Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Director: Frank Shields, Umbrella Entertainment.
Cast: Kerry Mack, Ralph Schicha, Judy Nunn.
“Given Hostage is nearly 40 years old, it’s held up very well!” The film has been carefully restored so it can live up to its reputation of being a cult favourite.
‘It is one of the biggest Ozploitation flicks in Australian movie history and packs as powerful a punch as when it was released in 1983’.
Based on the incredible, yet terrifying true story of teenager Christine Lewis (Mack, The Lancaster Miller Affair) living in Wollongong in the 1970s, who decides to escape and hitchhike around the world.
She meets an intense young German named Walter Maresch (Schicha, Nesthocker), who manages to intimidate her into marriage. Slowly she comes to realise that her husband is involved in international terrorism.
Then his secret sadistic side quickly begins to reveal itself. Things get progressively worse even after they have a baby. Her nightmare truly begins when he reveals to her that he is actually a fanatical member of the banned Nazi Party and forces her to move with him to West Germany, which is the base of the neo-Nazi group he belongs to. He’s intent on controlling her every move. As his abusive behaviour worsens and his neo-Nazi activities turn violent, her life becomes a living hell. She’s forced to choose between her life – and his.
Finding herself trapped in a nightmare of inexorable abuse, Christine’s one hope for survival is to return to Australia. Christine is thrust into atypical and aggressive scenarios, but she is resolute about what she wants, fighting for her own future. As Walter cruelly transforms her world, there’s a shift in her priorities. Her daughter’s safety is paramount; after all, she is a mother.
Watching the histrionic mélange of characters who are pleated into Christine’s life, it’s obvious to see that she herself is a hostage of circumstance … where she’s being controlled. Whether it’s the inhibitions of a small town, a controlling mother, a promising relationship of freedom with Walter or getting caught up with domesticity and violence, the signs are obvious.
Along with Mack, Nunn (Home & Away) give exceptional performances, even though the latter’s role as Mrs Lewis (Christine’s mother) is only for a short time. Schicha is stilted, though good looking.
Hostage is available to view On Demand on Google Play, Fetch TV and Umbrella Entertainment. The Extended Director’s Cut has been released for the first time ever on Blu-ray and DVD.
