Writer and director Robert Budreau did a great job directing, but his writing needed more "oomph". Pacing was a little slow, and not much comedy - all of it pretty much shown in the trailer. The acting however, was outstanding, especially from Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace. Enjoyable film on how Stockholm Syndrome was recognized as a psychological diagnosis. A 7/10 from me.
86 Reviews
Strange but true. Worth seeing
Vindelander29 January 2020
Actually quite a good film as it's largely based on a true story and has historic psychological significance because of the relationship that developed between hostages and captors. Anyway with Noomi Rapace, Ethan Hawke and Mark Strong in it it couldn't be bad could it ?!
Quirky and amusing in places I thought it was worth seeing and don't really agree with the panning that some have given it on IMDb
Quirky and amusing in places I thought it was worth seeing and don't really agree with the panning that some have given it on IMDb
Remember the Alamo!?
ferguson-612 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Greetings again from the darkness. The film opens with a title card informing us that it is "based on an absurd but true story". In 1973 the Kreditbanken of Stockholm Sweden was held up by an armed man. The ordeal was unusual for low-crime Sweden and it was broadcast live on TV. It has also been credited as being the origin for the term "Stockholm Syndrome" - a term to describe the bonding that sometimes occurs between a hostage and their captor.
Writer-director Robert Budreau wisely wastes little time with setting the stage. Lars (Ethan Hawke) dons a disguise meant to trick the police, and storms the bank lobby armed with a sub-machine gun. Wearing a cowboy hat and a leather jacket with a Texas flag, he proclaims "Remember the Alamo" as he secures some hostages and presents himself as Kaj Hansson, a well-known criminal. Of course, Mr. Hawke is certainly an American, and the actual robbery/hostage event was conducted by a Swede.
Lars is loud and boisterous to the cops, while simultaneously being sympathetic and understanding to the hostages - especially Bianca (Noomi Rapace), a married woman with two kids. Christopher Heyerdahl plays Police Chief Mattison, and he employs some unexpected psychological gamesmanship with Lars that gets even more convoluted when Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme becomes involved. Lars' real goal here is to spring his buddy Gunnar Sorensson (Mark Strong) from jail and have them both ride off to freedom in a mustang like the one Steve McQueen drove in BULLITT.
Yes, I should mention that although guns are fired and hostages are held, this is really an offbeat comedic bank heist. It focuses on how the hostages bond with their captors and how Bianca quickly realizes that not only is she smarter than Lars and Gunnar, but that the cops are more of a threat to her than the criminals. She strategizes better than either side, and Ms. Rapace (from the original Millennium Trilogy) is the standout performer in the film.
Filmmaker Budreau and Mr. Hawke previously collaborated on an intimate look at jazz trumpeter Chet Baker in BORN TO BE BLUE (2015), and they prove again that they work well together. The other two hostages are played by Bea Santos as Clara and Mark Rendall as Elov. When Prime Minister Palme refuses to negotiate or allow Lars to leave with hostages, we can sense the emotional tide turn as Clara, Elov and Bianca realize they are safest remaining with the hostages.
Of course there are some liberties with history taken for cinematic reasons, and since most of the filming takes place within the confines of the bank, we do get to know each of the participants pretty well. The similarities to Sidney Lumet's DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975) are unmistakable, and one of the reporters covering the story even comments that it's "almost like watching an American movie." The odd ending works for the film, and thanks to Ms. Rapace, there is enough heft to the characters to prevent the humor for taking over.
Writer-director Robert Budreau wisely wastes little time with setting the stage. Lars (Ethan Hawke) dons a disguise meant to trick the police, and storms the bank lobby armed with a sub-machine gun. Wearing a cowboy hat and a leather jacket with a Texas flag, he proclaims "Remember the Alamo" as he secures some hostages and presents himself as Kaj Hansson, a well-known criminal. Of course, Mr. Hawke is certainly an American, and the actual robbery/hostage event was conducted by a Swede.
Lars is loud and boisterous to the cops, while simultaneously being sympathetic and understanding to the hostages - especially Bianca (Noomi Rapace), a married woman with two kids. Christopher Heyerdahl plays Police Chief Mattison, and he employs some unexpected psychological gamesmanship with Lars that gets even more convoluted when Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme becomes involved. Lars' real goal here is to spring his buddy Gunnar Sorensson (Mark Strong) from jail and have them both ride off to freedom in a mustang like the one Steve McQueen drove in BULLITT.
Yes, I should mention that although guns are fired and hostages are held, this is really an offbeat comedic bank heist. It focuses on how the hostages bond with their captors and how Bianca quickly realizes that not only is she smarter than Lars and Gunnar, but that the cops are more of a threat to her than the criminals. She strategizes better than either side, and Ms. Rapace (from the original Millennium Trilogy) is the standout performer in the film.
Filmmaker Budreau and Mr. Hawke previously collaborated on an intimate look at jazz trumpeter Chet Baker in BORN TO BE BLUE (2015), and they prove again that they work well together. The other two hostages are played by Bea Santos as Clara and Mark Rendall as Elov. When Prime Minister Palme refuses to negotiate or allow Lars to leave with hostages, we can sense the emotional tide turn as Clara, Elov and Bianca realize they are safest remaining with the hostages.
Of course there are some liberties with history taken for cinematic reasons, and since most of the filming takes place within the confines of the bank, we do get to know each of the participants pretty well. The similarities to Sidney Lumet's DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975) are unmistakable, and one of the reporters covering the story even comments that it's "almost like watching an American movie." The odd ending works for the film, and thanks to Ms. Rapace, there is enough heft to the characters to prevent the humor for taking over.
A weird one
Phil_Chester5 March 2020
This is a strange film to discuss. It's not sure whether it's a comedy, a drama or possibly a thriller. There's not enough tension to make it a thriller, there are some comedic moments, but not enough to make you laugh, and the characters are too thinly portrayed to make you invest in them for the drama to work. But, despite that, it's as fascinating in some ways as a slow-motion car crash - you just can't avert your eyes. Bizarre.
Absurd and bizarre in fact and execution
stevelomas-6940129 October 2019
I'm genuinely surprised that (as far as my internet research goes) this bizarre tale is roughly true. I liked the acting, direction and scripting. Although I can see why the way they handle the comedic aspects would put some off.
Aren't humans weird!
More laughs than learning in this fictional spin on the events that gave shrinks a new diagnosis
lotekguy-118 April 2019
Did you ever wonder about the origin of the psychological condition known as "Stockholm Syndrome"? The title of this rather comical account of a bank robbery turning into a hostage situation telegraphs the answer. Although the script is fictional, it is based on the actual 1973 events that added one term to our vernacular, and one section in pertinent psych texts. Good thing. As this ordeal plays out, it would have been too absurd to make up from whole cloth and successfully pitch to any studio.
Ethan Hawke is the solo robber at the beginning. But instead of grabbing the cash, he keeps a few hostages and demands the release of a prisoner (Mark Strong), among other terms. This goes on for a couple of days with more ups and downs and zany mishaps than one finds in any of Elmore Leonard's delightful comic caper novels or the movies they spawned. Not easy to do, unless you're the Marx Brothers. True to the premise, one of the hostages (Noomi Rapace, looking more prim and uptight than her norm) becomes the first to develop the symptoms. Another novelty is seeing the invariably-bald Strong sport a full head of lanky hair. Not his best look.
The film drags on a bit too long for the claustrophobic setting, as nearly every shot we see occurs within the bank. That cost it one of the potential stars, above. Hawke's edginess is amusing for a while, but grows tedious as he loses his cool over so many setbacks and complications. Even so, it's a generally amusing and entertaining diversion. Expect a fairly farcical variation on Dog Day Afternoon to watch it in the right frame of mind.
Ethan Hawke is the solo robber at the beginning. But instead of grabbing the cash, he keeps a few hostages and demands the release of a prisoner (Mark Strong), among other terms. This goes on for a couple of days with more ups and downs and zany mishaps than one finds in any of Elmore Leonard's delightful comic caper novels or the movies they spawned. Not easy to do, unless you're the Marx Brothers. True to the premise, one of the hostages (Noomi Rapace, looking more prim and uptight than her norm) becomes the first to develop the symptoms. Another novelty is seeing the invariably-bald Strong sport a full head of lanky hair. Not his best look.
The film drags on a bit too long for the claustrophobic setting, as nearly every shot we see occurs within the bank. That cost it one of the potential stars, above. Hawke's edginess is amusing for a while, but grows tedious as he loses his cool over so many setbacks and complications. Even so, it's a generally amusing and entertaining diversion. Expect a fairly farcical variation on Dog Day Afternoon to watch it in the right frame of mind.
A Mediocre Comedy About the Stockholm Syndrome
Breumaster18 February 2020
For showing how the Stockholm Syndrome happens, the movie doesn't show enough to make it authentic. On the other had it's just a mediocre comedy. It surely had it's funny moments, but at the end it's a boring story about two dumbnuts wit the bad idea to rob a bank and get into trouble with the law. I think, they shouldn't have made a comedy of it. With a more psychological concept, it could really have been an interesting movie. But the concept how it is, is all-in-all just boring. Ethan Hawke is pretty sympathic, he should do other movies. A story like that should rather have been better told by Ron Howard, than Robert Budreau. Howard is a mastermind when it comes to real life stories.
Noomi Rapace
Intermissionman_5 May 2019
This Film is based on a true story about how sometimes hostages become attached to their captors after a period of time. Bianca played by Noomi Rapace dominates the Film with Ethan Hawke playing the lead with alot of style and costume. I am amazed how many bank heist hostage Films get made, say Robbery out loud. Many are comparing to Dog Day Afternoon but I thought it was a unique enough storyline. The Swedish authorities seemed lost. Noomi Shines !!!
Just Not Impressed
Foutainoflife3 July 2019
Yeah. I was expecting more I guess. You get to watch Ethan Hawke run around with a porn stache but that's kinda all that happens. There's no real drama taking place and the comedic aspect leaves a lot to be desired.
I would suggest that if you are looking for a true biopic this is not really gonna give all you would expect. It isn't awful. It's just a bit dull and like I said, unimpressive.
I would suggest that if you are looking for a true biopic this is not really gonna give all you would expect. It isn't awful. It's just a bit dull and like I said, unimpressive.
It's the syndrome
kosmasp27 March 2022
Everyone has heard and very likely knows about the Stockholm Syndrome ... but I doubt half of us know (or rather knew, if you have watched this) the story behind it. We know what it means, but it is more than interesting to see how things played out ... with the very first case.
And it has quite the great group of people assembled! Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace being the best known. But there are others you may recognize (either from tv shows or other movies). And they really do what they are supposed to. I imagine they heightened certain things for effect, but most probably will have gone down like this. And it is amazing what a bruised ego and a determined mine are capable of. You may find yourself rooting for ... a supposed bad guy yourself in the end ... funny and serious, but the right amount! Still not everyones cup of tea.
And it has quite the great group of people assembled! Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace being the best known. But there are others you may recognize (either from tv shows or other movies). And they really do what they are supposed to. I imagine they heightened certain things for effect, but most probably will have gone down like this. And it is amazing what a bruised ego and a determined mine are capable of. You may find yourself rooting for ... a supposed bad guy yourself in the end ... funny and serious, but the right amount! Still not everyones cup of tea.
Why???!!!
love_tina9031 May 2019
I'm so confused. I was expecting a biopic, it is not! Why? It's an interesting story on it's own. And if you wanted to do it all Hollywood, why would you hire so many nordic actors and then do the entire movie in broken english. What a missed opportunity.
a fun movie, dark subject matter
maxbryantx16 April 2019
Stockholm can be described as a fun and comedic film, covering a dark subject matter in order to show its audience how human beings cope with stressful, life threatening situations. The film is based on the Swedish bank heist, and hostage situation, that would later inspire the coining of the phrase "Stockholm syndrome," which describes the phenomenon of a hostage forming a bond with their captor. Of the many things the film does well, what stands above the rest is the films ability to make the audience realize how someone might actually succumb to Stockholm syndrome. The main anti-hero of the story, Lars (Ethan Hawke), shows early on that all he really wants is to get his buddy, Gunnar (Mark Strong), out of jail. You the audience member even find yourself sympathizing with him as over the course of the film he goes out of his way to care for his hostages including letting one of them, Bianca (Noomi Rapace), use the telephone to call her family. The comedy in the film comes across quite well, at some points I found myself audibly laughing, and allows the audience to establish a better connection with Lars. Apart from the story, the 70's aesthetics were executed perfectly with a very pleasing color pallet focusing on shades of orange and teal, wonderful b-roll of a 70's Stockholm, and a few Bob Dylan songs thrown in for good measure. It was very enjoyable to watch and had my interest peaked right from the get-go.
Theme surprised me
ks-6050030 July 2019
A hostage theme have seen like thousand times and this theme is brand new to me. I recall Sweden prison is one of the most cosy with nicest environment in the world and prisoners get freedom n with rights when lock up. This movie explains a bit on such as they believe there is no bad bad person. This movie shed the light and kinda funny in many aspects. But i expect some photo from real event will be shown at the end but didn't come up, little disappointed.
Why turn a serious subject into a bad comedy?
valleyjohn12 October 2020
Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response. It occurs when hostages or abuse victims bond with their captors or abusers.
When I heard there was a film about the origins of Stockholm Syndrome I was interested . I knew nothing about how it came about and Why it was named as such and after watching this film I'm not really much the wiser .
After taking hostages in a Stockholm bank, ex-con Lars Nystrom demands the release of his old partner in crime from prison. As the situation escalates, Lars starts to let down his guard as he develops an uneasy bond with one of the female employees.
Stockholm has potential to be a serious , informative film but for some reason they made it into a ridiculous comedy . Ethan Hawke is one of my favourite actors but this is one of his weakest performances I can remember for a long time . I don't particularly blame him ( other than taking the role ) because his character was a joke . Why not tell us the real story instead of making it a very weak comedy . The only person who comes out of this with any credit is Christopher Hayerdahl , who is actually quite funny .
This film did so bad when it was first released they renamed it The Captor for some strange reason . It doesn't matter what you call it , you can't polish a turd.
When I heard there was a film about the origins of Stockholm Syndrome I was interested . I knew nothing about how it came about and Why it was named as such and after watching this film I'm not really much the wiser .
After taking hostages in a Stockholm bank, ex-con Lars Nystrom demands the release of his old partner in crime from prison. As the situation escalates, Lars starts to let down his guard as he develops an uneasy bond with one of the female employees.
Stockholm has potential to be a serious , informative film but for some reason they made it into a ridiculous comedy . Ethan Hawke is one of my favourite actors but this is one of his weakest performances I can remember for a long time . I don't particularly blame him ( other than taking the role ) because his character was a joke . Why not tell us the real story instead of making it a very weak comedy . The only person who comes out of this with any credit is Christopher Hayerdahl , who is actually quite funny .
This film did so bad when it was first released they renamed it The Captor for some strange reason . It doesn't matter what you call it , you can't polish a turd.
about loneliness
Kirpianuscus2 May 2020
The basic virtues are the performances of Noomi Rapace and Ethan Hawke. And the wise way to say an absurde, ridicule real story in fair manner. A film about love in different manners and with a lot of nuances. And, off course, a film about loneliness. A good one, no doubts and a smart definition of the Stockholm syndrome.
"One of the Strangest Episodes on Record"
lavatch26 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"Stockholm" is worth viewing for the excellent performances of Ethan Hawke as the incompetent hustler Lars Nystrom and Noomi Rapace as the hostage Bianca Lind, who falls under his spell due to the Stockholm Syndrome.
But the film was disappointing in the shallow approach to a serious subject. The true story of the standoff at the Kreditbanken of Stockholm in 1973 ultimately was trivialized in the film. While it was fine to have a quirky approach to a historical incident, much of the action was not credible.
The biggest leap taken by the filmmakers was to avoid the realities of captives identifying with their captors in what came to be known famously as the Stockholm Syndrome. Instead, Bianca and Lars more or less fall in love!
The film was also compromised by the sluggish pace, especially when the moronic duo of Lars and his old buddy Gunner decide to set up their headquarters in the bank vault! A clueless police inspector rounds out the improbability of the way a hostage crisis unfolded.
One of the reporters referred to the bank crisis in Stockholm as "one of the strangest episodes on record." But the film artists made the event even stranger by turning Lars Nystrom into too nice a guy and a deeply troubling situation into "Love Story."
But the film was disappointing in the shallow approach to a serious subject. The true story of the standoff at the Kreditbanken of Stockholm in 1973 ultimately was trivialized in the film. While it was fine to have a quirky approach to a historical incident, much of the action was not credible.
The biggest leap taken by the filmmakers was to avoid the realities of captives identifying with their captors in what came to be known famously as the Stockholm Syndrome. Instead, Bianca and Lars more or less fall in love!
The film was also compromised by the sluggish pace, especially when the moronic duo of Lars and his old buddy Gunner decide to set up their headquarters in the bank vault! A clueless police inspector rounds out the improbability of the way a hostage crisis unfolded.
One of the reporters referred to the bank crisis in Stockholm as "one of the strangest episodes on record." But the film artists made the event even stranger by turning Lars Nystrom into too nice a guy and a deeply troubling situation into "Love Story."
Eminently watchable!!!
tkatsoufris20 July 2019
An eminently watchable movie mainly because of strong performances by Ethan Hawke and Mark Strong.The absurd element is present in the movie as well as measure of humour not entirely suited to a hostage situation.Who knows??It might have happened like that.
a different playbook
SnoopyStyle6 September 2021
It's 1973 Stockholm. Lars Nystrom (Ethan Hawke) barges into a bank with a machine gun and a healthy dose of American machismo. He takes everyone hostage and demands the release of criminal Gunnar Sorensson (Mark Strong). Bank clerk Bianca Lind (Noomi Rapace) pushes the alarm. Police Chief Mattsson (Christopher Heyerdahl) leads the negotiation. The incident would give rise to the term, 'Stockholm Syndrome'.
This is a great cast. The premise holds good potential and fascinating interest. Despite being in Stockholm, this is actually a Canadian production. There are similarities but this is very much an English interpretation with a couple of famous Swedish faces. I don't really get the pretending or the police action. I have to put it down to a lack of sophistication dealing with this type of crime in Sweden during that time. At least, it's different. It gets so weird that some of it is a bit funny. These are a different breed of cops and robbers.
This is a great cast. The premise holds good potential and fascinating interest. Despite being in Stockholm, this is actually a Canadian production. There are similarities but this is very much an English interpretation with a couple of famous Swedish faces. I don't really get the pretending or the police action. I have to put it down to a lack of sophistication dealing with this type of crime in Sweden during that time. At least, it's different. It gets so weird that some of it is a bit funny. These are a different breed of cops and robbers.
Good but not Great
dimitris-kara10 May 2020
The plot moves around effortlessly but could pick up the pace at certain parts of the story, as actors Mark Strong, Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace give their "A" performances.
As for the movie itself, it doesn't offer much in terms of comedy or "awe" scenes, something that is indeed a little bit harder for real-life event movies. The story's main theme is crystal clear, as it depicts the origin of the Stockholm syndrome perfectly and leaves you thinking "but why tho?".
Why ruin a good story?
facebook-8177431 October 2019
Sorry, but this movie is so far away from the real story, my brain hurts when watching it. Such a waste with good actors and money. It had been so easy to actually tell the real and absurd story, but someone with money has decided that a bogus one was better. "Based on" in this context is like saying that Star Trek is a documentary.
We want to leave with them.
nogodnomasters2 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Kaj Hansson (Ethan Hawke) is an American bank robber in Stockholm. His goal is to free fellow bank robber Gunnar Sorensson (Mark Strong) from prison. Kaj is not too well organized and his hostages end up having to help them out. And from this we get the term "Stockholm Syndrome."
The film had some light moments as no one seems to know what to do. However, it was not overpoweringly engaging.
Guide: F-word. Implied sex? No nudity.
The film had some light moments as no one seems to know what to do. However, it was not overpoweringly engaging.
Guide: F-word. Implied sex? No nudity.
Comedy?
andersojeklint3 June 2019
Mostly Accurate
westsideschl11 February 2020
From what I've read this retelling of the 1973 robbery/hostage taking of the Kreditbanken bank in Stockholm is fairly accurate, although, obviously dramatized for a movie. Seems that the hostages, to some extent, had more faith in their well being from the captors than from the government & police. Thus our first widely discussed incident of hostages having some sympathy w/their captors. Both robbers continued, in minor ways, their history of crime after either serving their time or court hearings. Amusingly well acted.
good, but not great. Worth a watch
phil-9903031 July 2019
I like Ethan Hawke. I will quite happily watch anything with him in. He did not disappoint in this film. Mark Strong gave his usual strong performance.
I knew the story, and enjoyed the film. But....., there was just something lacking. I can't nail it down, but it just didn't wow me.
I'm not sure how it could have been improved, and it was probably 5% away from bing great.
My wife really enjoyed it. I expected her to find it average at best, so there you go.
A poor cousin to "Dog Day Afternoon".
MOscarbradley20 March 2020
The events that took place in a Stockholm bank one day in 1973 were bizarre indeed and lead to the psychological condition known as 'Stockholm Syndrome' by which a captive becomes emotionally attached to their captor though I am sure, if you tried, you could trace this condition back to the cavemen. The events are described here as absurd and they are. I'm not sure how closely Robert Budreau's film "Stockholm" (aka "The Captor") sticks to the facts which are certainly stranger than fiction and anyway, "Dog Day Afternoon" covered very similair events to much greater effect so this feels like something of an after-thought, a kind of "Dog Day Afternoon" in miniature.
As the chief hostage taker Ethan Hawke chronically overacts though Noomi Rapace isn't at all bad as the hostage who falls for him in a very strange way but genuine laughs and real suspense are both conspicuously absent and it's just the very weirdness of what's happening that holds your interest, (and then, barely). I'm sure there's a really great movie to be made on this subject and maybe "Dog Day Afternoon" was it; this one is merely watchable.
As the chief hostage taker Ethan Hawke chronically overacts though Noomi Rapace isn't at all bad as the hostage who falls for him in a very strange way but genuine laughs and real suspense are both conspicuously absent and it's just the very weirdness of what's happening that holds your interest, (and then, barely). I'm sure there's a really great movie to be made on this subject and maybe "Dog Day Afternoon" was it; this one is merely watchable.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
