King Rat Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A slick American soldier in a WWII prison camp becomes a capitalist kingpin, making everyone question their morals (and their dinner).

🍿 King Rat: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Changi Prison

Set in 1945 at Changi Prison in Singapore, a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, the film introduces the harsh realities of life for Allied soldiers. With no escape possible due to the surrounding jungle and sea, survival becomes the prisoners’ primary focus. Starvation and disease are rampant, and the usual military hierarchies begin to break down under the immense pressure.

Corporal King: The ‘King Rat’

American Corporal King (George Segal) stands out from the emaciated and demoralized prisoners. He thrives by operating a black market within the camp, trading with the Japanese guards and exploiting opportunities for profit. His sharp wit and resourcefulness allow him to maintain a comfortable lifestyle compared to the others, making him both admired and resented.

Lieutenant Grey’s Obsession

Lieutenant Robin Grey (Tom Courtenay), the camp provost, embodies British ideals of order and discipline. He views King’s activities as a violation of military code and becomes obsessed with bringing him to justice. Grey represents the rigid adherence to rules, even in the face of extreme circumstances, and struggles to understand King’s pragmatic approach to survival.

Marlowe’s Dilemma: Friendship and Morality

Lieutenant Peter Marlowe (James Fox), an upper-class British officer fluent in Malay, finds himself drawn into King’s world. He becomes King’s translator and benefits from the black market, wrestling with the moral implications of his involvement. Marlowe’s initial idealism clashes with the harsh realities of the camp, forcing him to question his values and the true meaning of friendship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Corporal King (George Segal): A resourceful and morally ambiguous American corporal who dominates the black market in a Japanese POW camp to ensure his survival.
• Lieutenant Robin Grey (Tom Courtenay): The rigid and rule-bound British Provost Marshal, obsessed with bringing King to justice for his illicit activities.
• Pete Marlowe (James Fox): A British lieutenant who initially resists King’s influence but becomes his friend and interpreter, drawn into his schemes.
• Max (Patrick O’Neal): King’s stooge and right-hand man in his black market operations, eager to profit by association.
• Lt. Col. G.D. Larkin (Denholm Elliott): A British officer within the camp who maintains a cautious distance from King’s activities, aware of the delicate balance of power.
• Colonel Smedley-Taylor (John Mills): The senior British officer who turns a blind eye to King’s activities to maintain order and benefit from the black market.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Peter Marlowe: “It wouldn’t have occurred to you would it, Grey, that you’re only alive because of what he gave you?” – Marlowe confronts Grey about his survival being indirectly tied to King’s actions.
• Lt. Robin Grey: “What are you talking about? I never took anything from him. He never gave me anything.” – Grey vehemently denies benefiting from King’s black market activities.
• Peter Marlowe: “Only hate, Grey. Only hate.” – Marlowe’s final words suggest that the only thing Grey received from King was hatred, highlighting the complex relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3 million
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 King Rat Reviews

Personal Review

I was really drawn into the world of this movie. It’s not just a war story; it’s a story about human nature, especially when survival is on the line. I found myself constantly questioning who I would be in that situation, and whether I would have the strength to maintain my morals or if I’d fall into the same compromises. George Segal’s performance is truly captivating. I found the ending particularly impactful; the liberation scene highlighted the complexity of freedom and the cost of survival. It’s a film that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of war dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in character studies”
  • “Those who appreciate films that explore moral ambiguities”
  • “People interested in World War II history”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of starvation and disease”
  • “Themes of exploitation and moral compromise”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “May be disturbing for sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “King Rat excels as a gritty and realistic depiction of life in a Japanese POW camp, showcasing the moral compromises made for survival. Segal delivers a standout performance as the complex and cunning Corporal King.
• The New York Times: “A compelling character study unfolds within the confines of a brutal prison camp, challenging our notions of heroism. The film’s stark black-and-white cinematography enhances the bleak atmosphere, creating a memorable viewing experience.
• AllMovie: “King Rat eschews easy answers, and it’s all the more powerful for its refusal to judge its characters. A very well made film that stands on its own against the other WWII prison camp films.

Audience Reactions

The film’s gritty realism and complex characters really resonated with viewers.: Many agree that George Segal delivers a career-defining performance, while also praising the film’s unflinching look at morality in wartime.

Some viewers found the ending disappointing, but the majority agree it was a honest approach: A fair amount of people also agree that the ending was fitting, given the lack of easy resolutions in the real world.

Overall Consensus: King Rat is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that explores the complexities of survival in a Japanese POW camp. With strong performances and a gritty atmosphere, it challenges viewers to consider the moral compromises made in the face of desperation.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Due to the cast, director and setting, this is often assumed to be a British movie, but it was entirely filmed in California.”
• “James Clavell, the author of the novel, was himself a prisoner of war in a Japanese camp during World War II, lending authenticity to the story.”
• “Steve McQueen and Paul Newman both turned down the role of Corporal King before it went to George Segal.”

🖥️ How to Watch King Rat?

King Rat is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for potential streaming availability, as it may be included with subscriptions periodically. It is frequently available for rent or purchase on digital platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed King Rat, you might like these similar films:

• The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957): A classic war film set in a Japanese POW camp with a focus on survival and moral compromises.
• Stalag 17 (1953): Explores the dynamics and survival strategies within a German POW camp, with a protagonist suspected of being an informant.
• The Great Escape (1963): Focuses on Allied POWs in a German camp and their elaborate escape plans, showcasing camaraderie and resilience.
• Unbroken (2014): Depicts the harrowing experiences of an Olympic runner as a Japanese POW, highlighting themes of endurance and forgiveness.

🛒 King Rat Related Products

• The James Clavell Collection: Shogun, Tai-Pan, King Rat: Experience James Clavell’s epic storytelling with this collection of his most acclaimed novels, including the basis for the movie, King Rat. Dive deeper into the world of Changi prison with the source material.
• World War II Collection: Japanese Prisoner of War Camps: Gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of the film. This series features documentaries, historical accounts, and interviews with veterans who experienced life in Japanese POW camps, providing an invaluable educational resource.
• Changi: The Lost Photographs: This photo album from the WWII POW camp is a visual time capsule of what life was like for soldiers in the hellish landscape.
• Dvd King Rat: King Rat DVD, widescreen Black and White – Digitally Remastered

🎧 Soundtrack

King Rat features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by John Barry
• “Adeste Fideles” – performed by POWs (Uncredited)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

King Rat 1965 Movie

Ever wonder what the story behind ‘King Rat’ is? This quick overview dives into the plot and the book it’s based on. It’s a great way to understand the movie’s background!

✨ Rate