Rating: 
Summary: Classic Kurosawa Existentialism
Review: "Runaway Train" is a powerhouse of action and philosophy that grabs the veiwer and never lets go -- even after the film's over. John Voigt stars as "Manney," a hardened criminal who responds to his warden's threats with the classic line "You do what you have to do, and I do what I have to do, and we'll just see what happens." During a fateful escape from an Alaskan maximum security prison, Manney and a neophyte convict end up on a runaway train barrelling through the tundra at over 80 mph. As the plot develops, you realize this is a deeper movie than your average disaster flick. The ugly, frozen, unstoppable locomotive is an allegory for life, and the Runaway Train is actually Manny. He storms along, a furious juggernaught who escapes our prison of culture and comfort, and appears like a crazy man because he's able to face the ugly facts of life, and fights convention instead of accepting it. As the characters race on, Manny delivers salvation to those who don't deserve the punishment of reality, and force-feeds it to the man who does. An awesome movie that makes you think about your existence and how you accept it.-- Taibunsuu
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Summary: Speeding through a winter wonderland
Review: This film, based on the simple plot of two escaped convicts (JON VOIGHT and ERIC ROBERTS) jumping a train that is just four diesel locomotives coupled together which then speeds out of control through Alaska is very chilling...and very dark. From it's opening credits to the climax ending this film will keep you on the edge of your seats. It will also appeal to the intellectuals out there as Voight's character is very deep, who gives many speeches that reveal intriging aspects of the human soul. i.e: SARA: If you think you can sacrifice someone else's life instead of you own...you're an animal... MANNY: No worse, human, human... Its little moments like this that lift the film out of the realms of the common action-flick and into the annals of the cinematic greats. But it's not all phisosiphy, this is the best railroad film ever, (and i've seen a few; Death Train, Oh Mr Porter, The Cassandra crossing, Under Siege 2.)the attention to detail is extrodinary, with comments to the runaway locomotive's power settings, control systems etc. The shooting is supurb, with many grimy, grey images that complement the film's underlying theme. The acting is also of the highest order. Manny (VOIGHT) is very animalistic and wise in the ways of the world. Buck (ROBERTS) is incredably dull-witted and egoistic. Rankin (JOHN.P.RYAN), the prison warden is perhaps more animal than his captives. But perhaps the most stirring performance is delivered by... The train itself. During it's headlong caper it takes on a sinister evil feel (probably due to the fact that it gets constantly beaten up by the elements and collisions with other trains). It looks like the proverbial bat-out-of hell, scarred, dark, frozen over, and evil...It is both our heros gateway to freedom, and ticket to hell... In concluion this is a film for everyone, a must-see.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST-SEE!!!
Review: A beautiful movie - this is beyond action...
Rating:
Summary: Headlong train-ride not to be forgotten
Review: A fair amount has been written about this powerful, violent film. Fine acting by the principal stars and an off-beat story-line keep the viewer's interest; however, it is the photography and music which add a final touch of realism to an absolute gem of a movie. Shot in Alaska in hellishly wintry conditions, Runaway Train manages to bring the equally-helpless viewer along for the ride with three unlikely passengers. The combination of classical and modern music in the background emphasizes the drama, suspense and pathos evident as the main characters attempt to deal in their own way with consequences of their actions. It's a taut, dark film that will remain with the audience long after it's over and, if it isn't already, is destined to become one of those "cult" films. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: runaway
Review: a film that puts on a train what we all know as we hurtle through life. jon voight is the baddest ... of all time -only his luck as ran out as he escapes from a prison onto a runaway train--voight knows its the end of line for him and tries to teach that to eric roberts buts it lost on him as he tries to tell him its all in your mind.. powerful movie with a dark ending thats makes your dollars spent at the theater a treat.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty bleak....
Review: A fine film where a brutal and desolate landscape serves as a running commentary on the desperate efforts of two losers to gain a new life. There's one superb scene where Voight sets Roberts straight about what to expect once their freedom is attained--it's the emotional climax of the movie. The supporting cast is uniformly bad. The DVD provides a very crisp picture and the sound quality is excellent.
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Summary: For any Train lover: a film to be enjoyed a thousand times
Review: As first I have to say that I was surprised to have read some bad comments about the film, not only about the argument/plot, but about other aspects. But finally, as a devoted Train lover, and even being a Steam train lover, I decided to buy the film. At first, the film seems too violent. But, after the second time you watch it, you start to appreciate the outstanding performances of Voigt and Roberts. The music is extraordinary. The messages are good. I strongly recommend this film to all train lovers and
railmodelers. No one will be disappointed. The climax of the film is incredibly achieved!! I take advantage to recommend War trains: Air attack. It has it all, music, voice, words, messages,heroism, and what is more important, a lot of trains. cc
Rating:
Summary: Keeps you wondering and thinking
Review: At first viewing I enjoyed the movie and the action. From the prison escape to choosing the wrong train to get on board for freedom. It looks like the main characters are doomed. You need to look alittle deeper into each one trapped on this runaway train to get a better understanding what was happening in their minds. Each time I watch this movie I get more out of it and enjoy what the writer was trying to tell us.
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Summary: One of the great escape pics, top acting
Review: Chilling nihilistic pic. Odd casting shows the virtue of picking acting ablity over muscles in an action pic for from his previous roles Voight is the last one you pic to play the toughest con in prison and Robert usually plays cunning types not this man who is dumb and obviously destined to commit stupid crimes and return to prison but both are totally convincing and make the pic. The scenes of the train have a power and beauty that give it character and the ending scene and the quote from Shakespeare will tear your heart out. Intelligent and still a good, suspensful action picture.
Rating: 
Summary: Bitter, existential thriller.
Review: Director Konchalovsky has carved out of Alaskan blizzard- blasted "wasteland" and a barrel-assing train escaping to NOWHERE a grim parable about the "life" of Losers. You may admire the director's craft and the fine acting by Voight, Roberts and Ryan but the movie "lacks" ultimate uplift, or even belief in its axiom: the killing blow that does not kill makes one stronger... Yes, Eric Roberts and his girl, Sara, survive. But one gets the impression that Voight/Manny did his final act in DEFIANCE against Renken, more than as redeeming act of heroic charity to his "friends". Voight has "no friends". This is what he intends Buck to learn and his enemy Ryan to understand (about himself, too) as THE TRAIN inexorably races to annihilation. THE RUNAWAY TRAIN does not glorify nihilism nor reflect on NOTHINGness. It simply shows it. The closing frame depicting agonized, hail blasted Manny...his prisoner, Renkin chained inside...hurtling to death is wicked, virtually sickening. Voight's character merely had to press a button... and run...to escape to freedom. He does not. His cry of despair (I AM FREE!) is a lie. The kind of lie that condemns the damned by denying hope and embracing The Beast in bitternes for an "existential thrill". This is what RUNAWAY TRAIN does...
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