Cast
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John Rhys-Davies
as Professor Hayden Masterton
David Charvet
as Doug Adler
Carmen Chaplin
as Sarah Masterton / Princess Amanphur
Emily Holmes
as Claire Becket
Nick Moran
as Adam Prime
Joss Ackland
as Professor Mendella
Michael Higgs
as Peter Levitz
Gulshan Grover
as Rohit
Mohamed Akhzam
as Masterton's Assistant
Edy Arellano
as Sahid
Ahmed Boulane
as Pharaoh Consort
Katherine Heath
as Jemila
Isabella Orlowska
as Heather
Shane Richie
as Kalfhani
Nourrdine Touami
as Amram
Crew
Director
- Roger Christian
Writer
- Peter Atkins
- Anthony Hickox
Producer
- Alexander Dannenberg
- Neil Dunn
- Harald Reichebner
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Mystery/Action/Adventure/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Prisoners of the Sun presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Roger Christian brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Prisoners of the Sun took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Prisoners of the Sun shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Night at the Museum, which focuses more on action than character development, Prisoners of the Sun subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Way of the Gun and Con Air explore similar territory, Prisoners of the Sun stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 20, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Budget: $18,000,000
