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CLIP The clip starts at 45 minutes and 3 seconds in and lasts until 47 minutes and 38 seconds.
The film’s focus is on Keller Dover, his wife Grace, and their son and daughter as they visit some friends on Thanksgiving. It’s at Franklin and Nanci’s house that they discover Keller’s daughter along with Franklin’s daughters have disappeared. When it’s confirmed that they were last seen around a van, Keller becomes convinced that the driver is somehow involved in their abduction. Keller decides to take matters into his own hands as he kidnaps the van driver and interrogates him to find out information. What follows is a troubling depiction of interrogation, torture and torment as we struggle to find the truth.
This, therefore, is a clip to use with an older group, as the film certification is a 15 and the themes that the film explores are mature. Prisoners is ripe with religious imagery and seems very aware that it is exploring some sensitive and provocative issues. Crosses can be seen throughout the film, from car mirrors, to necklaces, to tattoos on various people. We also hear the Lord’s Prayer and a radio presenter quotes from Job: ‘Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward’ (Job 5:7). This is a film that is determined to take the nicest of characters and put them into horrific situations to test their morality.
The clip we are looking at for this session sees Keller reveal to Franklin that he has kidnapped his suspect, and attempt to persuade him that interrogating the suspect and not going to the police is the best course of action. Please note that this clip does contain some swear words, so please watch it first before deciding if it is appropriate to show to your group. After watching the clip, break into small groups and discuss the following questions:
• How did you feel when watching the clip?
• Do you think that some actions are unforgiveable?
• From what you could see in the clip, was the character of Keller morally justified in his actions?
• What is it in life that holds you prisoner?
To begin exploring the issue of revenge, it is intriguing to look at two contrasting passages in the Bible from the Old and New Testament. Begin by reading Leviticus 24:19- 20 (it would be helpful to give some context to this passage before beginning) and then turn to Matthew 5:38-45. After reading both passages, return to your small groups and explore the following questions:
• What are the conflicting messages on revenge here?
• Which version should a Christian follow, and could they be justified in only following one?
• Have you ever faced a situation where you have sought revenge as opposed to peace and forgiveness?
• Would God expect us to forgive even the worse crimes against us?
• Advanced activity: explore Jesus’ earlier statement in Matthew 5:17 – what might he mean by this?
