage has starred, Prisoners of the Ghostland doesn't appear as a rarity, even considering all the weird stuff that appears on screen in this new adventure by Sion Sono, because it really feels like a quiteAmong all the latest films Nicolas Cage has starred, Prisoners of the Ghostland doesn't appear as a rarity, even considering all the weird stuff that appears on screen in this new adventure by Sion Sono, because it really feels like a quite natural progression for his career.

Sono and Cage are undoubtedly a mix worth paying attention to.
Sono is eccentric, and doesn't give a damn about anything, while Cage is obviously not afraid to take on any character involved in any plot.

Certainly anyone could argue that this is not necessarily something that means good cinema, but between the extremes of the common, and of those who enjoy this style of films, there's a huge gap.
The quality is variable, but as long as the journey is attractive, I personally think it's worth it.

Prisoners of the Ghostland is not a crazy film, nor is it a masterpiece, and it's not a movie for everyone either.
Just keep it in mind if you want to see it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Mauro_LanariJan 22, 2022

(Mauro Lanari)
In the first English-language film of Sono "the speeches about guilt, frustrated femininity, the narcissism of the system, are all sketchy and contracted. It is clear he wanted to say too much all at once [...]. Here the story(Mauro Lanari)
In the first English-language film of Sono "the speeches about guilt, frustrated femininity, the narcissism of the system, are all sketchy and contracted. It is clear he wanted to say too much all at once [...]. Here the story and the characters are set aside [...] and the symbolic actuality is desperately pursued without success" (Alessandro Amato).… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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