Stolen Lives

This film is, unfortunately, rightfully slightly neglected and a bit on the back burner compared to well-known classics like Prisoners or Mystic River. It's about a mysterious murder, or the search for both the victim and the murderer in the present. But only about ten percent of it is set in the present, the rest is flashbacks. We don't learn from the story whether the main character's son was deliberately chosen by the killer to test his abilities or by accident, but it is through the investigation that the pieces of the killer's identity gradually reveal a much more complex and broader story than it first appears. Based on this, the film should be at least 120-130 minutes long to allow all the characters to stand out, because there are plenty of them. Unfortunately, only the main ones manage it, and a lot of digressions and side themes and motives remain unfinished or very abridged. The whole thing is bogged down by an ending that could have been heart-attack inducing but instead is cut down to a three-minute conversation with a clear outcome. Terrible shame about the work of the editors and the screenwriter who shat the bed at the end of the film. The potential for a chilling crime-drama was there and stories like this always find their audience. It's terrific anyway, if only for the rather sophisticated construction of the story, the ending of which I wanted to experience but much longer and more intensely. (2017-09-20)

It only takes a brief moment when daddy's Junior has to run off and go for a pee, and it could mean a loss for those closest to him. Not only does it evoke the skeleton in the closet (or rather, in the box) reminiscent of an episode of Cold Case, but it also has a strong connection to the present and a well-drawn tension between parents who have lost a child. The masks can be criticized for being poorly done, but it’s equally important to highlight the pacing of sentiment and attention to detail (in sweatpants while discovering the body, the multiple rings of the phone before someone answers it). By the way, the American small town, disappearing children, the red balloon – for Jessica Chastain, it was a sign straight from Shyamalan. (2021-01-07)

Outstanding thriller, which greatly surprised me with its high level, one could say that it also significantly overlaps with other genres. The film is not harmed at all by being based on the performances of not very well-known actors, the most prominent character being James Van Der Beek. I was also pleased with the minor role of "Mika Nowicka". (2010-12-30)

A well-made drama that sucks you in. The story is dark, fairly realistic and mainly is a great idea. The two storylines, separated from each other by a chasm of 50 years, almost unbelievably blend into one. I really am pleased with this. Bring on more of this kind of modest small gem. (2010-07-02)

Stolen feels like your standard crime drama, almost like watching an episode of Bones or CSI. The downside is that the film lacks a character or element that would add a bit more flair—like a standout female lead who could help push the story forward. I get it, it's meant to be a heavy, tragic tale, but still, you kind of wish there was something, or someone, more engaging to focus on. (2011-01-30)