Film Review: A Hijacking (15), (Denmark 2012) (Director: Tobias Lindholm) (English, Danish & Swedish  With English Subtitles), Saturday 11.05.2013 15:45, The Cameo Cinema, Screen Two, Edinburgh

This is a film based around actual happenings and is from the writer of Danish T.V.'s 'Borgen' & 'the Danish film 'The Hunt' released here in the U.K. late last year. The plot is not particularly revolatory. A sea vessel belonging to a Danish company is boarded by Somalian Pirates in the waters of India and demands for money are made.

What marks this out from lesser quality fare is the fine balance of focus continually shifting back and forth between the situation aboard the vessel and the Danish company attempting to manage the negotiations along with the affect upon family members anxiously waiting upon the outcome.

The pacing and plot development keeps the progression suitably taught without over-spilling into gung-ho behaviour. The desperation of the hostages situation is finely portrayed by Pilou Asbaek (Kasper Jull the spin-doctor in Borgen) as the vessels cook. There is a twist close to the end, which speaks of the need to tread carefully even when it appears as if a resolution has been reached. I found the film tensely compelling, while also leaving room for thought at the end as all was not wrapped up neatly.

Rating: 08/10.