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Kidnapped - 14 Days of Survival

Kidnapped - 14 Days of Survival (2023)

Jun 27, 2023 1h 45m Drama Thriller

In 1981, all of Germany fears for the life of Johannes Erlemann, the eleven-year-old son of entrepreneur Jochem Erlemann, who was in custody on suspicion of fraud at the time of his son's abduction. The boy was snatched off his bicycle by his kidnappers, put into a van and then spend two terrible weeks in a shed in the forest fighting for his life having been chained to a wall and left without daylight, while the kidnappers try to extort a large ransom from his wealthy parents.

Directed by Marc Rothemund

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Marc Rothemund
Writer
  • Béatrice Huber
Producer
  • Veronica Ferres
  • Laura Roll

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Kidnapped - 14 Days of Survival examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Marc Rothemund brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Kidnapped - 14 Days of Survival took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 122 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2023, when this film is released:
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Kidnapped - 14 Days of Survival shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Behind Enemy Lines, which focuses more on action than character development, Kidnapped - 14 Days of Survival subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like This Boy's Life and The Magdalene Sisters explore similar territory, Kidnapped - 14 Days of Survival stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 27, 2023
  • Runtime: 1h 45m