5.4
Where can I stream Hostage legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Shout! Factory TV, and Plex. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Hostage
1983·Movie
·1h 33min·R·
Hostage fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Scare6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy1
World
A real life story, the mind, and history
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
HighTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Hostage is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumA real life story, the mind, and history
Its world is built around a real life story, the mind, and history.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
A living nightmare
Set in 1980's Australia, this is the true story of a woman whose husband eventually reveals to her that he is an active member of the Nazi party. A real nightmare begins for her.
Australian Historical DramaPolitical IntriguePsychological ThrillerTrue Story AdaptationFamily TraumaTension and SuspenseMoral DilemmaDark Themes
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about Hostage
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Hostage worth watching?
49
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 50/100 (IMDb 5.4 and Metacritic 80). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Hostage rated?
RViolenceStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is Hostage?
1 h 33 min
Hostage runs 1 h 33 min.
Is Hostage based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Hostage?
Critics80
Audiences59
Not quite. Critics rate Hostage higher (80) than audiences (59). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Hostage in?
EnglishGerman
It was made in English, with some German. Produced in Australia, Germany.
In how many countries can I watch Hostage?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Hostage in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Hostage use?
All Germans Are NazisBreak the CutieThe Dog Bites BackDomestic AbuseFace of an Angel, Mind of a DemonFan DisserviceForced into EvilLarge HamLifetime Movie of the WeekRecycled Soundtrack"Where Are They Now?" Epilogue
TV Tropes lists 11 storytelling tropes for Hostage, including All Germans Are Nazis, Break the Cutie, The Dog Bites Back.