From my favorite movies..

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Both are introduced into this movie but not like you would expect nor will you ever forget either. Most excellent entertaining movie showcasing the depth of human nature under harsh conditions and how each person handles all the different circumstances according to their skills, abilities and beliefs. Even the ones that don't do well survive in this classic prisoner of war drama but use resentment and fear to do so. However, don't be surprised because one must find what works to stay alive and last. This is the story of not only one such man who just comes alive and excels under all these challenging conditions but also those in his little world both on his team or just able to observe from a distance. Many things stand-out that make this a movie that one must see over and over again not just for the study in human nature under adverse conditions but for the memorable scenes expertly acted out. Notice how there is order in this camp but there is also real life outside of military discipline where rank doesn't get you much in a world where food, safety and perks abound. Why? You cannot command welfare or well-being but at best hope for it and take advantage when it comes but with a catch: How far are you willing to go? One learns he has to live with himself in making that decision. Its personal for everyone and some handle it better than others. Human suffering is never pretty but this movie manages to use it to teach valuable lessons and at the same time never forget what man can do to man especially in war. Realism, good story line and directing brings it all home with credible acting sealing the deal. Look forward to this gem and I highly recommend eating during this movie as there are several scenes involving food. One is appetizing while three others keep you alive and still another surprises but satisfies. Have finger foods, chips, popcorn and definitely a tasty drink with your favorite candy too. Great flick for sunflower or pumpkin seeds BTW...health care is covered in this movie as in can you afford it and if not? The ending satisfies and the reality of it hits solidly home. I read the book which is excellent and have seen this movie many times and own the DVD too. Must for any library of the serious viewer

IMHO most of James Clavells novels are pretty humdrum affairs but 'King Rat' really hits the top notch. To me it is one of the 20th centuries GREAT pieces of literature in Clavells masterful exploration of how various members of a society manage to live on the edge of survival.However, to attempt to portray this in a feature film is like watching a formation air display on a pocket TV screen, or enjoying a steak by liquidising & sucking it up through a straw. It has no hope of doing the subject matter justice.I can see so much valuable material left out and so many shortcuts that it can only fail. However, I realise that a feature film is a medium that reaches vastly more people than any other and this was a very good attempt. Very well cast, well acted and well directed.Perhaps a mini-series? 'King Rat' is well overdue for a remake of some sort.

Enjoyed this film and the feel of it although it does weave the typical British touch of ugly American into it. "Bloody Yank capitalist, I dare say!"Fox, Mills and the rest do a great job playing themselves really, but Segal does a great job playing a character that could/would be despised. The American collaborating with the enemy and using the poor British soldiers to his own end.(laughs)However, this is a good film and the characters, most of them, are well developed, so we're with them too.Overall, I enjoyed it.

George Segal's character's uniform khaki blouse gives away his origins as a U.S. P.o.W. in a Japanese Prison Camp filled largely with British military personnel. His Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI), on his left sleeve, is clearly the patch of the pre-war U.S. Army's Philippine Division, a gold carabao head on a red field. This outfit, which was based on the Philippine island of Luzon at Forts William McKinley and Stotsenberg, was composed mostly of the native Philippine Scouts, although there were American troops in the all-white 31st Infantry Regiment (the "Polar Bears")and some of the Coast Artillery units on the Fortified Islands and among the service troops.Segal's character must have come out of one of those units. It is hard to say if he had indeed gone on the Bataan Death March, however, he seems to have been resourceful enough to survived that ordeal, the prison camps at Camp O'Donnell and Cabanatuan, and the Hell Ships.