Review of The Debt (2010) by Mark K — 11 Jan 2012
An excellent cold war style thriller set both in 1966 and then over 30 years later when the previous events come back presenting problems for those involved.
In 66 Stefan, David & Rachel. Are sent to East Berlin to kidnapp Vogel, a war criminal wanted for killing thousands with his medical experiments. When the intial escape is botched they are trapped with Vogel until they can be extracted. This part of the film deals with the complex relationships between the Mossad agents and that with Vogel. A certain irony is added to the story as the tensions grow & their actions become more desperate. The consequences of what happened in East Berlin sets up what is to come in 97.
The story picks up in 97 at a book launch of the 66 story by the daughter of Stefan & Rachel. When David reappears it comes to light that their business in East Berlin requires further action.
Mirren, Wilkinson & Hinds don't really have all that much screen time to give outstanding performances. Mirren does get some extended time towards the end & is her usual solid self.
The real performance comes from Jessica Chastain as young Rachel. Even Worthington is reasonable but you can feel that Madden and the script are trying to not to overload him with too much. Christensen gives some menace as Vogel who tries to play mindgames with his captors.
This is not an action packed thriller by any means but it's absorbing & takes you into the emtotions & frustrations by all involved.
This review of The Debt (2010) was written by Mark K on 11 Jan 2012.
The Debt has generally received positive reviews.
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