Tu hijo: Sohn der Vergeltung

This is a Spanish production (original title: '' Tu Hijo ''), directed by Miguel Ángel Vivas and starring one of the best contemporary European actors, Jose Coronado, whose performance as the protagonist, Jaime, is truly riveting. Jaime is a middle-aged surgeon, married with two kids, Markos (Pol Monen) and Sara (Asia Ortega). When Markos gets seriously injured after a nasty fight outside a nightclub, Jaime will have to face his worst nightmare, how own son is in a coma and decides to find the person responsible and revenge his boy.

This is the basic premise of the story, and it certainly is not one that we, as viewers, haven't already encountered numerous times in films of the genre. The difference is that ''Tu Hijo'' is, above all, a study of the protagonist's character, concentrating on his feelings and emotional reactions rather than relying on the strength of its script and plotting. Coronado combines intensity with subtlety and is compelling in his portrayal of a shattered man, determined to get revenge for his son's current predicament. The director chooses do many close shots to Coronado's face which reflect the wide range of Jaime's conflicted feelings, ranging from pure rage to the sense of helplessness and despair, while displaying the actors skills.

Of course, the above facts do not imply that ''Your Son'' is a boring film with a weak plot. On the contrary, I that it has a compelling plot which unfolds in a slow -though effective- tempo and leaves no loose ends. The story reaches its climax in the final ten minutes of the running time and the finale comes as a surprise to the viewer who definitely expects another decision made from the protagonist. Personally, I think it was a great, though-provoking ending which suited perfectly the film's mood and tone. ''Your Son'' is a movie that you will think about for days after watching as it raises valid questions regarding justice, vigilantism and the meaning of familial obligation.

Filmed with admirable restraint, this Spanish film makes its points with articulate ease. The pacing is effortless, sweeping the viewer along for the ride, keeping you on the edge of your seat yet sitting back just enough to let you get your breath. The quiet tension never overwhelms, putting you in the front seat of the main character's pursuit of justice. Kudos for not going with a Hollywood Liam Neeson revenge fantasy, this sophisticated movie is more interested in the complex and adult reality of this man's pain and determination. The only downside is a pivotal moment of stupidity by the main character which seems more like an artificial plot device than something an educated man would do, even in the heat of his uncovering of the truth about the fate of his son.

Javier Jiménez , José Coronado, is a prestigious surgeon living in Sevilla. He is married to Carmen : Ana Wagener , and both of whom have two children , Sara and Marcos . After a surgícal operation he receives a sad notice , his son Marcos : Monen , is in coma after being hit by a group of unknown attackers. Then he begins his own investigations about the identity of suspects and relentlessly attempts to find them, leading to unexpected consequences . Javier attempts to bring criminal evidences to a Police Inspector , but it leads to his detention. Later on , he is freed , but he makes a difficult decission, to take justice on his own hands.

This is a thrilling and bleak Spanish film with high doses of suspense , intrigue , plot twists , blood , and violence . This stirring story is filmed in slow-moving , following a similar realist and dark style to his former successful film : Kidnapped 2010. While the look is suitable sinister and intriguing, the plot spreads to the surprising breaking point , including an unexpected final that turns out to be a little frustrating. There stands out José Coronado giving a magnificent interpretation as a relentless avenger father who broken by pain , rage and impotence attempts to seek the nasty agressors and exact a merciless vendetta. As the surgeon José Coronado acts as judge , jury and executioner , Charles Bronson-alike . Here the veteran Coronado is well accompanied by a fine support cast , such as : Ana Wagener as unsettling mummy , Asia Ortega as teen daughter , Paul Monen as son , Vicente Romero and Luis Bermejo .

It packs a shading and adequate cinematography by Pedro Marquez , Miguel Angel Vivas's regular . Shot in Sevilla , though here neither monuments , nor sightseeing from this wonderful city , but night discoteques , building , roads and bridges , only . The motion picture was professional , though slowly paced by Miguel Angel Vivas .He is an expert on rare atmosphere, as he also proved in Reflejos 2002, Extinctión 2015 , and his greatest hit : Kidnapped 2010 that achieved undoubted success , several awards and important reputation , being also starred by Ana Wagener. Rating 6/10 . Acceptable and passable .

This is not a usual movie. Its different, and that it what makes it so interesting. Strong movie, clever and very well executed. 100% recommended

Interminably slow and tedious with an ending that is no surprise at all considering the multiple truths about character that evolve.