Trying to find the names of 2 movies
 

I haven't seen either of these movies in 20 years, so I have no clue what their titles are. Until I find out the titles, I can't see them again. I need your help!

First movie: takes place in Communist Russia. American dude is taken to prison camp where he's forced to work. Escapes with other guys at the end by making a false wall in a railroad car and hiding behind it while they hold it in place. Most memorable part of the movie is when guards hold down a man and shoot bullets into the palms of his hands and then shoot out his kneecaps.

Second movie: takes place in England, I think. Some kidnappers dressed like Santa Claus raid a small school and take an entire class and teacher to a cave where they're locked inside. They finally escape later, but I don't remember what happened after that. They kept referring to the leader of the kidnappers as 'Father Christmas'. Pretty twisted movie.

Someone has to remember these movies! :confused:

The first one sounds very familiar. I think the title was "Gulag."

The second movie doesn't sound familiar.

I checked, and you're right about Gulag. Thanks!

Still need the other movie, though.

Second movie:
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0091069/
The Fortress
Plot Outline: An Australian school teacher and her students are kidnapped. She and the children fight for their lives and try to escape from their captors

(But it was made for TV)

Ahh yes, the delectible Rachel Ward.
I remember seeing it a couple of years after its theatrical release, on HBO I think.
I had a crush on her from "Against All Odds", and I remember thinking, at 15, that I would gladly trade places with one of the kidnapped students so she could rescue me. ;)
The underground pool scene was my favorite. :D