Markus Schnitzler The title already tell us, that the film concentrates rather on words than on action. It is ambiguous. Ramón and Laura use words to talk about death and murder, and they use them to kill their opponent - at least on a psychological level. Is Ramón really a serial killer? Which of Lauras accusations are true? The protagonists don't know who tells the truth and what they are able to do. The little wordplay is the prelude for an extremely exciting and high-level duel, which reveals more and more information - similar to the zoom from the TV screen to the cellar at the beginning of the film. Another impressing aspect are the cross-fadings between the cellar and the police station. The Spanish psycho thriller proves that there are excellent productions beyond Hollywood.

the_ashwee I am a big fan of being scared whilst watching films. That's why "Killing Words" was so appealing not only because of the r18 certificate but also because the cover had a chilling beckoning that drew me towards it.The film started slowly however as the story unfolded it could only be compared to the ranks of the sixth sense with the twist that was only revealed at the very end after drawing me deep into it's chilling premise.Beautifully directed with nothing spelled out blatantly which keeps the element of surprise and the characters are both beautifully acted and masterfully written.An intense directing style which doesn't always need a fast pace to enthrall but simply keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what the hell is going to happen next.You will draw your own conclusions as to the ending of this film.But you will be wrong.A must see - Ash out.

Crap_Connoisseur Killing Words should be retitled "Killing Time" because that is exactly what I felt was happening while I watched this film. Killing Words is by no means a complete disaster; it is competently made and showcases some fine acting performances. The problem is simply that this is a thriller without any thrills.The basic premise of Killing Words involves a serial killer, Ramon, kidnapping his ex-wife with the intention of making her his 19th victim. The catch is that Laura is a psychiatrist and basically, if she can "cure" him, she will survive. This set-up begins promisingly with Ramon showing Laura detailed video-confessions outlining his murders and a tense word game, played for the prize of Laura being allowed to keep her eyes in her head. The film starts to unravel, however, when Ramon claims to both the police and Laura that the tapes were fake and that the whole act has been a hoax to get revenge on Laura for lying about him during their divorce proceedings. While this "twist" is interesting to the extent that it raises the question as to whether Ramon is simply a twisted loser instead of a psychopath, it has the unwanted effect of draining away all the tension and suspense that the film had been building. In one fell swoop, this film transforms from a Spanish "Silence Of The Lambs" to a poorly produced episode of "Murder, She Wrote".The film is not helped by Dario Grandinetti's over the top performance as Ramon. Grandinetti's performance is initially restrained but increasingly becomes an exercise in making crazy eyes and smirking for the camera. Goya Toledo fares better as Laura, helping give the film some much needed credibility. Veteran actor Fernando Guillen also turns in another fine performance as the Comisario. However, these compelling performances can not overcome the pedestrian screenplay which contains too many plot twists and not enough suspense. With the exception of the refreshingly perverse ending, the film has virtually no shock value and should be avoided by horror fans.Killing Words is an example of a film that starts well but becomes entangled in its own web of twists and inconsistencies. If you feel like a Spanish thriller with some bite, watch "The Nameless" or "Tesis".

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 :)