THE GREAT KIDNAPPING (DAIYUKAI) Asian Cinema

Kihachi Okamoto has constructed an uproariously funny, inventive and charming comedy that effortlessly transcends language barriers. The Great Kidnapping tell? the story of a wealthy family matriarch who helps three ex-cons’pull off a kidnapping with herself as the victim. The seemingly sweet, well-respected widow makes a wily criminal as she easily controls the bumbling, clueless kidnappers, manipulates her distressed family, and outwits the police to win the largest ransom in world history. A witty, hilarious screenplay full of deceptive twists and turns and Okamoto’s assured direction carry the film along with audacious gags and perfect comic pacing -Deborah Mccrae