The movie is totally unrealistic with so many facts distorted... The prison is more American than Russian. No strict hierarchy among prisoners which is typical for a Russian prison. No dogs, no handcuffs while walking... Dances, parties and fights - completely impossible, especially when 200 criminals are observed by just 3 guards! Additionally, never ever can a homosexual touch a prisoner in Russia (they will be beaten/killed), nor to be a moderator of the performance.. Apart from these, foreign citizens are held separately from other prisoners, in special prisons. And many-many more. Actors were just unconvincing...and the story itself has little force. 2 out of 10 is more than enough.

considering the van damme movie to come out before this was the rubbish 'derailed', people wasn't exactly looking forward to this ringo lam action drama, but it now only offered a cracking piece of brutal fighting action, it also showed that van damme was capable of a good performance way before 'jcvd' and 'until death', in fact i think his best performance of alltime is 2004's 'wake of death', i also think thats the best movie hes ever made, but this is a close second. now van damme actually shows some emotion here, and its easy to feel sorry for him, and you certainly don't think he can beat up anybody in the prison, not at all, in fact most the fights he has in this, are real challenges, and because he isn't using martial arts in this the movie has a realism that packs a punch. all in all a very well made, but dark and grim action drama, that i highyl recommend to fans of both action flicks and van damme

An American is sent to Kraviva prison for shooting a cold-blooded killer who got off for the murder of his beloved wife. Once there, he must somehow survive the prison's rough environs, withstanding the ruffians which live within it's walls and the constant strife brought on by the sadistic guards who run the place. Along the way, he loses himself, his soul, adapting to the harsh confines by becoming an aggressive, heartless fighter, bludgeoning and destroying his foes, to the delight of the warden who makes big money on the victors. Ringo Lam's In Hell is a bleak, ugly, dreary prison drama which unflinchingly shows an Oz-like hellhole where the weak are swallowed whole and that only the strong survive. Lawrence Taylor has a big role as 451, the film's narrative voice, whose notoriety derives from killing those who have shared a cell with him. Jean-Claude Van DAMME is Kyle LeBlanc, the unlucky soul who finds himself trapped in the prison, becoming a constant source of torment, often caged in "the hole", a drab, damp, hostile place where he hears the moans of agony from another in the next cell, chosen as a punching bag, eventually getting his revenge thanks to his alliance with 451. Put together in a cell(..it's on purpose in the hopes that 541 would kill LeBlanc), they form an unusual friendship. LeBlanc trains and evolves into a violent fighter, able to exact severe punishment to the prison uglies pitted up against. He becomes a favorite and money-maker for the warden, but when a young American friend is constantly raped, and eventually murdered, LeBlanc takes a stand, and the prisoners respond to his resolve. Not wanting a martyr, the warden and his men plan to manipulate LeBlanc into one last fight, with a goal to shoot him afterward..but 451 has other plans. Marnie Alton is Grey, LeBlanc's wife, viciously assaulted, her spirit returning to comfort him as he deals with the everyday struggle to maintain his integrity. While you have prison fights, In Hell actually has meat on it's bones and is deadly serious in tone, the setting is anything but sunny and fun.

This might possibly be one of the best films I've ever seen Van Damme in. I understand the legendary 'Bloodsport' remains the most popular of Van Damme's works but "In Hell" in my opinion at least should rival 'Bloodsports' popularity. The story of a man (Van Damage) who murders his wifes murderer in cold blood and gets sent to a Russian prison that specializes in torture, brutality and the usual host of atrocities that commonly occur at corrupt prisons. Through all the beatings, embarrassments, tests in courage and dignity, Van Damme creates an entire turnaround from the pushover that he once was. The film is not for the weak of heart, the brutality in this film is so strong you can practically feel it while watching it. That to me shows how good of a film "In Hell" truly is, it is very captivating, which is not usual of your typical Van Damme fare. I recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of Van Dammes films, and prison-related films as well. Good stuff.