DVD Corner

Jailbreak Review

“Jailbreak” features intense action, but not much else. 

Written and directed by Jimmy Henderson (alongside writer Michael Hodgson), “Jailbreak” is a 2017 Cambodian martial arts film. The story begins with Playboy (the alleged leader of the Butterfly Gang) being arrested. Playboy (Savin Phillip) reveals that he is not the leader but he will reveal who is. The real leader (Madame Butterfly) gets wind of this betrayal and orders a hit out on him. The first attempt fails. Playboy, meanwhile, is being escorted to the Supermax prison Prei Klaa by police officers Dara (Dara Our), Tharoth (Tharoth Sam), Socheat (Dara Phang) and a Cambodian-French Inspector Ly (Jean-Paul Ly). When Madame Butterfly (Celine Tran) gets in touch with a prison inmate (Bolo) to take out Playboy upon arrival, all hell breaks loose. Now, the officers and guards have to try and protect Playboy while trying to survive the prisoners who are on the loose. 

Clearly influenced by “The Raid: Redemption,” “Jailbreak” is a low-budget martial arts film that coasts on the action alone. Luckily, the action delivers. Despite the lousy sound effects, the hand-to-hand fights are fast and furious and are done without the aid of CGI. The prison brawls are downright brutal and will undoubtedly please martial arts enthusiasts. Where else will you see a crotch to face blade slice and a fight against a cannibal? Special shoutouts go to cinematographer Godefroy Ryckewaert (who does a fine job shooting the action in confined spaces) and mixed martial artist Tharoth Sam (as Tharoth) who is a total badass here. Put Sam in more movies, please!

On the downside is, well, most everything else. The acting is amateur, the characterization is basically non-existent, the humor is dopey (especially anything involving Playboy), the sets are as cheap as can be, the dialogue is wooden, and the “plot” is little more than an excuse to showcase fights. Again, it’s fortunate that the fights are on point as the tedious movie amounts to little more than running around prison halls and cells for nearly 90 minutes.

“Jailbreak” will be released on VOD and digital platforms March 21, 2025 through Omnibus Entertainment/Film Movement. 

March 16, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Movie Review | Jailbreak (2017), Jailbreak Movie, Jailbreak Movie Review, Jailbreak Review, Martial Arts Movie