Synopsis
HELD FOR RANSOM tells the true story of Danish photojournalist Daniel Rye who was held hostage for 398 days in Syria by the terror organization ISIS along with several other foreign nationals including the American journalist, James Foley. The film follows Daniel’s struggle to survive in captivity, his friendship with James, and the nightmare of the Rye family back home in Denmark as they try to do everything in their power to save their son. At the center of this crisis, we find hostage negotiator, Arthur, who plays a pivotal role in securing Daniel’s release.
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Cast
- Esben SmedDaniel Rye
- Toby KebbellJames Foley
- Amir El-MasryJohn (Beatles)
- Sara Hjort DitlevsenSigne
- Charlie CarrickMichael Foley
- Anders W. BerthelsenArthur
- Fady ElsayedGeorge (Beatles)
- Rafael PetterssonWojceik
- Ardalan EsmailiMajeed
- Elizabeth MoynihanDiane Foley
Recommendations
- 80
Variety
Partly, the balance between gritty, true-life fidelity and pacy, exciting storytelling is achieved because in Rye, to whom Eric Kress’ warm, compassionate camera clings so doggedly, we have such a sympathetic, human protagonist. - 75
Movie Nation
Sympathetic performances alternately show us terrified captives and distraught and frustrated relatives, and from a terrific first act set piece where we see the risks to kidnappers when they don’t realize their new hostage is a gymnast. - 70
The New York Times
Should you be willing to overlook certain intrinsic difficulties, Held for Ransom is a surprisingly thoughtful hostage drama given the blunt meatheadedness of its title. - 60
The Guardian
This is another film about a white European mixed up in a Middle Eastern war they barely seem to understand, but on its own terms it’s a story well told.
