Robert Louis Stevensons's: Kidnapped

Robert Louis Stevensons's: Kidnapped
by Brendan Maher

Robert Louis Stevensons's: Kidnapped
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DVD details

Actor: Gregor Fisher; Iain Glen; Paul McGann; Adrian Dunbar; James Anthony Pearson; Kirstin Coulter Smith
Director: Brendan Maher
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 150 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-12-06
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: WGBH BOSTON

DVD Reviews of Robert Louis Stevensons's: Kidnapped

DVD Review: It Has Its Points
Summary: 4 Stars

Though (like most book-to-movie adaptations) this movie takes some liberties with Stevenson's work, it at least hints at what all the fighting is about up there in the Highlands. In our politically correct times, I doubt that the screenwriters wanted to get into the whole Catholic v. Protestant issue that underlies the book, but at least you know that Davie's clan (Protestants) and Allan's clan (Catholic) are at each other's throats. The idea Stevenson was working with is that sometimes two persons from different backgrounds are thrown together by circumstances in which they must cooperate to bring about their mutual survival. In the struggle, they find in each other a basic human decency that transcends the political struggle around them. Despite the fact that the movie doesn't always follow the book, that basic idea still comes shining through.

DVD Review: Not up to par
Summary: 2 Stars

I didn't enjoy this version of the great Robert Louis Stevenson novel as much as some earlier, if more glamorized versions. I found it to be stiff, dark and with the Scottish accents very hard to follow...I'm usually quite good at accents. The persona of the heroic Alan came across as a mixed up character, somewhere between Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks and so stupid that the viewer only wants to give him a good kick! I couldn't advise watching this DVD if you haven't read the book, so just get a copy of the book and have an enjoyable time with it.

DVD Review: Nothing like the book...
Summary: 1 Stars

I have to start by saying the Kidnapped is one of my favorite books. I've read it many, many times so I know that no movie version can do it full justice. Actually, the best version I'd ever seen was the Disney version with Peter Finch, so I was very interested to see if this one would be more faithful to the book. I was extremely disappointed: while David's character is ok (albeit a bit boring), Alan is completely and utterly changed beyond all recognition. Not only does he look and act like someone out of a Dumas novel, but near the end he is actually portrayed as a *coward*! If there is anything in the world that Alan Breck Stewart is NOT, that would be a coward! Arg, I was yelling at the TV, it was that bad. So if you're a fan of the book, do yourself and everyone around you a favor and give this one a miss.

DVD Review: The face says it all.
Summary: 4 Stars

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The first adult novel I read was "Kidnapped," when I received it for my 9th birthday. I had a tough time with many of the words, but no one would help me; they would always say: "Look it up. That's how you learn."

Well, I did learn to love Stevenson's work and similar adventure tales; but, the reason I gave this adapted version of Stevenson's work four stars is the acting. I withhold one star for the deep changes to the original story that have already discussed here by other reviewers.

The entire cast did an excellent job, but the work of Iain Glen, and especially of James Anthony Pearson, is something to write home about.

Pearson's facial expressions alone are worth the price of admission, or, more accurately, the price of the DVD.

Take a look at the brief flash of realization on this young actors face, when he tells the weaver that he thought she was a witch, and then he realizes that it was the wrong thing to say.

Better still, watch Pearson/Davie's face in the background as Alan Breck and James-of-the-Glen have a heated discussion, which ends when James's daughter asks Pearson/Davie if he likes smelling like a goat.

This young Pearson, has that special acting talent which allows him to manipulate his face so that it speaks volumes, without a word being said. One is reminded of the remarkable eyebrows of Jack Nicholson and Christian Slater, among other great actors.

DVD Review: Great fun on PBS(I'm still in shock : )
Summary: 5 Stars

Okay, okay. I admit it. I have never read Kidnapped. Thats probably why I enjoyed this so much. I thought the cast was fantastic, the locations were great, and the direction wasn't half bad. I did read the reviews and they are probably right, but since I didn't read Steven's book I wasn't bothered by anything left out or messed up(Obviously). So in conclusion if you want a good fun film from PBS buy this. IF you are a fan of the book you should probably burn this thing(Judging on the other reviews), or, like me, you could enjoy a good old adventure tale....

Description of Robert Louis Stevensons's: Kidnapped

Treachery. Romance. Rebellion. A classic adventure story for all ages.

Robert Louis Stevenson's coming-of-age adventure is back--and breathtaking--in this widely heralded Masterpiece Theatre presentation bursting with scoundrels, and scallywags, villains and heroines, and two memorable heroes who will stop at nothing in their quest for justice.

Attempting to claim his rightful inheritance from his eccentric Uncle Ebenezer, young Davie Balfour is kidnapped and imprisoned in the hold of a slave ship bound for the New World. Soon, Davie joins forces with exiled Highland hero Alan Breck and together, the unlikely pair of outlaw and innocent embark on a treacherous quest across Scotland that will bring them foes to numerous to count, as well as unexpected friends.

Newcomer James Anthony Pearson (Monarch of the Glen) delivers a transforming portrayal of lost innocence as the once-sheltered Davie, while Iain Glen (Beautiful Creatures) offers a triumphant performance as the notorious rebel Breck. Rounding out the impressive cast are Adrian Dunbar (The Crying Game, Richard III), Paul McGann (Horatio Hornblower, Dr. Who), Gregor Fisher (Love Actually), and Kirstin Coulter Smith (My Life So Far).

Kidnapped is an action-packed spectacular sure to swashbuckle its way into your heart.

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