Film Title: A Hijacking

This taut Danish thriller by director Tobias Lindholm, about Somali pirates commandeering a merchant vessel in the Indian Ocean, keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. What’s more, it manages to do so without any of the testosterone-laden heroics of its mainstream, bid-budget counterparts.

Like best-in-breed horror films (recall the original Halloween), Tobias wisely knows the ever-present threat of violence is often more riveting and palpably effective then the mayhem itself.  That’s not to say the film doesn’t have its moments, however.

Then there’s the smart juxtaposition of the various worlds colliding – the blue collar ethos of the sailors, the crisp, sanitized, yet pressure-filled realm of the modern corporation, and the raw energy and engineered chaos brought to bear by the Somali pirates. How Lindholm harnesses these seemingly disparate cultural forces — depicting how they are obviously different and yet how they are also surprisingly alike — is the fulcrum upon which A Hijacking emerges as a complex and inspired piece of filmmaking.

A Hijacking is currently playing at the Royal, Playhouse 7, and Town Center 5.

– Marc Horwitz

A film recommendation from Bob Laemmle.

The Attack is a fascinating drama that examines the Israeli/Palestinian situation from the vantage point of Lebanese Director Ziad Doueiri. Raising hosts of questions but resisting clear-cut answers, the filmmaker applies a deft and even-handed approach to his subject. Under Doueiri’s supervision, the acting is superb and believable to the point that it almost feels like you’re watching a documentary.

The story of how The Attack was made and distributed is nearly as compelling as the movie itself. Shot on location in both Israel and the Palestinian territories, the producers had to navigate and overcome complex political, bureaucratic and security issues. What’s more, the controversial nature of the film has led to a revolving door of financial backers.

While screening successfully to Arab audiences via the festival circuit, it’s unfortunate that the film will likely not be released in the Palestinian territories or most other Arab countries. However, it will play in Israel and tracking its performance there should prove interesting.

Of course, movie-goers around the world including Laemmle audiences here in L.A., should consider themselves fortunate indeed to be able to reap the benefit of Doueiri’s talent, passion, and commitment. Filmmakers like him and Tobias Lindholm (who’s equally riveting Danish thriller A Hijacking is also currently running) are just two present-moment examples of the incredible work being done by filmmakers across the globe. We are truly in a golden age of world cinema. Let’s be sure not to miss it!

The Attack is currently playing at our Royal and Playhouse 7 locations. It will be opening at the Town Center 5 on July 3.  Click here for more details.

   – Bob Laemmle