TV DVD: Hostages

Dr. Yael Danon is about to perform routine surgery on the Prime Minister of Israel when her family are taken prisoner by a gang of masked men. The hostage takers have one demand; Yael must ensure that the Prime Minister does not survive the operation.

This Israeli series was recently shown on BBC tv here in the UK following a previously screened American version. Not having seen the US version I won’t make any comment or comparison.

In this version, as expected, the plan doesn't go smoothly.  Dr. Danon has a whole host of family issues to deal with during the most testing of circumstances and internal rivalry amongst the hostage takers threatens the whole mission.

This leads to various different scenarios which play out over the course of the 10 episodes. The bad guys are all slowly revealed as human, with their own problems, which adds depth to an otherwise simple storyline. 

The Israeli cast will be pretty much unknown to most viewers but there are some fine performances, none better than that of Ayelet Zurer in the leading role.

Hostages is another example of great foreign tv and easily rivals the recent successful Scandinavian dramas when it comes to cranking up the tension. However, the storyline may have been more suited to a 2 hour movie than a 10 part show as it does feel slightly drawn out.     

Available as a 3 disc DVD box set in the UK now.

Ric’s Rating: Good.