KIDNAPPED (2011)

Directed By: Miguel Angel Vivas
Written By: Miguel Angel Vivas & Javier Gracia
Cinematography By: Pedro J. Marquez
Editor: Jose Manuel Jiminez

Cast: Manuella Valles, Fernando Cayo, Ana Wagener



Three hooded Eastern-European criminals burst into a home in a Madrid gated community, holding the family hostage in its own home, and forcing the father to empty his credit cards.

This film totally took me by surprise. At first I thought it to be the typical thriller. Yet like the transformers slogan “There is more than meets the eye” when it comes to this film.

The film starts off with a startling scene that is one of the best openings I have seen in quite some time it grabs you automatically.

The cinematography is excellent in the film. It fully immerses you in the story and action. You feel like a witness to the events going on a unsuspecting accomplice. Or a powerless voyeur. At the middle point of the film it felt pretty basic like nothing really special almost nulling the great beginning of the film. Then the second half of the film begins and it becomes a whole different other animal all together. Which i will not ruin. At this point the film crosses the line from a foreign thriller to a film that feels scarily realistic. Which is what makes it truly terrifying.

This is a film best to go into without any expectations, nor too much info into the story. Going in blind to this film will allow it to have the greatest affection you.
I would definitely warn you this film is not for the faint of heart. Not in a scares and thrills way but in a disgusting gut punch to the senses way. It’s not gory. it’s just the subject matter is very upsetting. The violence that there is, is very disturbing. It’s an amazing film that I give everyone involved full credit for the impressive work that they have done. I can say this is a film that should be seen and owned. But I can’t imagine too many repeat viewings.

It keeps you on your toes as you think you can figure things out. Then think you can get ahandle on everything and you are constantly proven wrong, Though horrific I give the film credit as it doesn’t go where you hope it will and is brave enough to play by it’s own rules and not soften for the audience.

The film is also filmed using only 12 long shots. Which is an amazement to add to this film. Showing the director has more talent then I thought. The good thing is that even if it wasn’t shot that way the film would still be good. The fact that it does have the few shots and doesn’t make it feel like a gimmick is an achievement.

It’s a film that reminded me of FUNNY GAMES without the dark comedy element. Nor the message or commentary and slightly less artistic. It’s a film that is well thought out and cold hearted.

GRADE: A