Escape

After the tragic death of their infant daughter, Paul and Kimberley Jordan decide they want a complete life change, and Paul accepts a position with an NGO providing medical care to remote areas of Thailand.

But within days of their arrival, Paul is kidnapped and taken to a small island off the Thai coast. There, his kidnappers (defenders of a drug-running outpost) demand that he treat their leader, who has a horrible injury and infection. Back in Bangkok, Kimberley searches desperately for someone who will help her, or some clue of where Paul may be. Without hope, she turns to prayer.

While held captive, Paul meets another prisoner who is constantly quoting Scripture and praising God, despite the horrific circumstances under which he has been held for several years. Paul and the Prisoner become friends, and God’s Word begins to come alive to him. Together they make a plan to escape from their captors, as the Leader looks sure to die, and without him, Paul is no longer needed.

When the day arrives, the plan goes wrong, and the Prisoner lays down his life so that Paul can escape on his own. From there, it’s a chase back to civilization – a race to return to Kimberley before the kidnappers track him down and kill him. With the Scriptures the Prisoner shared echoing in his mind, Paul realizes that his salvation is more than a physical return to civilization, but a complete surrender to God’s plan for his life, whether pleasant or painful.

Paul returns to Bangkok a different person, humbled and believing. He’s reunited with Kimberley, the kidnappers are tracked and caught, and Paul comforts the family of the Prisoner that sacrificed his life for Paul’s freedom.

Dove Review

This is a tremendous story of redemption, a quality production with terrific actors leading the way. C. Thomas Howell plays a doctor named Paul who, along with his wife, Kim, head to Thailand to medically treat the poor. Kim is a believer who reads her Bible but Paul is skeptical, even comparing the Bible as the kind of story in which she shouldn’t go down the rabbit hole (as in “Alice in Wonderland”).

However, all does not go well for Paul and when he is summoned to care for a pregnant woman he learns he has been tricked and has actually been called to care for the captain of a group of pirates. While kidnapped, the pirates are slow to follow doctor’s orders and place their captain in danger. Paul crosses the path of Malcolm Andrews (John Rhys-Davies) who was kidnapped by the pirates and put in a cell after they stole his boat. Malcolm is a Christian and begins to work on Paul. They plan their escape and soon find themselves in as much danger, or more, as when they were captured.

This story speaks of sacrifice, love and faith and is one of the best DVDs I have seen in recent memory. The suspense of the plot builds as the story progresses and it’s bold statement of faith is refreshing. We strongly urge families to watch this DVD together and we are suggesting it for ages twelve plus due to a few intense scenes. “Escape” is a terrific thriller with spiritual overtones. It is not to be missed. Five Doves without reservation for this one!

Dove Rating Details

Faith

None

Integrity

Guns held on man and his boat is taken; a man suggests they kill the boat's owner and steal the possessions; we hear a man being struck but don't see it; a man is seen with a bloody face and arm; a man is attacked and kicks his assailants; guns held on characters more than once; a man who has been hurt screams in pain when a doctor works on him; a man is shot in arm and bleeds; a man is shot in stomach and blood is seen on his shirt; a man is thrown over a cliff.

Sex

None

Language

OMG-1 (however, this is used reverently and is an appropriate response to a situation in the film.)

Violence

Drugs

A few scenes of smoking.

Nudity

Cleavage.

Other

A man is skeptical of the Bible and compares it to a fantasy; a kid steals a doctor's medical bag; inspirational scenes featuring Bible quotes and prayer; a man spits; when a kidnapped man says he is hungry a man sarcastically replies, "Steak or shrimp?"; a man struggles with the concept of God as he mentions God allows pain and doesn't prevent evil but he later is converted; tattoos on man's arm are seen; a man starts a fire in cell; a man struggles with the death of his daughter; a man grieves over a friend's death but accepts Christ.

More Information

Film Information

Genre

Drama

Runtime

Rating

N/A

Reviewer

Edwin L. Carpenter

Actors

Anora Lyn, C. Thomas Howell, John Rhys-Davis

Writers

Andrea Gyertson Nasfell

Directors

Paul Emami

Producers

Chad Hawkins, James Chankin, Michael Scott

Studios

PureFlix