AllMovie

A type of war film concerning a desperate cast of soldiers who are being held captive as prisoners of war or who are dealing with the psychologically turbulent aftermath of imprisonment. In the former, POWs are shown being captured, coping with the brutality of their daily existence, while often plotting escape. Though many succeed in escaping, often they must deal with the loss of a companion, and others may die through torture or assassination. Examples include The Bridge on the River Kwai, Stalag 17, and Grand Illusion. Another take on this formula examines the day-to-day hardships and/or death of civilians imprisoned during times of war (Schindler's List, Bent).