Prisoners
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: September 20, 2013
8.5
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 1260 Ratings
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Positive:
1,149
Mixed:
66
Negative:
45
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8
poetreviewerSep 29, 2013
Overall the movie is suspenseful and well-acted. The plot has some holes, but so what? Entertaining, albeit a tad predictable. Hugh Jackman is very believable in his role.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
Pablo22Nov 12, 2013
Prisoners review

Dat script, dat acting, dat directing As you saw in my title the script in this movie takes the main spotlight. The twists and turns, the dialogues and the right 'till the end top level suspense. All of those aspectsPrisoners review

Dat script, dat acting, dat directing

As you saw in my title the script in this movie takes the main spotlight. The twists and turns, the dialogues and the right 'till the end top level suspense. All of those aspects are majorly improved by the amazing man sitting in the directors chair and the talented men acting it out in front of the camera. Especially the one and only Hugh Jackman who steals every single scene he is in. That doesn't by far mean the other actors aren't that good. Gyllenhaal and Terrence Howard both portray two desperate men perfectly.
Now to the plot which puts you in this awful situation on which two girls get abducted. A detective (Gyllenhaal) is put in charge of the case while the father of one of the girls (Jackman) takes some extreme measures. I won't go further than that to not spoil you of anything awesome (which by the way tends to be the whole movie).
Directing-wise this movie is just out there in space. By I literally don't remember looking away or blinking. I just sat there at the edge of my seat biting my fingers!
The composition of the opening shot just gave me the chills. A still shot of some creepy snowy woods with a dear walking by, while Jackman spells out "The holy father" is beautifully unsettling.
A lot of the shots are still shots. They don't shy away of lingering the shots. Props to that dude named Denis Villeneuve.
I'll throw it out there that this movie made me cringe. It is disturbing ****
The last thing I wanna point out is the ending. It has you on your knees by being a very quiet but intense scene full of some sweet sweet shots.
In the end this movie tackled all of the aspects that make a thriller great and it will definitely get itself some of those Oscar noms!
10 out of 10 baby!… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
EuanMcKennaJan 2, 2014
Prisoners is a mind blowing and very moving movie. Hugh Jackman was absolutely outstanding as the main role as the father. Unbelievable. Also credit to Jake Gyllenhall but god, Hugh Jackman definitely stole the show. Story was intense andPrisoners is a mind blowing and very moving movie. Hugh Jackman was absolutely outstanding as the main role as the father. Unbelievable. Also credit to Jake Gyllenhall but god, Hugh Jackman definitely stole the show. Story was intense and dramatic and connecting with the characters was almost instant. This movie truly showed how far a father would go to protect his family. Throughout the entire movie, I couldn't help but thinking, that if this happened to me, I would be doing exactly what Hugh is acting out. Must see … Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
ZombieWhosoeverSep 20, 2013
Prisoners is a riveting, potent abduction thriller with an ominous demeanor and intelligent direction that makes its dark subject matter uneasy, yet enticing to watch. The performances are also gripping and exciting, especially Hugh JackmanPrisoners is a riveting, potent abduction thriller with an ominous demeanor and intelligent direction that makes its dark subject matter uneasy, yet enticing to watch. The performances are also gripping and exciting, especially Hugh Jackman who gives a performance for the ages, one of memorable and award winning caliber.… Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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9
csw12Nov 19, 2013
From the moment the movie starts to the very last scene, Prisoner's is a gripping, involving, dark film that gives you strong performances to make it feel very scary. Your eyes will be glued to the screen in this mesmerizing thriller.
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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7
RaygirlOct 5, 2013
Good solid movie, a bit long and unbelievable (but aren't all movies?). Just wished the ending had been a bit more satisfying IMHO it "cut off" a bit too early. Another good movie very similar to this (without as many characters) isGood solid movie, a bit long and unbelievable (but aren't all movies?). Just wished the ending had been a bit more satisfying IMHO it "cut off" a bit too early. Another good movie very similar to this (without as many characters) is CHAINED directed by David Lynch's daughter. It was more believable and more gut wrenching.… Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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10
ultralight47Sep 22, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I found Prisoners to be an engrossing and tense movie of the darker nature that breaks boundaries involving what otherwise decent people might do in extremely emotional situations. The performances are good and I recommend the movie however (spoiler alert!!) I thought there were two substantial red herrings which purposely distract you away from the real truth about the perpetrators and their motives which is somewhat incredulous (this is being done to turn people away from God).
The first involves Alex who because of what he initially does when confronted by police which is unexplained (and why is he driving a RV in the first place)? Then, because of what he says and sings, the viewer is led to suspect him as does the parent who tortures him for the truth that he suspects Alex knows.
The second character thought to be involved is some type of exceptional copy cat who does all that he can to make himself suspicious and yet is not really involved. There is a lot of confusion about what he knows combined with mazes/maps that actually have no connection to the movie as a whole. I missed the connection between his maze diagram and a medallion worn by one of the perpetrators but the coincidence is strikingly present and yet not connected to the true nature of the actual crime at all.
So, although I liked the movie, I felt I was purposely distracted and misled in two separate methods that made me suspect the wrong individuals, much as the parent and the detective did, while in the end these two story threads turned out to be unrelated to the actual crime in any way. It's like the movie purposely fooled around with me so that I couldn't make conclusions as I watched it. But, that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the viewing.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
KittyCloseSep 30, 2013
Interesting dark story. Great characters. Excellent casting. I came away from the theater wanting to know background stories about each of the main characters. Somehow I had to explain the whole story to another woman who sat near me.Interesting dark story. Great characters. Excellent casting. I came away from the theater wanting to know background stories about each of the main characters. Somehow I had to explain the whole story to another woman who sat near me. She came away not understanding anything that happened and was shocked when I explained it to her. She said it sounded like I saw a different film than she did. I guess not every movie is for every viewer...… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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8
lasttimeisawDec 19, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One more Hollywood recruiter of foreign talents, Canadian Villeneuve (from INCENDIES 2010) submits his Tinseltown debut with a dark drama about a child abduction, congregated by a swathe of bankable thespians and a virtuoso DP Roger Deakins, it was a considerable success both in box office and among critics, although its Oscar prospect will not likely pan out.

PRISONERS conventionally chronicles the appalling case with thorough stoicism to supply enormous stretches to the key performers, Jackson and Gyllenhaal are the two leading players, one is a dogged father believes in his own judgment and is pressured to take extreme measures to fish out information of his missing daughter; another is an idiosyncratic cop has to probe into a sordid scenario while his own backstory remains veiled. Through all these years Gyllenhaal has honed up his screen personality substantially and his quirky foibles (the compulsive blinking here) make him more human while Jackman is a tad over-the-top with a more straightforward character development.

Bello, as the flip side of Jackson, her post-trauma symptom is being fully destroyed, cannot function anymore, a devastating mother is a piece of cake for her; Howard and Davis pair stand for a more neutral ethnic line here, which one can relate to oneself under the context, but their shortcomings are as glaring as they are ubiquitous. Dano, who takes us aback with another ambivalent career-turn, his make-up in the torture scenes is too surreal for general viewers, theoretically we should feel sympathetic for him, but somehow he manages to diminish this feeling with his look of opaqueness, is he a real retarded victim or a lackey enjoys the gore? It is a moot point where lingers great aftertaste. We cannot leave Melissa Leo behind here since she is the hidden culprit, her reasons for killing aside, her performance does enhance the story’s credibility, and although her downfall is ordained, her encounter with Jackson in the ultimate confrontation is gold and only she can emotionally overpower and cramp Wolverine into his redemption into the darkness.

Villeneuve proves wonderfully he is a dab hand can handle challenging projects like this, the whole production team is top-notch, Deakins’ camera irradiates specifically in the car sequences near the end, alongside the cutthroat editing, a subdued iridescence can never be more ravishing and what’s more praiseworthy is that it thrusts the narrative into its ultimacy with utter urgency and dazzlement.

PRISONERS sits comfily into my top 10 year-list, PICTURE, DIRECTOR, LEADING ACTOR (2 spots), SUPPORTING ACTOR and SUPPORTING ACTRESS, for my no-gut-no-glory Oscar prediction, I sincerely hope Deakins can sneak in, alas, even so, he is no chance of winning over GRAVITY (2013, 9/10).… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
jgrimmsterDec 19, 2013
It takes a certain type of crazy and deprivation to kidnap the Wolverine's daughter. Seriously though, this was a great movie with great performances.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
a7xfanSep 23, 2013
Prisoners is definitely by far one of the best crime thrillers of our generation. It is a very dark environment this film takes place in and the atmosphere is one that is cold and shocking. It attacks your core on a personal level by tryingPrisoners is definitely by far one of the best crime thrillers of our generation. It is a very dark environment this film takes place in and the atmosphere is one that is cold and shocking. It attacks your core on a personal level by trying to put you in the characters' shoes, would you have done what Keller(Hugh Jackman) did to try and find his daughter, is one of the huge questions director Denis Villeneuve tries to emphasize on you and throughout you contemplate whether or not it was, which is what really got me on this film. The acting by the two leads is superb, by far my favorite Hugh Jackman role, and Jake Gyllenhaal plays the role like he has done it many times. I must say that the rest of the characters didn't really place their importance in this film besides Paul Dano, and I didn't want it to end the way it did. All in all this film was really enjoyable to watch, I'd suggest going to see this in theaters.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
idohakerOct 12, 2013
well let me tell you something, I enjoyed the movie very much, the acting was great, the story was great, the effects was great, I was very pleased from the movie, but lets get to the bad size, well I went to the movie theater to see This iswell let me tell you something, I enjoyed the movie very much, the acting was great, the story was great, the effects was great, I was very pleased from the movie, but lets get to the bad size, well I went to the movie theater to see This is the end, because in my country it release date was only last week, so me and my friends went to the theater and they didn't let us in because we are 13 years old and this is the end was 16+ in my country, so I had to compromise and I knew that prisoners got a 74/100 and in my country it was only 13+, and you got to agree wit me that prisoners is way more not to my age than this is the end, so we chose prisoners and we thought that it whould be a great drama movie but not that kind of uncomfortable drama movies, and don't get me wrong, even if I am 13 doesn't mean that I didn't saw uncomfortable movies and TV shows, so you know what it was most uncomfortable movie that I ever saw, but even with that I got nothing bad to say about this movie, it was a great movie, but I was a little disappointed because me and my friends went to the movie theater for a movie with comedy, instead of that we went to a dark drama movie.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
Compi24Sep 22, 2013
It may be a complete gut punch of a movie at times, but that's the entire appeal of this almost faultlessly acted, shot, directed, written, and executed chiller/thriller.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
CitanZeroDec 21, 2013
My eyes were literally GLUED to the screen for 2.5 hours. I thought it would let up after 45 minutes. Nope. Acting is perfect. Shots are gorgeous. The plot suspends your sense of time. Every scene is captivating. And great ending. Best movieMy eyes were literally GLUED to the screen for 2.5 hours. I thought it would let up after 45 minutes. Nope. Acting is perfect. Shots are gorgeous. The plot suspends your sense of time. Every scene is captivating. And great ending. Best movie in a long time. How is this misunderstood by some? Don't get it. But hey, that's why art is subjective I guess.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
ThePeebsNov 10, 2013
Prisoners was a fantastic, deeply emotional thriller. A superb lead performance by Hugh Jackman with great support from Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard, and Viola Davis. The plot is slow at times, but it builds up to a very satisfying conclusion.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
NedensoruyorsunDec 29, 2013
İzlediğim en iyi Dram filmlerinden bir tanesiydi, Özellikle Hugh Jackman şahane bir performans göstermiş, Acılı bir babanın yapacaklarının sınırı yoktur. ve bu filmde bunu görüyoruz
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
ElectrocxteApr 26, 2014
Literally the best movie I have seen all year. Extremely well made, with heaps of plot twists and exciting visuals. Will definitely have you biting your nails!! Beautifully produced, loved every second of it. MUST WATCH THIS FILM!!!!!
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
Lambo442Dec 21, 2013
Good acting, good atmosphere, but overall a pretty contrived film loaded with loads of cliches, like text book looking nonces, macho cops who hardly say a word, and your predictable whodunnit style plot twists. I like the 90's TV drama feelGood acting, good atmosphere, but overall a pretty contrived film loaded with loads of cliches, like text book looking nonces, macho cops who hardly say a word, and your predictable whodunnit style plot twists. I like the 90's TV drama feel of the film and there is something nostalgic about it, but I think our expectations have been lowered by all the crap coming our way these days, hence this films great reviews.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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8
python2000Jan 3, 2014
Literally just finished watching this and my heart is still racing. Jesus Christ this movie is tense.
Hugh Jackman plays the father of one of two children abducted on Thanksgiving, I think that this year it's between him and Tom Hanks forLiterally just finished watching this and my heart is still racing. Jesus Christ this movie is tense.
Hugh Jackman plays the father of one of two children abducted on Thanksgiving, I think that this year it's between him and Tom Hanks for Best Actor. With the exception of Jake Gyllenhaal as Detective Loki (Best Supporting Actor 2013), the cast is reasonably unknown. That doesn't mean that they don't all do a brilliant. But there is one performance in the movie, by an actor who before watching this was unknown to me, which is amazing. Paul Dano as Alex Jones. Give that man an Oscar. No give him a new type of award which is better than an Oscar. A award or something. He plays a strange, creepy alleged pedofile who is the supposed culprit behind the kidnapping of the two girls. The one word which comes to mind when I think of his character is slimy. He's a mix of Hannibal Lecter, Gollum and the late Michael Jackson. Super creepy! I would watch the 150 minute movie all over again just for his performance. Best actor in the whole film, he totally compensates for the plot hole riddled script and some boring scenes. Much like the recent movies Captain Phillips, Argo and Zero Dark Thirty one of my favourite things about Prisoners is that it stays realistic the whole way through and does not exaggerate action scenes or the climax. This is probably why it gets slow moving and quite boring in the middle, but it's still riveting stuff overall. I am not the type of movie reviewer who pays attention to the score, however, from what I have heard it was extremely effective at building up tension and always fit the scenes it was being played too. Finally the ending is extremely hard to understand. Once I had checked that I was right on Wikipedia it made sense. But as the credits started to roll, I asked myself the question: "What the just happened"?
Overall Prisoners is a hugely enjoyable movie. Sure it has plot holes the size of small villages and the ending isn't very easy to interpret. But those things are redeemed by Hugh Jackman's brilliant lead and Paul Dano's chilling, shiver inducing performance as the alleged pedofile who can best be described with the word: slimy. Ridiculously tense and very intelligent Prisoners is undoubtedly worth a watch.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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9
AmadeusMozartApr 4, 2017
Certainly; Prisoners deserved much more from the 2014 academy awards. Being a great crime thriller, the movie will probably have you thinking and on your toes for the entirety of the feature. Additionally, despite the fact that it is RCertainly; Prisoners deserved much more from the 2014 academy awards. Being a great crime thriller, the movie will probably have you thinking and on your toes for the entirety of the feature. Additionally, despite the fact that it is R rating, it's a movie in which most young audiences will show a clear understanding and even maturity towards the subject itself. Finally; the great acting, the fantastic cinematography and the thrilling but outstanding story make this movie one of the very bests from the 2010s.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
JLuis_001Sep 6, 2017
Personally I love police thrillers and Prisoners is an excellent one.
It has drama, suspense, violence, doubts and great excitement that keeps you glued to your seat.
Prisoners is a very good movie and its greatest strengths are its scriptPersonally I love police thrillers and Prisoners is an excellent one.
It has drama, suspense, violence, doubts and great excitement that keeps you glued to your seat.
Prisoners is a very good movie and its greatest strengths are its script and cast, a strong and well used cast.

Well run, well done, and with a plot that despite his two and a half hours long it never wanes.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
EDOGGYTHEMOVIEMay 16, 2022
This movie is really good. this movie is really good. This movie is really good.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
JalemanyJan 3, 2021
Fantastically shot and directed. Exciting and filled with important moral questions. Villeneuve is a very talented director, as he has repeatedly shown, and the cast of Prisoners is a good match of talent.
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8
TyranianApr 15, 2020
Excellent thriller-drama film with great story, acting and visual strength.
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9
keanexOct 5, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this film, nor could I begin to try to predict the outcome of this tangled web involving two missing children, and multiple suspects. There are as many victims in this movie as their are suspects, and a lot of tragedy abound. The film is well-acted by all parties involved, and the suspense kept me engaged with the film. The movie did feel a bit too long, but the payoff was worth it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Taa4oeOct 10, 2013
A very dark and intriguing film, similar to Zodiac, which asks us the question how far we could go to find our missing loved ones, in this case our children. The film is quite long and there is obviously a lot of drama, but it managed to keepA very dark and intriguing film, similar to Zodiac, which asks us the question how far we could go to find our missing loved ones, in this case our children. The film is quite long and there is obviously a lot of drama, but it managed to keep me interested throughout the entire movie because the film succeeds in making the viewer feel the pain and despair of the family, partly due to a great and gritty performance by Hugh Jackman, and by making us want to uncover the truth with regard to a few characters. Are some people really as guilty or suspicious as they seem or do we judge too easily because we want to believe that there is more? Prisoners poses us this question and keeps us on the edge of our seats as it takes us on a search for answers.… Expand
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7
ItsMuchMoreMar 8, 2015
I was a little hesitant in seeing Prisoners, as when i saw the trailers, i thought straight away that that they gave everything away. Had it shown us what really happened, who the kidnapper was and if any major twists that would ruin theI was a little hesitant in seeing Prisoners, as when i saw the trailers, i thought straight away that that they gave everything away. Had it shown us what really happened, who the kidnapper was and if any major twists that would ruin the film? Well many people thought so. I had a look on a few forums and websites, and everyone were the same. Had the trailers just ruined the whole premise of the film, well fortunately not. So here I am after watching Prisoners, quite happy that i was proved wrong, and I had just watched an enjoyable albeit a little dragged out crime drama.

We’re pretty much thrown straight into things. After a small family thanksgiving get together, and a little more booze than initially thought, the dads Keller and Franklin (Hugh Jackman and Terrence Howard) along with mothers Grace and Nancy, (Maria Bello and Viola Davis) relax and wind down with a few games. After allowing their two young daughters to go outside and play about by their home which also has a creepy looking, dirty, dingy, RV camper van near by, it suddenly becomes apparent that their children are missing, and once its noticed that this suspect RV has also gone walkabouts, the conclusion is that their kids have been abducted.

This leads to a police hunt led by Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) promising that he will find these kids no matter what. The camper van being the supposed key to everything, has learning impaired Alex Jones at the wheel (played superbly by Paul Dano) all caught up in a story with numerous turns, twists and submissions, that it continuously keeps the viewer guessing whats going on, and who is behind everything that happens in front of their eyes. In the closing stages of the film, its seems all a little rushed in regards to the twist, but if paying enough attention, the audience should clock on with what is happening and have the reveal before the characters. A good few clues are thrown straight in front of our eyes, and I quite liked the fact that we could work this out before the some of the characters, as we were seeing things from a different perspective.

Loki, the fathers, and the mothers all go through the emotions, with varying differences in how these families cope with the taking of these girls. Some take the vengeful route, others take matters in to their own hands, and some break down into an emotional wreck, disregarding anything else in the world to them. This is very apparent in the way the mothers deal with this current loss, one very different from the other.

Some aspects within the film come across slightly strange, mainly for me, the police side of things and the way Keller acts. There really is only Loki looking for these children, trying to piece together what has happened, and how to solve it. Yes every now and then another police officer is seen, but generally with two girls missing, I would have thought a bigger police presence would have been on the scene. This might be because Loki has some demons of his own that is pushing him towards this case, but still it looked all a bit sparse. Keller on the other hand, when taking action into his own hands, seems so intent on one person, with really nothing to go on at most times, that his actions just seemed out of the blue for who he is and what he did. Yes his child is missing, but what he does, and somehow with complete ease, seems far-fetched in the way he gets away with it, but again that may loop to the lack of police presence, Keller is easily able to do what he wants, when he wants, to try and force answers that he wants to hear, because no one is stopping him.

I thought the film would build up the families a bit more, show us who these people are, what they are like, build a relationship with the viewer before the kidnapping took place. But nope, 10-15 mins in and the films major plot begins, the two young children we are briefly introduced to have been taken, and the story starts. We were never really given any real close knit family moments, or any real introduction to the two girls, but if we were shown this, it may may have made Prisoners even darker than it is. Yes the terrible aspect of these two children taken is bad enough here, its strong enough to make the audience greatly care, and the story twists continue to intrigue, but that slight cover from the director, making the viewers not attached to these specific children by name, may have made the emotional absorbing rollercoaster of a story , that little bit easier to watch. However i did enjoy the relationship between Alex Jones and his grandmother. It was well thought out initially, but again would have liked certain parts to have been explained further.

The film goes on for over 150 minutes, which at times feels like its dragging, but weirdly enough certain scenes, as like previously said, the reveal, the twist, feels rushed. I enjoyed Prisoners from the off. Some of the characters actions were questionable

Full Review @ItsMuchMore… Expand
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7
alpoJan 14, 2014
Prisoners is a pretty good film, but has its faults. The early scenes of two families dealing with the unimaginable are great, and Gyllenhall is solid as the detective. As the plot unfold, it is at once riveting, unbelievable, shocking, andPrisoners is a pretty good film, but has its faults. The early scenes of two families dealing with the unimaginable are great, and Gyllenhall is solid as the detective. As the plot unfold, it is at once riveting, unbelievable, shocking, and hokey. I was either rolling my eyes or holding my breath. The length feels a bit unnecessary. Overall, worth a watch if you like the actors and crime films full of twists.… Expand
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7
poewilsonOct 5, 2017
Real rating: 7.8/10
Those who love dearly are destined to be victims of wrath, a true yet cynical thought. A decently paced thriller for its length struggles with the weird morals of its characters, or lack thereof in 80% of the cast, as wellReal rating: 7.8/10
Those who love dearly are destined to be victims of wrath, a true yet cynical thought. A decently paced thriller for its length struggles with the weird morals of its characters, or lack thereof in 80% of the cast, as well as their inability to see that they are all prisoners to their own ideals, beliefs, desires and wants. They are inhumane creatures being portrayed as humane and no better example of this is the wife character thanking god for one of the most heinous atrocities an average human could conduct. The acting, while a touch over the top in scenes, is stellar, the cinematography is excellent and the directing superb, the writing is actually the let down, though it feels like it shouldn't be and most will be able to gloss over this as we the viewer tend to accept weaker writing so long as our emotional strings are being played eloquently.… Expand
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9
Samacosta1996Mar 18, 2015
Denis Villeneuve dives head first into the world of mystery, thriller-drama in his 2013 film Prisoners. The story’s controversial subject matter is enough to deter even the most experienced of directors, however, Villeneuve does anDenis Villeneuve dives head first into the world of mystery, thriller-drama in his 2013 film Prisoners. The story’s controversial subject matter is enough to deter even the most experienced of directors, however, Villeneuve does an outstanding job of reproducing the tension and unnerving suspense that writer Aaron Guzikowski presents in his script. The films stellar casting and outstanding visual style make Prisoners one of the better thriller-dramas of the last five years.
The story of a desperate father’s challenge of finding his daughters abductor is one to make even the toughest of the tough uneasy. Villeneuve avoids using shock tactics to create the illusion of a nail biting drama. Instead, he changes pace throughout the movie to keep the audience guessing. These sudden changes adds a whole new level of complexity to the characters. Keller Dover, played by Hugh Jackman, is a perfect example of the multi-dimensional characters portrayed by Villeneuve. He is a loving and caring father, but is determined to risk his to save his daughter. This duality shifts the audiences’ paradigm of Jackman’s character. One moment he is the protagonist, the next he’s the antagonist. Those who are accustomed to the grit of Hugh Jackman will find not only remnants of Wolverine, but be delighted to find a more sporadic, melodramatic side to the actor they may not have seen before. Villeneuve contrasts this with the more concrete character of Detective Loki, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal has proved in the past that he is capable of handling even the most complex of characters. Prisoners is no exception. Every detail of a young, stressed and over-worked detective is captivated by Gyllenhaal, he even got the nervous tick down.
What makes the story of Prisoners so emotionally draining is its plausibility. There is no point in the script that the audience would say “OK, there is no way this would EVER happen in real life.” The story reaches a part of most viewers’ painful reality, that child abduction is a possibility. Aside from its story, Roger Deakins cinematography exemplifies what a thriller-drama should look like. Dull, cold colors, and close-up shots that put the viewer uncomfortably close to the action.
Prisoners does what it sets out to do, reach the audience on a psychological level. This film distinguished the fine line between enjoying a film and liking a film. The main difference here being that Prisoners makes you uneasy and tense. I paid for the whole seat but only used the edge of it.… Expand
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9
acaiberryMar 19, 2015
Crime, thriller, drama? Want to be a detective for 2 and a half hours? Watch Prisoners as this is a personal favorite of mine. I watched this three times and I still would recommend it to anyone who is down for a intensely dark yetCrime, thriller, drama? Want to be a detective for 2 and a half hours? Watch Prisoners as this is a personal favorite of mine. I watched this three times and I still would recommend it to anyone who is down for a intensely dark yet captivating movie. Let me tell you that this is not a first date, second date, or third date movie. This is for those who have made their bed and already considered how to handle situations like in this movie.

Music, there wasn't much music but the basic thriller orchestral stuff and any creepy beats that you can find in a serious film. Anyone watch "Training Day" or anyone gone through a period of time of just pure uncertainty? Yeah, this is that film that will leave you speechless. You go through an internal struggle on how you feel about the characters. I always look out for the film to world connection and I believe you will realize what kind of person you are from the characters who in a sense are just like you and me.

Every time I have watched it with people, the room has been completely silent. YES INVITE THAT ANNOYING FRIEND. It's annoying-friend movie approved but don't invite the person who always looks at their phones. I don't get those people and this movie doesn't deserve that.

Acting wise, it's a stud cast but Hugh Jackman ain't wolverine in this one. Denis Villeneuve (director), I look forward to writing more reviews about your work. Your ability to write but not sacrifice the quality of screenplay impresses me. I appreciate that.

Word to describe: footsteps. Everyday life there are many things we do not pay attention to like footsteps. This movie forces the audience to analyze everything.… Expand
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9
RalfbergsJun 21, 2015
A really good movie with an amazing cast and performances. It's basically a thriller which will keep you guessing until the end who is the real bad guy. In short, the plot is - two families gather together for a dinner and at one point twoA really good movie with an amazing cast and performances. It's basically a thriller which will keep you guessing until the end who is the real bad guy. In short, the plot is - two families gather together for a dinner and at one point two daughters go missing (from each family) - they are kidnapped, but there aren't many clues who did it or anything, just there was a van parked outside before. Hugh Jackman is father of one of them and he really played his role really well - he basically doesn't believe in cops and tries to solve everything himself. Also the detective played by Jake Gylenhall has already solved such a case before and is on this one now. Anyway, lots of emotions throughout and surprising twists to the story too, really liked it and for people who are into thrillers this is a really good one.… Expand
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9
gigiharris17Nov 10, 2015
Methodical, powerful and one of the year's best, this drama offers up a riveting script and a great cast.

Watch it here http://www.watchfree.to/watch-223795-Prisoners-movie-online-free-putlocker.html
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7
flabbygumsAug 17, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie was quite watchable, but had yet another totally implausible ending that could have so easily been avoided with better writing. Spoiler: when 6'1"/180 lbs Hugh Jackman is in the abductor's kitchen, he had several opportunities to clobber the killer, gun and all. That's what would have happened in real life. He would have thrown himself on her and beat the crap out of her.… Expand
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10
Antgiog1202Aug 7, 2016
Prisoners was one of the most intense movie-going experience I have ever had! Denis Villeneuve masterfully weaves a haunting atmosphere and it had me on the edge of my seat the entire runtime. It creates a complex puzzle of a plot that isPrisoners was one of the most intense movie-going experience I have ever had! Denis Villeneuve masterfully weaves a haunting atmosphere and it had me on the edge of my seat the entire runtime. It creates a complex puzzle of a plot that is just impressive to behold. It unravels slowly to reveal hidden layers of depth and complexity. The actors felt real as they were emotional and nuanced, with some unforgettable moments that were just simply terrifying to experience. This film is a rare, gut-wrenching, dark and fascinating masterpiece that will be one of the most underrated of all time.

Rating: 10/10

A+ = 10
A = 9
A- = 8
B+ = 7
B = 6
B- = 5
C+ = 4
C = 3
C- = 2.5
D+ = 2
D = 1.5
D- = 1
F = 0… Expand
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10
lElMuertolJul 29, 2016
Prisoners is one of my favorite movies, Denis Villeneuve did an amazing job, with a movie so well made, so well wrote, very suspensefull, dark and interesting.

Hugh Jackman did one of the best performances i've ever seen in a big screen,Prisoners is one of my favorite movies, Denis Villeneuve did an amazing job, with a movie so well made, so well wrote, very suspensefull, dark and interesting.

Hugh Jackman did one of the best performances i've ever seen in a big screen, as a father who lost his daughter, Jake Gyllenhaal once again is fantastic as the detective, every single actor in this movie is so incredible, with a story so deep and so emotional, excelente cinematography and a beautiful soundtrack.

Denis Villeneuve gave us a movie that will become a classic in the future and i can't wait to see more movies from this brillant director.… Expand
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9
alejandro970Aug 19, 2023
A thriller works well when it captures the viewer's attention all the time and, as in this case, the clues do not appear easily, and the plot snowballs. An extra credit is that ending with an ellipsis.
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10
ethanstapleyDec 15, 2017
Despite the grim nature of the story, it was hard not to have a smile on my face at times as it was so beautifully crafted from the performances to the stunning cinematography. This is the best I have seen Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal.Despite the grim nature of the story, it was hard not to have a smile on my face at times as it was so beautifully crafted from the performances to the stunning cinematography. This is the best I have seen Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. It's very long but utterly compelling.… Expand
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9
WalterTSolleyJan 2, 2018
“Prisoners” is easily one of the best films of this decade, thanks largely to the level of intelligence with which director Denis Villeneuve approaches his audience. The story of an abduction and the search for a suspect is never“Prisoners” is easily one of the best films of this decade, thanks largely to the level of intelligence with which director Denis Villeneuve approaches his audience. The story of an abduction and the search for a suspect is never predictable, always entertaining, sometimes terrifying, and at moments, profound. Remarkably believable performances from a cast featuring Maria Bello, Viola Davis, Paul Dano, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard, Hugh Jackman and Melissa Leo, and eerily beautiful Oscar nominated cinematography by Roger A. Deakins, compel viewers to an utterly shattering climax.… Expand
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7
LoletinAlexisApr 29, 2020
Prisoners is a remarkable thriller that is negatively affected by its excessive length and the "improvised" coincidences of the plot.
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8
FilipeNetoSep 19, 2021
An intense thriller, with big moral questions and challenging dilemmas.

There is no doubt that the biggest nightmare for a parent is to see a child die, especially if it is the result of a criminal's perfidious mind. But I don't know howAn intense thriller, with big moral questions and challenging dilemmas.

There is no doubt that the biggest nightmare for a parent is to see a child die, especially if it is the result of a criminal's perfidious mind. But I don't know how much better the abduction of a child is: it is not known if the child is alive or dead, what happened to him, if he is all right, and all the uncertainty has the effect, on a father, of a real Chinese torture . This film tells us about that, and the moral boundaries and barriers that a father is willing to break in order to get a daughter back.

The script is extraordinarily good, intense and morally challenging. I don't think it's possible to remain indifferent to such a dramatic story: while the police do what they can to locate Keller Dover's missing daughter, the desperate father decides to act on his own and arrest and even torture the one he senses to be the culprit, even though you have no proof of this and know that you are committing a crime by doing so. Meanwhile, a police detective continues to investigate, and goes looking for other possible suspects.

The film features two great performances by two renowned actors: Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman. The two give us powerful performances, and the way they both perform is impeccable, stealing our attention whenever they show up. In addition to this duo of actors, the film also features good appearances by Maria Bello, Viola Davis, Paul Dano and Terrence Howard. And in fact, we cannot say that any of them looked bad. All were well and up to what was asked of them.

Technically, it's a low-key film that lets us be fully aware of the story that will be told, as well as the excellent performance of the cast. Many of the film's scenes are at night, and night shooting can be challenging, but the cinematography is very good and made very clever use of darkness, shadows and spotlights to intensify the tense atmosphere that the film builds. . The filming locations, sets and costumes also make a good contribution to the construction of the global panorama and the environment, without jarring notes worthy of mention. The visual and sound effects worked well, but maybe a little more soundtrack is missing, punctually.… Expand
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10
ErikTheCriticSep 26, 2018
With a very sombre, dark and tense tone, "Prisoners" is unquestionably one of the best films of the year and one that will be stuck in your mind after viewing.
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8
AlfatriMuhOct 14, 2018
The Good:
1. Acting, i should say that this is one of the best performances for both leading actors. Hugh Jackman was incredible.
2. Plot and characterization, well i can expected that by seeing the director's name. One of the bestThe Good:
1. Acting, i should say that this is one of the best performances for both leading actors. Hugh Jackman was incredible.
2. Plot and characterization, well i can expected that by seeing the director's name. One of the best crime-thriller ever made, keep you sucked into the plot.
3. Cinematography, genius Deakins success to build the tense of the film only by his work. Film atmosphere was really good.

The Bad: Overlong and the original score not pretty good to lived up the film. I mean, Johann was a really good composer, especially his work in Sicario and Arrival, but it's not work here.

Conclusion: Many good aspects of the film, but its just good, not amazing. 81/100… Expand
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8
JamedrisApr 10, 2019
Available on PL Netflix now, I encourage y'all to watch because it has an amazing ending, not everything goes smoothly and fine, just as IRL. Plus, Jake is amazing and I fully appreciate his character's creation. Tattoos, impulsiveAvailable on PL Netflix now, I encourage y'all to watch because it has an amazing ending, not everything goes smoothly and fine, just as IRL. Plus, Jake is amazing and I fully appreciate his character's creation. Tattoos, impulsive behaviour... It's obvious that this man HAS a past. Strong 8.… Expand
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8
ArunpawarJun 2, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A good thriller movie
A bit slow at starting 1 hour after that Story started on track… Expand
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7
o_retyJun 17, 2019
Intense, grips you till the end, but there are some questionable plot twists. I mean, they are utilized for a reason and they do their job fine, but better not look at them too close, lest the charm may vanish. Also naming the simpleton "AlexIntense, grips you till the end, but there are some questionable plot twists. I mean, they are utilized for a reason and they do their job fine, but better not look at them too close, lest the charm may vanish. Also naming the simpleton "Alex Jones". Really?… Expand
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9
Jason_bJan 3, 2020
So well made. Roger Deakins' camera work is exceptional. Well written, smart, dark, dramatic, suspenseful. Great performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman.
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10
kretasDec 22, 2020
There are scenes in this movie which keep stucking in my head even afer years seeing it.
It's also pleasing to rewatch.
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10
NepologyYTBibekJun 29, 2020
A film with many emotional components, the visceral panic, desperation and helplessness any parent would feel when their children are abducted, forms its bedrock. Each watershed point takes its own time to build. This ensures that you willA film with many emotional components, the visceral panic, desperation and helplessness any parent would feel when their children are abducted, forms its bedrock. Each watershed point takes its own time to build. This ensures that you will want to pay attention to the details that makes Prisoners is the best movie of the decade so far. One the most mysterious movie I've ever watched.… Expand
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9
ToosieslideXAug 23, 2020
Just watched it and it's great. I felt so much tense and disturbed by the story and how great the actors in this movie. if you want to be stressed watch this
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8
MrPajamasJul 28, 2022
From the beginning to the end it was a blast, well, almost to the end. Right from the first scene the film grabbed me and didn't even let go. I had a very good time watching this film. I really liked the locations and the overall camera work.From the beginning to the end it was a blast, well, almost to the end. Right from the first scene the film grabbed me and didn't even let go. I had a very good time watching this film. I really liked the locations and the overall camera work. The acting was great too. The storyline didn't disappoint either. I found it very interesting and was waiting to see how it would turn out. Everything was so well done, except for the ending, which wasn't bad, but it felt like there was more to come. If it had ended about 5 minutes earlier, it might have been better. That's my opinion. It was the only thing I didn't like. But despite that, it was a great movie that I recommend, especially to fans of the detective genre.… Expand
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7
Sam_GreenOct 1, 2020
I think this has now tempted me into not having kids. Which is a pretty big praise for this film We see a rugged and stone-faced Hugh Jackman play a father to a missing daughter in a sombre (And very rainy) American town, as he very quicklyI think this has now tempted me into not having kids. Which is a pretty big praise for this film We see a rugged and stone-faced Hugh Jackman play a father to a missing daughter in a sombre (And very rainy) American town, as he very quickly becomes tortured by the search for her. This is alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, a complicated detective who also takes on this pain, maybe a bit too much.
Firstly, the camera work on this is what first strikes me (What else do you expect from Rog Deaks?). The majority of the film is slow, building tension and sometimes leaving you as equally as disorientated as the characters. The colour and lighting is as dull and dreary as it comes, reflecting the plot with no happiness shining through. In other films, this trope really bores me but because of the mystery and suspense this creates, the lack of colour did not lose my attention and adds to the sense of doom
The performances? Easy! My favourite Hugh Jackman performance hands down. He strikes similar notes as he does in Logan (Which he is also great) but because there is no air a ‘superhero’ movie, I find his reactions more relatable. He is emotional to the right extent and not giving much away emotions in others and adds so much to his character. Jake Gyllenhaal is good and one of his better performances, I feel I’ve seen this same character in other movies (An emotional cop who takes way too much baggage in his job – Watch ‘The Sinner’ for just one example). Nevertheless, he was believable, but I felt that if that character was played by someone else, I wouldn’t have my opinion changed. One character that took me right out of the movie was the son (Played by that boy from ‘13 reasons why’). His whole performance, but in particular, his dramatic scenes were too over the top for this film and his other scenes were very 1 dimensional. A needed shoutout to Paul Dano as he puts in a great performance too, making me excited to see his work as The Riddler. I can be quite picky about films ending, particularly the continuation of the tone, (A lot of films lose the tone in favour of a big third act finale) and I must say Prisoners does slightly lose me at the end. It continued themes from the first act and even brought in more themes and pursued them to the end. The film’s climatic scenes were again brilliantly shot but, like so many endings to thrillers, it was trying to rely on twists that didn’t need to be there making it more convoluted. I’m glad it didn’t take this to the extreme as to ruin the rest of a great film
Overall, one of the better thrillers to come out of the last 10 years. The mood is consistent, and the plot kept intrigue. The characters were believable and HJ gave a 9/10 performance and I would like to see him take on even more challenging roles. I would recommend this to: Film Fans and casual film watchers… Expand
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9
AnatolieeOct 17, 2020
I watched this movie with bated breath. It's really great psychological crime thriller what tells about the resistance of good and evil within oneself. The film is very exciting, the duration of the fiilm is two and a half hours, but theyI watched this movie with bated breath. It's really great psychological crime thriller what tells about the resistance of good and evil within oneself. The film is very exciting, the duration of the fiilm is two and a half hours, but they passed very quickly. The plot is not bad, with many plot twists. The story always went in an unexpected direction. There were some plot jambs that confused me a little, for example why at the end the police did not take fingerprints from the Keller's bags that he brought Holly's home, and some more things.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman are incredible, Paul Dano is also very good. Was very mesmerizing to watch Hugh Jackman acting, I think this is his best role. But I couldn't empathize with the main characters. The rest of the characters were played by good actors, but the characters themselves turned out to be a little empty. For example I would really like to know more about the son of the main character. What I liked the most about the film was the visual. Roger Deakins does his job admirably. Composition of the frame, the color scheme is just magic. Also, I can't help but mention the soundtrack, it is very atmospheric, from which goosebumps.
In general, it's not a masterpiece and not the best Denis Villeneuve movie, but it's really great film. You probably won't want to rewatch this movie, but still need to look once.… Expand
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8
AJ_13Mar 25, 2021
It keeps you on the edge of your seat during the whole movie. Performances, direction and the convoluted plot are its strongest points. It also invites you to ask yourself questions about justice, machiavellianism, even religion.
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10
Abso_lute1Jul 12, 2021
A extremely entertaining piece of cinema that is disturbing and masterful in tension.
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7
Zac03Aug 8, 2021
A mostly mediocre film with some incredible performances. The plot itself tugs at heart strings a tad too much but it's okay since the ending and acting are downright fantastic. Gyllenhall and Jackman are incredible and frankly its surprisingA mostly mediocre film with some incredible performances. The plot itself tugs at heart strings a tad too much but it's okay since the ending and acting are downright fantastic. Gyllenhall and Jackman are incredible and frankly its surprising to see the lack of love for them in this awards season. Even when the scene seems trite and overwrought with melodrama these two, neigh, the cast seems to ground it with force and believability unlike any other performance this year. The ending too is handled marvelously, making a perfect balancing act between meaningful and happy go lucky.… Expand
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9
strawhashiraJan 19, 2022
A 150 min richly directed suspense-fest with an unprecedented emotional and psychological focus towards the effectively built up characters.
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9
DM29xDec 9, 2021
One of my favourite ever, pretty goated to be honest, hugh jackman and jake gyllenhall are great in it
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8
AgentLviJul 21, 2023
Great movie. The story is decent. The scoring is great, visual is really amazing, the voice & sound is also amazing
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10
21rioDec 27, 2021
Prisoners delivers a perfect thriller movie that keeps me engage through most of its scenes that were terrifying, and scary through worrisome stuff in horror ways in every second of the darkest hours that has been holding you captive andPrisoners delivers a perfect thriller movie that keeps me engage through most of its scenes that were terrifying, and scary through worrisome stuff in horror ways in every second of the darkest hours that has been holding you captive and keeps you guessing until the bitter end. Although still to me this film is the best that how Denis Villeneuve does with these scenes bringing more of its scary ways of how parents may have their worst nightmares (their children getting abducted) and so far, the script was very amazing and even the cinematography by Roger Deakins was great overall. Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal were the best at their careers for bringing such defining performances in this recent film that is a masterpiece.… Expand
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9
SilarMaldonJan 30, 2022
Nearly perfect. So devastating and amazing that you almost forget Jake Gyllenhaal is in it. The best film of 2010-2020.
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8
DunkaccinoAug 30, 2023
With a great director and a flawless cast. Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal are unmatched with their respective performances.
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8
DarkwingSchmuckJul 27, 2023
Denis Villeneuve made a name for himself with this film, and while his best work was yet to come, you can see the makings of a master in Prisoners. Few directors right now are as good at building tension as Villeneuve.
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10
merlinwynneOct 9, 2022
I was fully immersed from the first few scenes. It's a terrifying and expertly crafted film requiring no leaps of faith. No plot holes.
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8
umrttlJan 8, 2023
I like the story, it keeps you guessing on who's good and who's bad. My only issue is the bad guys end up being shallow and not really fleshed out.
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10
mawwexJul 19, 2023
Really Really good, loved the ambiguous ending with a perfect Radiohead song
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10
aline_1Jul 23, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O filme é muito bom, a história de suspense envolve o telespectador, porém poderia ter um final melhor para o Keller. Espero que tenha o segundo filme para que esse final seja explicado.… Expand
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