Missing in Action 2: The Beginning is a 1985 action war film directed by Lance Hool, serving as a prequel to the original Missing in Action movie. Starring Chuck Norris as the tough and resilient Vietnam War veteran Colonel James Braddock, this film explores Braddock’s harrowing experience as a prisoner of war (POW) in a North Vietnamese camp. Known for its gritty tone and intense action scenes, the movie aims to deliver a raw portrayal of survival and resistance during one of America’s most controversial conflicts.

The plot centers on Braddock’s capture by the Viet Cong and his brutal treatment inside the POW camp. The film chronicles his fight to maintain hope, dignity, and leadership among his fellow prisoners while planning a daring escape. Unlike the first film, which focused more on rescue missions, Missing in Action 2 is darker and more introspective, delving into the psychological and physical torment endured by prisoners during the war.

One of the film’s strongest aspects is Chuck Norris’s portrayal of Braddock. His stoic and determined performance fits well with the character’s tough-as-nails persona, embodying both the vulnerability and strength of a man pushed to his limits. Norris’s martial arts skills come through in the fight sequences, adding authenticity and excitement to the action. The hand-to-hand combat scenes are well-choreographed and impactful, showcasing Norris’s trademark fighting style.

The movie’s depiction of the POW camp is grim and unflinching. It does not shy away from showing the harsh conditions, including physical abuse, starvation, and psychological torture. This rawness adds weight to the narrative, making the stakes feel real and immediate. The camaraderie between prisoners and their shared determination to survive and resist oppressors provide an emotional core that grounds the film’s action-heavy plot.

However, the movie is not without its flaws. The storyline can feel somewhat formulaic, following familiar war movie clichés and predictable tropes about heroism and revenge. Some supporting characters are underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. Additionally, the pacing occasionally drags, with slower scenes that do little to advance the story or build tension.

From a technical standpoint, the film’s production values are modest but effective. The set design and costumes convincingly recreate the period and environment of a Vietnamese POW camp. The cinematography uses dim lighting and close-up shots to emphasize the claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere of captivity. The soundtrack, while not particularly memorable, supports the mood and

heightens emotional moments.

In summary, Missing in Action 2: The Beginning is a gritty, action-packed war film that delivers a stark look at the horrors faced by POWs during the Vietnam War. Chuck Norris’s commanding performance and intense fight scenes are the film’s highlights, making it appealing to fans of ’80s action cinema. While the plot may not offer many surprises and some characters lack depth, the movie’s focus on survival and resilience gives it emotional weight. If you enjoy straightforward, action-oriented war dramas with a martial arts twist, this film is worth watching.