Negotiation has its place in a hostage crisis, even for a country that does not negotiate with terrorists. Director Ron Howard strips “Ransom” (1996) of geopolitical trappings and centers on family instead. But he’s hinting at statecraft, too. He argues that bullies are cowards, whether in a playground, boardroom, or on a battlefield. Standing up to them is the only solution.
Multimillionaires Tom (Mel Gibson) and Kate Mullen (Rene Russo) find their 9-year-old son Sean has been kidnapped. Kidnapper Jimmy Shaker (Gary Sinise) offers them a choice: Pay $2 million or Sean dies. Desperate, Tom agrees.
