Missing in Action 2: The Beginning
Prequel to the first Missing In Action, set in the early 1980s it shows the capture of Colonel Braddock during the Vietnam war in the 1970s, and his captivity with other American POWs in a brutal prison camp, and his plans to escape.
Despite its modest budget of $2.4M, Missing in Action 2: The Beginning became a box office success, earning $10.8M worldwide—a 346% return. The film's innovative storytelling connected with viewers, proving that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1985) exemplifies meticulously timed narrative architecture, characteristic of Lance Hool's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 40 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Colonel Braddock and his men are on a mission in Vietnam, 1972. They are soldiers doing their duty, confident and in control before everything changes.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Braddock and his men are ambushed and captured by North Vietnamese forces led by the sadistic Colonel Yin. Their world of military order is shattered.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 24 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Braddock refuses to sign a false confession admitting to war crimes, defying Colonel Yin. This active choice commits him to resistance and survival at any cost., moving from reaction to action.
At 50 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat A major escape attempt fails catastrophically. Several prisoners are killed, and Braddock realizes Colonel Yin has been anticipating their moves. False defeat: escape seems impossible now., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Captain Nester dies from torture and disease. Braddock's closest ally and friend is gone. The "whiff of death" is literal, and Braddock hits his emotional low point, questioning if survival is possible., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Braddock synthesizes everything he's learned: Yin's patterns, the camp's weaknesses, and his men's remaining strengths. He devises a final, desperate escape plan combining cunning with brute force., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Missing in Action 2: The Beginning's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Missing in Action 2: The Beginning against these established plot points, we can identify how Lance Hool utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Missing in Action 2: The Beginning within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Colonel Braddock and his men are on a mission in Vietnam, 1972. They are soldiers doing their duty, confident and in control before everything changes.
Theme
Captain Nester tells Braddock about the mission parameters. The theme of survival and maintaining honor in impossible circumstances is introduced through dialogue about their duty.
Worldbuilding
Establishing the Vietnam War setting, Braddock's team dynamics, their mission objective, and the dangers of operating behind enemy lines. Introduction of key soldiers in Braddock's unit.
Disruption
Braddock and his men are ambushed and captured by North Vietnamese forces led by the sadistic Colonel Yin. Their world of military order is shattered.
Resistance
Braddock and his men are transported to a brutal POW camp. They assess their situation, meet other prisoners, and learn the camp's harsh rules. Braddock debates whether to comply or resist.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Braddock refuses to sign a false confession admitting to war crimes, defying Colonel Yin. This active choice commits him to resistance and survival at any cost.
Mirror World
Braddock bonds with fellow prisoner Captain Nester and the other POWs. These relationships become his lifeline and teach him that leadership means protecting his men, not just completing missions.
Premise
The promise of the premise: survival against impossible odds. Braddock endures torture, inspires his men, plans escape attempts, and engages in psychological warfare with Colonel Yin.
Midpoint
A major escape attempt fails catastrophically. Several prisoners are killed, and Braddock realizes Colonel Yin has been anticipating their moves. False defeat: escape seems impossible now.
Opposition
Colonel Yin intensifies torture and psychological warfare. Prisoners begin to break. Braddock's leadership is tested as hope fades. The antagonist tightens his grip with brutal efficiency.
Collapse
Captain Nester dies from torture and disease. Braddock's closest ally and friend is gone. The "whiff of death" is literal, and Braddock hits his emotional low point, questioning if survival is possible.
Crisis
Braddock mourns Nester and processes his despair. In the darkness, he finds new resolve: he will honor Nester by getting the remaining men out alive, no matter what it takes.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Braddock synthesizes everything he's learned: Yin's patterns, the camp's weaknesses, and his men's remaining strengths. He devises a final, desperate escape plan combining cunning with brute force.
Synthesis
The finale: Braddock executes the escape plan. Violent confrontation with guards, strategic chaos, and direct confrontation with Colonel Yin. Braddock leads his surviving men to freedom through the jungle.
Transformation
Braddock and his surviving men reach safety. The closing image shows Braddock scarred but unbroken, transformed from a mission-focused soldier into a leader who understands the true cost of war and the value of his men's lives.