The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains (1987) movie backdrop
The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains (1987) movie poster
1987115 minDrama, TV Movie

The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains

The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.6/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama, TV Movie genre.

Is The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 115 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.67 votes
115Minutes
1987Release Year
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The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains Review

Last updated: January 8, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1987, The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on The true story of Robert Elliot Burns, the prisoner who, after being sentenced to a Georgia chain gang, attempted two daring escapes. Under the direction of Daniel Mann, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Val Kilmer, Sônia Braga, Charles Durning. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Aspects & Direction

From a technical standpoint, The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.

📺 Where to Watch

As of January 2026, The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.

📝 Final Thoughts

With an audience rating of 6.6/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, TV Movie, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.

Cast of The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains

  • Val Kilmer – Robert Elliot Burns / Elliot Roberts
  • Sônia Braga – Emily Del Pino Pacheco
  • Charles Durning – Warden Hardy
  • Kyra Sedgwick – Lillian Salo
  • James Keach – Father Vincent Godfrey Burns

Top Highlights

Val Kilmer
Val KilmerRobert Elliot Burns / Elliot Roberts
Sônia Braga
Sônia BragaEmily Del Pino Pacheco
Charles Durning
Charles DurningWarden Hardy
Kyra Sedgwick
Kyra SedgwickLillian Salo
James Keach
James KeachFather Vincent Godfrey Burns
Clancy Brown
Clancy BrownFlagg
Elisha Cook Jr.
Elisha Cook Jr.Pappy Glue
William Sanderson
William SandersonTrump
Taj Mahal
Taj MahalBones
Paul Benjamin
Paul BenjaminBig Sam

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains movie hit or flop?

The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains worth watching?

The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains?

The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains is a Drama, TV Movie movie that The true story of Robert Elliot Burns, the prisoner who, after being sentenced to a Georgia chain gang, attempted two daring escapes....

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.6
The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-man-who-broke-1000-chains-425479" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.6</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains</div></div></a>

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