ThedevilChoose When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

Plustown A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

Jenna Walter The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Staci Frederick Blistering performances.

Claudio Carvalho The philosophy professor Ramón (Darío Grandinetti) kidnaps his former wife and psychiatrist, Laura (Goya Toledo), locking her in the basement of his house tied to a chair, gagged and watching a video where he confesses nineteen murders. He proposes Laura to play a game of association of words, telling her that if she wins, he will let her go; otherwise he would push her eye out with a spoon. The Chief of Police Espinosa (Fernando Guillén) and Detective Sánchez (Eric Bonicatto) bring Ramón to the precinct to give his statement and explanations about the disappearance of Laura."Palabras Encadenadas" is a dark and complex thriller with an outstanding performance of Darío Grandinetti in the role of one of the scariest psychotic serial killers of the cinema history. However, the story has many twists, becomes confused and I need to see this movie again paying attention to details to be sure whether there are many plot holes and flaws or the writer is a genius. For example, was the message in the answering machine an edition of Laura words while playing the "words game"? If so, it is incredibly smart. Is Ramón really a serial killer or not? How can the police ignore eighteen murders associated with his confession? Or was his intention only revenge against Laura? Who sent the videotapes to the police? The relationship of Ramón and his mother is also not well explained. I liked this thriller but at least for me there are many points that are not clear. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "Jogo de Palavras" ("Game of Words")

gridoon The previous reviewer pretty much said what I wanted to say: "Killing Words" is a difficult film to categorize, but if you have to place it under one genre, it's probably what they call a "mind-f**k". Twist upon twist upon twist - that's how this film proceeds. It constantly plays with your perceptions; just when you thing you've figured it all out, it proves you wrong. There are only four characters, and they are all effectively performed (and yes: Goya Toledo IS a sensual woman). The film is also stylishly directed and photographed. One minor point: the word game that Grandinetti and Toledo frequently play won't mean much to non-Spanish-speaking audiences. But Spanish is such a pleasant language to listen to anyway that this doesn't matter much. (**1/2)

mobius-21 This film -- is it a psycho killer flick, murder mystery, psychological mind f**k -- is tight as a drum. You may think you know what is happening; don't count on it. The performances are dead-on. Dario Grandinetti as Ramone and Goya Toledo as Laura are perfectly nuanced, and their transitions (and the film's) will alter your perception several times before it's done. Not to mention, Goya Toledo is serious eye candy. (A remark possibly out of place in a serious review (ha ha), but damn!) It would not be too far off to suggest this film would appeal to fans of Silence Of the Lambs (minus the Grand Guignol). A very intelligent thriller!

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 :)