The Highjacking, a Norweigan Film

The Highjacking, a Norweigan film, dubbed in English, is a fictionalized account of true abductions of sea vessels by armed Somalian pirates.  The Somalian terrorists board ships, heavily armed and hold the crew for ransom, threatening to kill hostages if their demands are not met.  The movie begins in the exec. offices of a Norwegian Co.  Peter, the CEO, of the firm, demonstrates his omnipotent negotiating skills when he commands & receives the terms he sought from a Japanese firm.  Shortly thereafter, he is notified of the ship which was overtaken by militant Somalians, demanding $15,000,000 in ransom for the safe return of the 7 man crew.  Peter, is determined not to maintain full authority when dealing with the captors.  He learns over several grueling months (especially for the crew) that bartering for the safe return of these men is a far cry from negotiating the terms of a commercial business deal.  The 3 apexes for the drama are Peter, Omar, the Somalian interpreter and Mikel, the ship's cook who speaks English; the common language used for negotiations.  Life for the crew is grueling and terrifying.  The movie has it's lighter & fascinating moments when captors/captives share camaraderie.  However, after an arduous 4 month standoff, the situation has reached its breaking point for the captives & their families, the Somalian pirates & company executives.  This astonishing film feels real and thoroughly convincing.  Unfortunately, these terrifying hijackings are all too real.  This is a must see film of risks @ sea.  You must know when negotiating, the person holding the gun is always in control.