Born American

Born American

Year: 1986

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Renny Harlin

ActionDramaThriller

In the frozen wilderness of Lapland, three thrill-seeking friends - Mike, Steve, and David - find themselves on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain when their hunting trip goes awry. Captured by Soviet forces, they must navigate treacherous terrain and uncertain allegiances to survive and reclaim their freedom.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Born American yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Born American (1986)
Trace every key event in Born American (1986) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

The Journey Begins

As winter break envelops Finland, three college friends, Savoy, Mitch, and KC, embark on an audacious journey into the Soviet Union. Their adventure is fueled by youthful curiosity and a desire for exploration, leading them to cross the border into unknown territory.

Winter Break Finland
2

Arrival in Small Village

After crossing the border, the trio arrives in a small village that seems picturesque but soon turns ominous. The initial excitement quickly dissipates as they unknowingly draw the attention of corrupt officials who are lurking around.

Small Village in the Soviet Union
3

Arrest and Imprisonment

Their trip takes a dire turn as the friends are arrested by KGB agents due to their inadvertent misconduct. They are subsequently transferred to a grim prison, where they face severe mistreatment and humiliation.

KGB Prison
4

Torture and Coercion

Inside their cell, the harsh reality intensifies as the trio undergoes relentless torture aimed at extracting confessions. They are coerced into falsely admitting to being American spies, falsely accused of heinous crimes.

KGB Prison Cell
5

KC's Health Declines

As time passes, KC's health deteriorates significantly due to an untreated infection that leaves him bedridden. The dire situation prompts Savoy and a clever inmate to develop a plan while grappling with desperation and hopelessness.

KGB Prison
6

Mitch in the Chess Match

Amidst the trials, Mitch finds himself ensnared in a cruel 'chess match' where prisoners are forced to fight to the death. The horrific circumstances underscore the brutality of prison life, and Mitch must rely on his survival instincts.

KGB Prison Fighting Arena
7

Visit from the U.S. Ambassador

In a moment of desperate hope, the U.S. Ambassador visits the prison. Savoy pleads for assistance, but the ambassador's chilling advice offers little comfort, suggesting that their best chance is to simply vanish.

KGB Prison
8

Clandestine Meeting with The Admiral

A fellow prisoner arranges a secret meeting between Savoy and The Admiral, a former operative with connections inside the prison. However, unbeknownst to Savoy, The Admiral has a treacherous agenda of his own.

KGB Prison
9

KC's Heartbreaking End

Tragedy strikes as KC succumbs to his illness, leading to a grim mercy killing orchestrated by the fixer. Devastated, Savoy channels his fury into devising an escape plan, driven by grief and rage.

KGB Prison
10

Escape Plan Takes Shape

With a courageous young Russian inmate by his side, Savoy rushes to execute the escape plan. He manages to rescue Mitch from the lethal chess matches, igniting a glimmer of hope amidst despair.

KGB Prison
11

Confrontation with The Admiral

Savoy confronts The Admiral in a high-stakes showdown. The encounter leads to chaos and violence, with multiple security officers meeting their end, but tragically, this confrontation results in Mitch's life being sacrificed.

KGB Prison
12

Desperate Flight to Freedom

With the KGB closing in fast, Savoy and a courageous female inmate navigate perilous obstacles in the prison. Their journey culminates in a fierce confrontation with the prison’s administrator, leading to their successful escape.

Near KGB Prison
13

The Aftermath

As the dust settles from the chaos of their escape, a final note reveals the fate of The Admiral, who has fled to an unknown location. Savoy and his love interest find solace in America, but the trauma of their ordeal lingers.

14

Buried Truth

In a disturbing revelation, a shadowy agreement between Washington and Moscow surfaces, ensuring that the truth about the friends' harrowing experience will remain buried. Both governments publicly deny the existence of any prisoners or their escape.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:20

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