Review of The Whistleblower (2010) by Glenn C — 24 Apr 2012

The Whistleblower is a potent political drama/thriller starring Rachel Weisz in the performance of her career. She plays an American police officer who accepts a position with a UN affiliated peacekeeping contractor in Bosnia.

During a routine investigation she uncovers a brutal sex-trade in the area which leads to a human trafficking racket that leads to high places within the UN. Local law enforcement, UN personnel and private contractors are involved in various levels of the trade and Weisz's character fights against personal dangers and threats to expose those involved.

Its an incredible story and the abhorrent torture of these women is pivotal to the film's power. Weisz is incredible and she is joined by a fantastic cast including Vanessa Redgrave, David Strathairn, David Hewlitt, Benedict Cumberbatch and Monica Bellucci.

The film runs at 90 minutes and this is not nearly long enough to tell this story. It fails to explore how such atrocities can filtrate throughout the peacekeeping ranks and this question weighed heavily on my mind.

It's a true story and so there's no doubt it happened, but how do people who devote their lives to humanitarian efforts end up like this? Perhaps leaving the viewer with this question will encourage people to explore this more and I suppose that's a good thing.

Nevertheless this is an excellent film. Rachel Weisz deserves accolades for this performance!