The Captive - Comments & Tips

[Veoasecan] An ambitious approach to the figure of Miguel de Cervantes that doesn't avoid the controversy, but above all, lacks emotion and depth. Its Orientalist portrayal of Algiers, the Western view of sensuality and the stereotypical depiction of a society that is not understood are more problematic than its exploration of sexual identity. But the story is told with a simplistic and superficial approach, structured thematically as if it were a history book, failing to convey even the slightest emotion, even in the prisoners' escape attempts.

Like a Spanish wine: lots of body but no heart. Based on historical fact, Miguel de Cervantes is held prisoner for ransom in Algiers and seems to receive special treatment. The film seems more like a sequence of scenes to detail Cervantes' inspiration for Don Quixote than an exploration of the man behind the book. Not to mention, the film's central premise seems flawed. Still, at least I have a new guy crush (Alessandro Borghi 😍)!

Gratamente sorprendido con El Cautivo, si bien es cierto que hay cosas muy mejorables como la banda sonora , la elección del protagonista o el tan comentado enfoque que Amenábar sobre la orientación sexual de Cervantes la película es bastante entretenida y nos regala una buena trama carcelera de traiciones , venganzas y un propósito firme , ser libres.