Inspired by real-life events, this film explores the experiences of Capt. Ernest Gordon (Ciaran McMenamin) and other Japanese prisoners of war who were enlisted for the grueling task of building the Railroad of Death. As the men struggle to maintain their sanity and will, they begin to drift apart while Major Campbell (Robert Carlyle) plans his escape, Lt. Rigden (Kiefer Sutherland) watches his back, and Gordon attempts to keep his dignity.