It's baffling that "Runaway Train" failed to find an audience when it premiered in December of 1985; it’s a remarkable film successfully blending blockbuster action with substantial themes. The narrative centers on Manny (Jon Voight), a notorious figure who escapes from a high-security prison located in the frozen Alaskan wilderness. He's joined by an inexperienced follower (Eric Roberts), and together they board a train comprised of four locomotives, which then goes out of control. Warden Ranken (John P. Ryan) relentlessly pursues them. "Runaway Train" is so impactful because it’s far more than just a simple action movie, despite what the title might imply. The exciting events serve as a backdrop for an exploration of human nature. Manny describes himself as being "at war with the world and everyone in it." When someone calls him an animal, he retorts, "No, worse—human!” This is a man consumed by a desire for freedom but aware that he’s too damaged to function within normal society. He shares an impromptu story with his naive companion about accepting a tedious job and submitting to authority, even when feeling resentment; this is how one manages in the world – yielding to rules and suppressing anger, then enjoying a paycheck. Manny longs to be able to do this but recognizes that he can’t. Consequently, what possibility does he have for a future? If he cannot conform, why risk escaping from prison? Essentially, Manny understands his escape has no chance of success. He believes freedom is attainable only through one path. While I don't agree with him, I grasp the reasoning behind his perspective. There’s another intense scene where Manny uses a knife against his “partner,” revealing raw rage in his expression, like that of a trapped animal. After releasing those emotions, he collapses, utterly drained. A character who should be fearful shows understanding and offers a gesture of compassion. These powerful moments are interwoven with surreal imagery of the distorted locomotives racing across the desolate landscape accompanied by Trevor Jones’s score. Some elements of the music feel characteristic of the mid-80s, while others transcend time. Rebecca De Mornay has an unusual part as a railroad worker who discovers the convicts. She quickly sees through their tough exterior. Although she recognizes their desperation and danger, she also perceives they are not entirely evil. Roberts remains like a child at heart, and Manny is simply blinded by his internal fury. He’s only beyond redemption because of his excessive pride, built up over years in confinement. Voight is almost unrecognizable as Manny, and Roberts delivers an excellent performance as his simple-minded sidekick. These two performers, along with De Mornay, represent acting at its peak. John P. Ryan is effective as the aggressive Warden Ranken, but his Ahab-like pursuit comes across as overly theatrical. Nevertheless, Ranken demonstrates that one can be “an animal” both outside and inside of prison walls. Both Manny and Ranken are corrupted by pride; however, Manny acknowledges his own flaw. He’s not beyond recognizing those deserving of life and responding appropriately. Filming took place in Montana (Anaconda & Deer Lodge) and Alaska (Whittier & Portage), with a running time of 1 hour, 51 minutes. GRADE: A+

Source on TMDB