Prisoners of the Ghostland

Prisoners of the Ghostland

Year: 2021

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Shion Sono

Echo Score: 57
ActionSci-FiThrillerHorror

In the lawless underbelly of Samurai Town, a notorious thief is unexpectedly freed from captivity by a powerful warlord. The warlord needs his help to rescue his granddaughter, who has gone missing. The thief has only five days to succeed, or he will face a terrifying fate: incineration within a special suit. Forced to confront dangerous adversaries and his own troubled history, he must find a way to save the granddaughter and ultimately seek redemption.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Prisoners of the Ghostland 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 – Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021)

Trace every key event in Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021) 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

Nuclear Catastrophe

A catastrophic nuclear waste spill occurs in Japan when a transport truck collides with a prison bus. This disaster leads to the devastation of the region, resulting in the formation of a settlement called Samurai Town.

Japan
2

Rise of Samurai Town

Samurai Town emerges under the oppressive rule of a corrupt Governor, who mixes modern and traditional Japanese elements with the ruggedness of the American West. The Governor solidifies his power by keeping a harem of 'granddaughters' as sex slaves.

Samurai Town
3

The Bank Robbery

Hero, a criminal, is incarcerated following a disastrous bank robbery. His partner Psycho gruesomely murders several innocent bystanders during the heist, leading to their eventual arrest.

4

Escape to Ghostland

One night, Bernice, along with friends Stella and Nanci, escapes from the Governor's harem. They end up stranded in the dangerous Ghostland, an irradiated wasteland inhabited by outcasts.

Ghostland
5

Hero's Release

In desperation, the Governor releases Hero from prison to find Bernice. Hero is fitted with a high-tech bodysuit that will explode if he fails to retrieve her within five days or mistreats her.

Samurai Town
6

Encounter with Yasujiro

As Hero departs for Ghostland, he catches the eye of Yasujiro, the Governor's samurai bodyguard. This encounter hints at the conflicts and challenges Hero will face in his quest.

Samurai Town
7

Mutant Encounter

Hero journeys into the Ghostland, where he encounters mutated men. This harsh reality serves as a grim reminder of the effects of the nuclear disaster, intensifying his mission to find Bernice.

Ghostland
8

Discovering Bernice

In a cult-like enclave led by Enoch, Hero finds Bernice in a traumatic state of catatonia. His intent to rescue her is jeopardized when he accidentally triggers an explosive in his bodysuit, injuring himself.

Cult Enclave
9

Stella's Capture

Stella attempts to return but is captured by the Governor's men. Her execution by Yasujiro becomes a pivotal moment that ignites a rebellion against the Governor's reign.

Samurai Town
10

Rallying the Outcasts

Hero, along with Psycho and fellow inmates, gathers the outcasts to revolt against the Governor. Their shared suffering and desire for freedom unite them in a common cause.

Ghostland
11

Confrontation with the Governor

Hero and Bernice return to Samurai Town, leading to a heated confrontation with the Governor. The stakes are high as they seek justice and liberation from his tyrannical control.

Samurai Town
12

Susie's Attack

In a surprising turn, Bernice's friend Susie launches a devastating attack on the Governor’s guards. This crucial moment shifts the tide of the battle, giving Hero and his allies an advantage.

Samurai Town
13

Final Showdown

Hero faces Yasujiro in a climactic showdown. The battle tests Hero's resolve and strength, culminating in Yasujiro's defeat as the rebellion reaches its climax.

Samurai Town
14

Governor's Fall

In the final moments of the conflict, Bernice confronts and shoots the Governor, bringing an end to his oppressive rule. This act symbolizes hope and the possibility of new beginnings for the town.

Samurai Town
15

A New Hope

With the Governor defeated and the outcasts freed, Samurai Town begins to flourish with new life. Hero, Bernice, and Susie stand together, witnessing the dawn of a hopeful future for their community.

Samurai Town

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 03:18

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Surreal post-apocalyptic movies like Prisoners of the Ghostland

Journeys through surreal and oppressive wastelands shaped by past disasters.If you enjoyed the nightmarish wasteland of Prisoners of the Ghostland, you'll find similar moods in these movies. They feature visually surreal and oppressive dystopian settings, often born from nuclear or societal collapse, where characters battle both external dangers and internal trauma in a desperate struggle for survival or meaning.

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High-stakes redemption quests like in Prisoners of the Ghostland

A morally flawed anti-hero must accomplish a dangerous mission against a deadline to save themselves.Fans of the tense, time-sensitive rescue mission in Prisoners of the Ghostland will appreciate these similar thrillers. They feature anti-heroes on a desperate race against time, where success means not just saving others but also achieving personal salvation from a dark history, all under the threat of a terrible consequence.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative is linear and fast-paced, driven by an urgent deadline that creates relentless tension. The protagonist, typically a skilled but morally compromised individual, is coerced into action. The external mission of rescue or survival becomes intrinsically linked to their internal arc of confronting trauma and seeking atonement.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific narrative engine: a ticking clock that amplifies every action and decision. They blend high-intensity action with a heavy emotional core, focusing on a character's arduous path toward redemption, often culminating in a cathartic, hard-won victory that feels earned after significant suffering.

Unlock the Full Story of Prisoners of the Ghostland

Don't stop at just watching — explore Prisoners of the Ghostland in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Prisoners of the Ghostland is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Prisoners of the Ghostland Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Prisoners of the Ghostland, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Prisoners of the Ghostland Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Prisoners of the Ghostland

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Prisoners of the Ghostland. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Prisoners of the Ghostland

Prisoners of the Ghostland Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Prisoners of the Ghostland? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Prisoners of the Ghostland Ending Explained

Prisoners of the Ghostland Spoiler-Free Summary

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Prisoners of the Ghostland Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Prisoners of the Ghostland

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