Held for Ransom

Released Oct 15, 2021

2 hr. 15 min.

Drama

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12 Reviews

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HELD FOR RANSOM tells the true story of Danish photojournalist Daniel Rye who was held hostage for 398 days in Syria by the terror organization ISIS along with several other foreign nationals including the American journalist, James Foley. The film follows Daniel's struggle to survive in captivity, his friendship with James, and the nightmare of the Rye family back home in Denmark as they try to do everything in their power to save their son. At the center of this crisis, we find hostage negotiator, Arthur, who plays a pivotal role in securing Daniel's release.

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Roger P

Very moving movie for sure. However, don't they understand that every ransom paid for a hostage produces two more hostages, etc. The Danish non-negotiation policy is the right one. I do not fault the family one bit. But In the long run, martyrdom is better.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/30/23

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Niels Arden Oplev

Director

Anders W. Berthelsen

Director

Esben Smed

Daniel

Anders W. Berthelsen

Arthur

Toby Kebbell

James Foley

Ardalan Esmaili

Jeremy

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Held for Ransom: Trailer 1

1:43

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Beatrice Loayza

New York Times

Should you be willing to overlook certain intrinsic difficulties, "Held for Ransom" is a surprisingly thoughtful hostage drama given the blunt meatheadedness of its title.

Oct 14, 2021

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Leslie Felperin

Guardian

This is another film about a white European mixed up in a Middle Eastern war they barely seem to understand, but on its own terms it's a story well told.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 12, 2021

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Jessica Kiang

Variety

A polished, moving, muscular thriller that never exploits or simplistically reduces its real-life horrors for entertainment value.

Jul 9, 2020

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Nathaniel Muir

AIPT

The methodical pace almost seems to go against a tense hostage drama. It works since the film does not rely on melodrama while still delivering the full impact of the story.

Dec 20, 2021

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

Held for Ransom is brutally straightforward, with no editorializing about the surrounding political complexities. It's hardly a pleasant watch, yet one whose nearly 2.5 hours pass quickly.

Oct 22, 2021

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

...an exhaustive, harrowing but very worthwhile film...

Rated: 4/5

Oct 22, 2021

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Synopsis

HELD FOR RANSOM tells the true story of Danish photojournalist Daniel Rye who was held hostage for 398 days in Syria by the terror organization ISIS along with several other foreign nationals including the American journalist, James Foley. The film follows Daniel's struggle to survive in captivity, his friendship with James, and the nightmare of the Rye family back home in Denmark as they try to do everything in their power to save their son. At the center of this crisis, we find hostage negotiator, Arthur, who plays a pivotal role in securing Daniel's release.

Director: Niels Arden Oplev, Anders W. Berthelsen
Executive Producer: Niels Arden Oplev, Anders W. Berthelsen
Screenwriter: Anders Thomas Jensen
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Production Co: Eurimages, Norsk Filminstitutt, Danmarks Radio, Film i Väst, Imaginarium Films, Sveriges Television, Danish Film Institute, Yleisradio, Toolbox Film, Hummelfilm, Cinenic Film, Deluca Film A/S, Swedish Film Institute, Nordisk Film- & TV-Fond, Den Vestdanske Filmpulje
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Danish
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 15, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 15, 2021
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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