Review of Unthinkable (2007) by Sathya N — 23 Dec 2010

Socio-political films that really make you think about your own moral grounds are few and far between in this day and age of CGI blockbusters and remakes. Director Gregor Jordan has taken it upon himself to change this fact by creating Unthinkable; a powerful and sometime harrowing film based around the rights and wrongs of physical torture on terrorist suspects.

Michael Sheen plays Stephen Younger, a true blood American who is also a Muslim and has taken it upon himself to hide three nuclear bombs in three unknown locations across America. In steps Samuel L. Jackson as H, a man who specialises in physical torture, to try and ascertain the bombs locations from Younger. The film focuses on the reactions and morals of the various people, including Carrie Ann Moss as an FBI agent and a number of military personnel, on the methods of H and just how far they are prepared to let him go in order to save the lives of millions of Americans.

This is most definitely a film that will have you questioning your viewpoint on torture and just how far you would go in order to save the lives of millions. It's wonderfully acted, especially Jackson who plays the part of the torturer perfectly and raises many valid points regarding just why torture is used. The back story is a strong one but really the films only purpose is to show you a situation where physical torture is used and to let you decide whether it's justified or not. It's also ambiguous as to whether the film is pro or anti torture as arguments could be made for both points although in my personal opinion the ending suggests to me that it's anti torture, certainly a viewpoint I hold myself.

Unthinkable is a powerful film and not for people with a weak stomach. Brilliantly acted and directed it will make you question your views and morals and any film that gets you to think like this is certainly a valid one.