Breakout (I) (1984) User Reviews (4)

A fun Children's Adventure

[lush84 · 7/10 · 6 September 2007]

The film involves two boys, Nash and Haslar, who unwittingly witness two prison escapees while bird watching in the woods. They are caught and forced to aid the convicts escape and find Donny's hidden loot.

It's a nicely paced kids adventure film, one of the many fondly remembered Children's Film Foundation productions and the parts are well acted by both the child and adult actors, though on occasion David Jackson's tough 'hulk' like portrayal is a little grinding for adult viewing.

It was perhaps traditional adventure fair of its time, but there is no reason, if you can find a copy, that children today shouldn't enjoy this film either.

Left me a bit in the dark

[malcolmgsw · 6/10 · 23 August 2023]

This endearing Children's Film Foundation film left me a bit in the dark.

The problem is that a central part of the action is filmed at night. Now this might have been alright for a Saturday morning matinee at the local Odeon. Unfortunately it is virtually impossible to view the action watching on television,which is a shame.

The two boys are actually rather good in their roles unlike many similar film. They are kidnapped by "dangerous"escaped prisoners who are actually rather softies. The children have to find a way to warn the police. So the plot is fairly familiar CFF fare. As a valedictory it is a rather entertaining effort.

Breakout

[wilsonstuart-32346 · 8/10 · 20 October 2019]

This was screened a few times in the 1980s, and I remember it vaguely. I think it was one of the last of the Children's Film Foundation's output.

It's certainly one of the better ones.

Two young brothers stumble on to a prison escape while out birdwatching. After seeing too much they're kidnapped and held by the cons and their outside help but gradually bond and befriend with Donnie 'The Bull', a violent armed robber who yearns for freedom and friendship.

Breakout's a great morality tale with a powerful sense of growing up. The relationship between the fearsome Donnie - well played by David Jackson - and the lads is quite credible and moving. Recommended viewing if you can find it.

A Rare gem well worth seeking out

[move-7 · 8/10 · 30 August 2005]

I'l keep this review short and sweet. This movie involves a fugitive and a boy. Its one of those movies that would have really appealed to the young audience of the 1980's. And it would also have had an appeal to adults too. David Jackson plays the larger than life part of an on the run criminal called Donny The Bull. I saw this film years ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I know that if you like a bit of action and something that appeals to a younger side in yourself then this is the film for you. I'm only going on memory here , but this film is something that has stuck with me for a very long time. I hope one day that I can track it down. It will be worth the effort.