This film has what most major Hollywood films lack, a realistically diverse cast.
The film centers around a birthday concert in a mansion full of dignitaries from all over the world. Roxane Coss (Julianne Moore, lip syncing as though her life depended on it, which it literally did) is the highlight of the event but she's not happy to be there and is there only for the paycheck. Needless to say, she gets a little bit more than she bargained for.
Despite the armored guards, rebels take over and take everyone hostage. Quickly, they let all the women and children go but not Roxane go as she is a powerful bargaining chip.
The situation goes on for several weeks, enough for two sets of people to fall in love. Roxane and the wealthy Japanese businessman, Mr. Hosokawa (Ken Watanabe) have their moment. Mr. Hosokawa was besotted with Roxane just listening to her and it is only confirmed by seeing her in person. The other is Mr. Hosokawa's translator, Gen (Ryo Kase) who speaks at least four languages and can teach as well. He only has eyes for Carmen (Maria Mercedes Coroy) who is one of the rebels but still has a hunger for knowledge. So, yeah, Stockholm syndrome is a real thing.
Now, while some have accepted their fate and try to make the best of things, there is still a hateful undertone throughout and there is an unnecessarily bloody ending, even after the rebels toss down their arms, they are still killed in cold blood and nothing is mentioned because of it.
Still, there are plenty of interesting characters and the acting is rather good. That being said, I found the ending hollow, not Roxane's voice, still full and rich, but it ends sadly, while the hostages are free, they, too, are disappointed as the government now has also let them down. There are no winners here, only those who have lost more. Grade: B+
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