Review of Traitor (2008) by Steven V — 07 Oct 2009

This movie would be one of those that are difficult to pass by the censors and required some lengthy debate as to the merits for its theatrical release. That's because it deals with the current topic of terrorism in an unflinching manner, with the hijacking of religion to further the terrorists' extremist and violent ends being told in a style.

Don Cheadle excels in putting the level of ambiguity into a role that raises moral questions about doing something for the "greater good", no matter the costs. Unfortunately for Guy Pearce and Neal McDonough, their roles here as the downright good guys are always a step or two behind the terrorist cells, which in some ways mirror that in real life.

Without good intelligence, you're always reactive, and it takes a lot to be on top of the game, especially when tactics employed are normally innovately discharged. I suppose that without the balanced view and very verbatim statements made toward the end renouncing violence and misguided teachings, this movie would probably not be given the green light.

But it did, and presented a very though provoking thinking man's action thriller set in this age of cloak and dagger terrorism. Sure it has some loopholes and the unnecessary (and unavoidable) collateral damage, but watch this for the performance all round and an engaging storyline that might not keep you guessing all the way once the cat is out of the bag, but does enough.