A Captive in the Land-Review 1
By Ayesha Haqqiqa
Synopsis: When Meterologist Royce, passenger in an RAF transport, flies over a crash site in the Arctic, he chooses to parachute to help a crew member who is obviously alive.Royce's first shock is to find that the crewman is not an American, as he assumed, but a Russian. The second shock comes the next day, when the rescue helicopter the RAF was going to send doesn't arrive. It is up to Royce to keep the Russian and himself alive, and to figure out a way to get them to safety during the cruel Arctic winter and early spring.
Sam�s Performance: Without a doubt, this is Sam's best performance in any of his films that I have seen. He is in every scene, and his emotions range from cocky optimism to crying despair. Although there are just two actors in most of the scenes of the film, you never feel bored. I have watched this film at least ten times, and will likely watch it again when I feel a need to see Sam at his acting best.
Must-see Scene: There are so many in this film, it is hard to decide. I'd say that one of my favorites is near the end of the film, when Royce is near collapse -- and the audience wonders if he will survive.
Rating:
The ratings are in SAMS and go from 1(you won't be able to sit through the film once) to 5 (this one you need to buy and watch over and over).
This film gets a hefty 5 SAMS!
Great, Engrossing Survival Adventure! Yes!-Review 2By Ruth
This movie will hold your attention from start to finish! It must have been based on an actual account (but personally don't know that). Except for briefly at the start and again at the finish of the story, there are only two actors working here. The bond that develops between the injured, downed, Russian pilot and the American meteorologist rescuer (Sam Waterston) is based on the need for human contact and survival instinct.
Sam Waterson is so excellent in this leading role. When his character's discouragement gets to a low point; the blizzard closes off their fresh air supply; the food is about gone; the endless miles of slow, overland trek are days long; and his emotions give way, this viewer could almost feel the cold and hunger and tears. Their final rescue is charming and a relief!
What a movie! This is the kind of adventure that makes you feel your time was well spent for the viewing; your belief in "goodness will out" was renewed; and the sense that you were part of the intense story. You hope you would be as sacrificing for this helpless pilot as the American (Sam Waterston) was.
This is a movie you'll recommend to others, or loan it out and hope it's returned. It's one you'll bring out again! Hope you'll watch and enjoy this movie as much as we did!