A film who's sum is greater than it's parts

p-hogan1

When this film was released, although still young, I was a film buff (not just in terms of cinematography but history, political biases etc.) of at least 25 years. I have to admit that I was severely biased against this version of 'Kidnapped' with Caine's casting and I am still puzzled as to the how/why of it's production. I have now watched it on a number of occasions and enjoy it more each time with age (both of myself and the film). What does come across, presumably from the script, particularly the comments of Trevor Howards character, and Michael Caine's 'less is more portrayal' of Alan Breck, is the sense of loss of the 'Celtic' past. I have travelled in Scotland but, despite the name, I have never been to Ireland before this year. Having grown up firmly 'English' I begin to feel that there seems to be an element of 'ethnic cleansing' went on.

As an aside study, by comparison, I recommend John Buchan's 'John Burnet of Barns', 'Thirty Nine Steps' and 'Mr Standfast' which suggest that flight across the Scotish landscape has some deeper place in the psyche of the Scots.

score 8/10

p-hogan1 16 November 2009

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2158804/