Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Casts: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard, Paul Dano
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release Date: 20 September 2013
Often I am taken aback by the never-ending clichés that crime and thriller films tend to offer. Take The Purge for example. The film offers a clever concept but was stripped of much of its merit with the implementation of gagging clichés. Then we have Paranoia with pretty much predictable plot and hero-gets-the-chick-ending. But I was utterly surprised that Prisoners offer none of the aforementioned, instead captivate the audience with gripping emotional complexity and cleverly plotted storyline.
The story revolves around two families' struggles after their daughter was kidnapped without a trace. When the only lead points to Alex Jones (Paul Dano), fathers Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) and Franklin Birch (Terrence Howard) take matters into their own hands when the police failed to get any form of information or confession from him. Unwilling to give up as well, Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins to take the case on a personal level, determined to solve the mystery and save the missing girls at all costs.
Praise: The plot is engaging and constantly twisting to keep you tugging the end of your shirt and cringing to know the truth. It is rare to find a plot so "alive" in an abduction film, full of unexpected turns that keeps you interested in the film all the way despite its lengthy 2 and a half hours run.
Prisoners' stellar casts synchronize well with the film's great plot. Never have I seen Hugh Jackman so emotionally vulnerable and exposed on screen. His play of a man struggling to keep his remaining family intact while desperately attempts to locate and rescue her daughter even at the expense of discarding his humanity is Oscar-worthy. Jake Gyllenhaal's take of a detective with a shadowy past is too powerful to overlook. He stands as a man not necessarily bound by values of virtues, constantly fighting his inner demons while at the same time doing everything in his power to bring justice and save the girls. The complexity of his character plays a crucial part in making the experience of watching this film sensational. Paul Dano's performance here elevates the thrill of mystery to a new height, coming off as a man that is in the borderline of creepy and sympathetic. Terrence Howard, Viola Davis, Maria Bello and the rest of the supporting casts each play their role well to give further depth to the film.
Everything is pieced together so well to create a masterpiece - the cinematography, soundtracks, atmosphere and even the creaky and shady buildings. Denis Villeneuve has just proved himself a director to be reckon with.
Complains: Honestly I can't think of anything I don't like about this film.
Rating: 8.9
Hit or Skip: A must hit
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