mario_c I'm absolutely amazed about the rate and the comments, here on IMDb, about this movie! Almost all reviews describe it as an excellent film, very intelligent and with great suspense! Well, PALABRAS ENCADEÑADAS is not bad, but it's not as good as it's described by those comments, not even close! The plot is not that original. I'm sure we all have watched movies very close to this one, and about its twists, I must say that if some of them are good, the majority don't work so well… The final twist was far expected I think! It was no surprise at all! Suspense and tension were not great either. If we exclude a few scenes, it's hardly suspenseful! However I must say I appreciated the cinematography, and also the acting. Here, a good work was done. The main scenario (the basement where the girl is arrested) is well constructed. It's cold, empty and a bit sinister. The acting is also good, especially by the main actor, Dario Grandinetti, because he plays a very disturbed character with those very same characteristics: coldness, emptiness and a very disturbed mind covered by a smile and a manipulative speech… As I was mentioning in the beginning I don't think this movie is bad, but I think it's a bit slow paced and boring at parts. It's too centered in the words' games and lacks a bit of suspense because of that. Besides, the way the twists are built is not really a novelty and the final one was quite expected. Globally this film is not too far from average, so I score it 6/10.

Markus Schnitzler The title already tell us, that the film concentrates rather on words than on action. It is ambiguous. Ramón and Laura use words to talk about death and murder, and they use them to kill their opponent - at least on a psychological level. Is Ramón really a serial killer? Which of Lauras accusations are true? The protagonists don't know who tells the truth and what they are able to do. The little wordplay is the prelude for an extremely exciting and high-level duel, which reveals more and more information - similar to the zoom from the TV screen to the cellar at the beginning of the film. Another impressing aspect are the cross-fadings between the cellar and the police station. The Spanish psycho thriller proves that there are excellent productions beyond Hollywood.

cocoshell 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 :)

Splattii I had to import this DVD from Bangkok as I gave up looking for it elsewhere.It was well worth the time and effort.I've seen a lot of film over the years, and in recent history this is at the top of my "recently seen list". The movie had good acting, a good story, and to be honest all the elements required for a Hollywood remake. It's somewhat (and I'll use this comparison at a HIGH level) like a Silence of the Lambs meets OLDBOY. Fans of Haneke may also want to take a look.While watching this film you slowly learn more about the characters, and why the women is being held captive. It keeps the viewer interested and helps keep the story intense. The characters are kept to a minimum and the focus remains on the story at hand. It allows the viewer to stay focused on the plot and not get lost in little sub plots that aren't required. The film is intense and will keep the viewer glued to the screen until the end.The only bad part about this film is the fact the DVD is a bit questionable in terms of the subtitle quality. They were translated fine for the most part, but there were a few times in which they went off. Outside of that I can't find any other noticeable fault with this film.I honestly suggest you see this film if you can.