Kidnapped

Robert Louis Stevenson's unforgettable adventure of David Balfour's coming-of-age is presented in this riveting Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of the 18th-century tale set on the high seas and in the rugged Scottish Highlands, against the backdrop of the Jacobite rebellion. Naïve Davie (James Anthony Pearson, in a wonderful performance) struggles to find a new place for himself in the world after being kidnapped by his evil uncle and sold into bondage to a vicious sea captain, but his life really takes a turn when he teams up with Highland rebel Alan Breck (Iain Glen) and matters of honor begin to take precedence in Davie's maturing conscience. The magnificent cinematography beautifully captures the bleak and glorious Scottish landscape, which echoes Davie's personal torments, from the anguish of family betrayal to the harsh penalties for misplaced trust in new acquaintances. But director Brendan Maher's rousing film is not all serious drama—in fact, there's plenty of swashbuckling and heroics here for those just looking for a rip-roaring good watch. Highly recommended. (M. Johanson)