Review of The International (2009) by Kyle C — 27 Jun 2010

Actually a really great crime thriller. Dispite a few points where the acting and writing are soggy and bland, this film is a success for me. Tykwer has an eye like the best in the biz and he's definitely on top of his game here.

The architecture is like a character itself, framed beautifully with care around the actors each and every scene. This carries the film along at a smooth, tense pace making it uncontrollably watchable.

All of this leads up to a fantastic near climax at New York's Guggenheim museum. It comes out of nowhere and smacks you in the face like you weren't paying attention. Perfectly shot and directed, great filmmaking.

From here the film continues with its zig-zag plot quckly to a bittersweet yet fitting ending. It's a modern day, heady David vs. Goliath story of human will and corruption that falls short at times.

Luckily, it's held together with some punchy scenes of great direction and cinematic eye-candy.