Turkey Shoot (1982)

"I'm the one you can't break." - Paul

aka: Escape 2000
Prisoners try to survive in a rehabilitation camp.
Starring: Steve Railsback, Olivia Hussey, Michael Craig, Lynda Stoner, and Roger Ward

Link to IMDB

In the near future, after an unspecified disaster has left much of the world in turmoil, a totalitarian government rules over society. Any civilian that causes problems by being a social deviant is arrested and sent to one of the many prison camps for "re-education."
One such trouble-maker is Paul, a fierce rebel that has been captured for making anti-government propaganda. Paul arrives at a prison camp along with two seemingly innocent women, Chris and Rita, and there they realize the harsh reality of their new home. The camp is run by a man named Thatcher, who believes that violence and hard labour are the best ways too educate the inmates, and the cruel guards are happy to give punishment.

Chris,  Paul,  Rita

Paul remains defiant and rebellious, testing Thatcher's limits of control and refusing to be broken by the torture, all while planning his escape. The first half establishes a grim prison movie as the protagonists cope with their fate, but they soon have something new to worry about when Thatcher and his wealthy elitist friends plan a "game" to play with the inmates.

"Freedom is obedience. Obedience is work. Work is life." - Thatcher

Thatcher

Thatcher picks Paul, Rita and Chris to be the first contestants in this new sport. They will be set free to run into the countryside, but Thatcher and his friends will be hunting them with weapons. If they can escape they'll be given their freedom, but being caught means certain death!

The second half is full of action packed exploitation, as the inmates are literally running for their lives. There's barely any plot here, but everything was so well established that it remains fully engaging.
There's crazy violence, explosions and a huge pay-off in the end, as Paul eventually gets sick of running and hiding and decides to fight back against all the odds!

Alongside the tense story and energetic action there's also a sense of humour without sacrificing the entire theme of defying fascism. It will keep you guessing as to what could possibly happen next, and that is always fun.

Be sure not to miss:
- The "wolfman" bodyguard is played by Steve Rackman, an Australian wrestler you might recognize from the Crocodile Dundee movies.
- The epic music score. Lots of brilliant synth blasts.

Internet review:
"Come for the social commentary, stay for the random wolfman in a vest biting off a
dude's toe." - Jay's Watching

Should I watch it?
Highly recommended.

Where can I find it?
Here on YouTube. (This is the uncut, uncensored version.)

Turkey Shoot gets...