Killing words - Parole assassine

If you get a chance make sure to pick up this small gem from a Spanish actress turned director Laura Mana. This movie is rather obscure and not that well known over here in America as some other titles made in Spain so it might take some time and luck to find it. But once you do, get ready for one of the best thrillers of the last couple of years. This is an example of great film making, a flick made with a low budget and only small number of actors. But oh boy, some fine ones. That especially goes to Dario Grandinetti in a role of a serial killer suspect. The only thing he admits of doing is an abduction of his ex-wife, as revenge of her lies in their divorce case...Is there any more to it? The game of cat and mouse has begun. Not to spoil the fun and give away too much all I'll say is : don't point your finger until the very end. In difference to the majority of newer US thrillers the script is superb without any plot holes and the story is sharp and witty. Mana treats the audience as people who know how to think, rather than serving every single little detail on a plate. Everything is there, you just have to find it. Original, intelligent, twisted and somber, even funny at moments - this is a film that has it all and I can only hope it will not get a Hollywood remake, Palabras Encadenas is perfect as it is. Believe me in that :)

Truly magnificent effort by all involved. I haven't seen a psychological thriller this good since the Silence of the Lambs. Dario Grandinetti's chilling portrayal of a seemingly psychotic serial killer is engrossing, evocative, amusing at times and too surreal it becomes terrifying. A flawless performance, his on-screen presence captured your attention refusing to let go, not even for a moment.

His performance is equalled by Goya Toledo, whose stunning portrayal of Dario's wife, his both smart, sexy and strong.

The writing and direction were also top-notch; developing the multi-dimensional characters full of depth, excellent cinematography, playing off the rival husband and wife against each other, etc.

There seriously was not one fault with this film. A Must see!!!

10/10

The previous reviewer pretty much said what I wanted to say: "Killing Words" is a difficult film to categorize, but if you have to place it under one genre, it's probably what they call a "mind-f**k". Twist upon twist upon twist - that's how this film proceeds. It constantly plays with your perceptions; just when you thing you've figured it all out, it proves you wrong. There are only four characters, and they are all effectively performed (and yes: Goya Toledo IS a sensual woman). The film is also stylishly directed and photographed. One minor point: the word game that Grandinetti and Toledo frequently play won't mean much to non-Spanish-speaking audiences. But Spanish is such a pleasant language to listen to anyway that this doesn't matter much. (**1/2)

Palabras encadenadas (2003)

Locked in a dark basement, Laura, a psychiatrist in her early thirties, contemplates in horror a video where a man confesses to be a serial killer. His name is Ramón, an apparently normal man in his forties, who seems to be quite harmless. Gagged and bound to a chair, Laura realizes that it's the same person who kidnapped her and who is now pacing in the shadows. Ramón continues to speak as he turns off the television. He walks over to her, takes off the gag and challenges Laura to play the "Word Game". If she wins, she gets to go free, but if she loses, he'll poke out her eye. Laura is terrified, but reluctantly accepts. The game begins. Laura makes a mistake. Ramón menacingly moves towards her. Laura's screams are useless.

She is his ex-wife.. She divorced him after knowing that he is a gay... In-between twists are unexpected and all are acted soo well.. One time watchable movie..!

I am a big fan of being scared whilst watching films. That's why "Killing Words" was so appealing not only because of the r18 certificate but also because the cover had a chilling beckoning that drew me towards it.

The film started slowly however as the story unfolded it could only be compared to the ranks of the sixth sense with the twist that was only revealed at the very end after drawing me deep into it's chilling premise.

Beautifully directed with nothing spelled out blatantly which keeps the element of surprise and the characters are both beautifully acted and masterfully written.

An intense directing style which doesn't always need a fast pace to enthrall but simply keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what the hell is going to happen next.

You will draw your own conclusions as to the ending of this film.

But you will be wrong.

A must see - Ash out.