Captive

The May 2001 kidnapping of guests at the Dos Palmas resort on Palawas Island in the Philippines by the Islamic rebel group Abu Sayyaf is the inspiration for Brillante Mendoza's documentary-style film, which follows the voyage of captors and captives to the island of Basilan, subsequent march to the interior after being attacked by government forces at a hospital, and the final military assault that ended the ordeal in June 2002. Isabelle Huppert stars as French relief worker Therese Bourgoine, the most vocal and confrontational of the hostages. Captive clearly aims to make political points about the willingness of the army to endanger the hostages while launching ambushes against the rebels, which leads to increasing anger on the part of the captives (particularly after they hear about the 9/11 attack, which they are sure will make people forget about them). But it also effectively portrays the simpleminded brutality of the captors, who are capable of committing horrific acts on a moment's notice. A harrowing film, presented with impressive and disturbing verisimilitude, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)