This is really a tale of two movies: the first half and the second half. The first half focuses on character development instead of the finer details of the negotiation and any dealings with the Heineken family. A better mixture would've really improved the film. However, the second half of the film is just wonderful! Rutger Hauer is featured much more prominently and absolutely dominates every seen he's in. His performance was powerful! The second half (basically everything after the release of Heineken) is fast-paced, well-written, and superbly acted. It's also clever and fascinating. So if you can get through the first hour or so of the film, you'll love the eventual payoff. Overall a great film with good acting and story-telling throughout. Only one little gripe: the film never says what happened to Frans!
Review of The Heineken Kidnapping
The Heineken Kidnapping
(2011)
Long, but well-acted, fast-paced, and terrific ending
14 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers