Directed by
Scott Wiper
Made by
Lionsgate
Discover the intricate plot of The Condemned (2007). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Jack Conrad faces imminent execution in a corrupt prison in El Salvador. His fate takes a drastic turn when he is “purchased” by a wealthy television producer, Ian Breckel, and whisked away to a desolate island in the South Pacific alongside nine other condemned criminals from various global prisons. This notorious group is given a shocking ultimatum: participate in a deadly game, fight for their lives, and stand a chance to secure their freedom and a substantial cash prize.
Each contestant has a bomb strapped to their ankle, complete with a 30-hour countdown timer and a pin that, if pulled, will lead to a detonation after a tense ten-second delay. The stakes are dangerously high, as the event is set to be streamed live over the Internet, aiming to attract viewership numbers rivaling the Super Bowl.
As the brutal competition unfolds, FBI agents discover Jack’s true identity as Jack Riley, following a lead from one of his former classmates. It is unveiled that he is a former Delta Force operative, who was captured during a covert operation in El Salvador. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Sarah, seeks refuge at the bar where she works, caught off-guard as she watches the chaotic events unfold.
As tensions rise, Ewan McStarley and Saiga join forces to eliminate their fellow competitors, while the cunning Yasantwa employs her devious strategies to lead others to their demise. In a daring move, Jack sneaks into the broadcast tower and manages to contact Sarah, providing her with the latitude of the island before being forced to escape.
With the number of contestants dwindling, Jack finds himself facing off against McStarley and Saiga. The confrontation escalates into a fierce battle where Jack stabs Saiga, while McStarley makes a desperate rush for Jack. A helicopter drops a shotgun to McStarley, who seeks to hunt down Jack, leading to a dramatic chase across the rugged terrain. Jack narrowly escapes a lethal shotgun blast, tumbling off a cliff and into a stream, leading everyone to believe he is dead.
Despite the chaos, McStarley is pronounced the victor, but the tide quickly turns as Breckel learns of an impending raid by the FBI and Navy SEALs. When he meets McStarley to deactivate his bomb, he reveals a shocking truth: the game was rigged in McStarley’s favor for personal gain. As McStarley violently confronts the tech team, Jack re-emerges just as he corners Julie, Breckel’s girlfriend. In a dramatic showdown, Jack confronts McStarley, ultimately seizing both of his machine guns and chasing after Breckel, who attempts to flee in a helicopter.
In a thrilling finale filled with explosive action, Jack manages to throw McStarley’s reactivated bomb into the helicopter, resulting in a spectacular explosion that brings Breckel’s bloodthirsty game to a definitive close. Finally, Jack returns home, free and unharmed, where he is joyfully reunited with Sarah, who believed him to be lost forever.
Track the key events of The Condemned (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Jack's Imminent Execution
Jack Conrad finds himself facing execution in a corrupt prison located in El Salvador. The atmosphere is tense as he grapples with his fate amidst the grim realities of prison life.
Purchase by Ian Breckel
In a shocking twist, Jack is purchased by wealthy television producer Ian Breckel, who has plans for him. Jack is whisked away from his prison cell to a desolate island in the South Pacific, along with nine other condemned criminals.
The Deadly Game Begins
The group of ten must participate in a deadly game where they fight not only for survival but also for the chance at freedom and a substantial cash prize. Each contestant has a bomb attached to their ankle, creating an atmosphere of desperation and high stakes.
Countdown Begins
As the game commences, each contestant discovers that they have a 30-hour countdown timer ticking away on their bombs. The tension rises as the contestants must navigate both the deadly competition and the threat of their explosives.
FBI Discovers Jack's Identity
Meanwhile, FBI agents have uncovered Jack's real identity as Jack Riley after receiving a lead from one of his former classmates. They learn that Jack is not just any contestant, but a former Delta Force operative with a mysterious past.
Sarah Watches the Chaos
Jack's girlfriend, Sarah, is at the bar where she works, oblivious to the danger Jack is in. As the deadly game plays out on live stream, she becomes an unwilling spectator of the events that could cost Jack his life.
Alliances Form
As the competition intensifies, contestants Ewan McStarley and Saiga form a deadly alliance to eliminate their fellow competitors. Meanwhile, the cunning Yasantwa employs her devious strategies to outsmart the others and ensure her survival.
Jack Contacts Sarah
In a daring act of bravery, Jack sneaks into the broadcast tower to contact Sarah. He manages to communicate the latitude of the island to her, emphasizing the urgency of the situation before he has to escape.
Climactic Confrontation
With the contestants dwindling, Jack finds himself in a fierce confrontation against McStarley and Saiga. The battle escalates as Jack must use all his skills to survive, ultimately stabbing Saiga and preparing for a final showdown with McStarley.
Jack's Narrow Escape
During a dramatic chase, Jack narrowly evades a lethal shotgun blast from McStarley. As he tumbles off a cliff and into a stream, everyone is led to believe he has met his end.
McStarley Declared Victor
Despite the chaos and violence, McStarley is initially pronounced the victor of the deadly game. However, this victory is bittersweet as Breckel discovers an imminent raid by the FBI and Navy SEALs.
Breckel's Deception Revealed
Breckel meets with McStarley to deactivate his bomb, revealing that the game was rigged in McStarley's favor all along. Betrayal looms as tensions flare, leading to violent confrontations.
Jack's Dramatic Reentry
Just when McStarley corners Breckel's girlfriend Julie, Jack makes a dramatic reappearance. Armed and fueled by anger, he confronts McStarley, determined to end the deadly game.
Explosive Finale
In a stunning conclusion, Jack manages to throw McStarley's activated bomb into the helicopter, causing a spectacular explosion. This act effectively ends Breckel's bloody game once and for all.
Jack's Reunion with Sarah
Finally, Jack returns home, free and unharmed after his harrowing experience. He shares an emotional reunion with Sarah, who had been fearing the worst, relieved to discover he is alive.
Meet the characters that bring The Condemned (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jack Conrad / Jack Riley
Jack is a former Delta Force operative who finds himself in the harrowing situation of competing for his life. His tactical skills and determination to escape the deadly game highlight his resourcefulness and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Jack's journey is as much about survival as it is about reclaiming his freedom and reconnecting with his loved ones.
Ian Breckel
Breckel is a wealthy television producer who thrives on the chaos of the deadly competition. His character embodies greed and manipulation, orchestrating the event for personal gain while showcasing the darker side of entertainment. Breckel's moral depravity makes him a formidable antagonist in the story.
Ewan McStarley
McStarley is a ruthless competitor who uses brute force and cunning to advance in the game. His violent and opportunistic nature presents him as a significant threat to Jack and other contestants, proving that survival often comes at the cost of humanity. McStarley's ambition leads to ruthless confrontations that heighten the film's tension.
Sarah
Sarah is Jack's girlfriend who remains unaware of the dire situation he is in. Her character embodies hope and love, providing a contrast to the chaos surrounding Jack. As she watches the events unfold from a distance, her determination to support Jack adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Uncover the settings of The Condemned (2007), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film's events unfold in a contemporary setting that reflects modern societal issues such as corrupt politics, reality television, and the exploitation of life-and-death scenarios for entertainment. This current backdrop enhances the film's gripping and suspenseful narrative.
Location
El Salvador, South Pacific Island
The movie primarily takes place in a corrupt prison in El Salvador, recognized for its brutal conditions and dangerous criminals. The main dramatic action occurs on a desolate island in the South Pacific, a remote location known for its inhospitable environment, which adds to the tension of the deadly game.
Explore the core themes of The Condemned (2007). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Survival
Survival is at the core of the film's plot, as the contestants are forced to fight for their lives in a ruthless competition. The sheer desperation and primal instincts emerge as the characters navigate life-or-death choices, highlighting the lengths individuals will go to when faced with mortality.
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Corruption
The theme of corruption runs throughout the movie, depicting a flawed justice system where wealthy individuals manipulate the fates of the condemned. This corruption affects not only the characters but also reflects a broader critique of media and entertainment's moral depravity in the pursuit of ratings.
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Love and Sacrifice
The bond between Jack and his girlfriend Sarah emphasizes themes of love and sacrifice. As Jack fights for survival, the emotional stakes intensify as his relationship with Sarah becomes a motivating factor, showcasing the personal costs of both love and desperation.
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