Sion Sono has made some very weird films.  One of Japan’s most interesting and prolific directors, he’s known for both gonzo films and oddities.  Even his most audience friendly films are still very much considered “weird cinema” too many.  His latest movie, PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND (2021), is a mix of English language and Japanese starring Nick Cage in what he says “might be the wildest movie I ever made.”

When a bank robbery in Japan goes bad, Hero (Nicolas Cage) is thrown in jail for life.  During his incarceration, a nuclear accident turns much of Japan into a wasteland simply known as the “ghostlands.”  When The Governor (Bill Moseley) of the Samurai Town has one of his granddaughters go missing, he makes a deal with Hero.  You find and rescue her, you go free. 

Considered a mix of weird western and horror film, PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND has received mixed to positive reviews from critics.  Besides Nicholas Cage, the movie stars Bill Moseley, Nick Cassavetes, Sofia Boutella, Tak Sakaguchi, Yuzuka Nakaya, among others.  The screenplay was written by actors Aaron Hendry and Reza Sixo Safai.  Dark Discussions takes a look at this very unusual movie and gives their thoughts.