Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 114 minutes
Release Date: November 10th
The Debt, a remake of a 2007 Israeli movie of the same name, is a suspenseful espionage thriller about a team of Israeli Mossad agents as they attempt to track down "The Surgeon of Birkenau".
Director John Madden, best known for his Oscar winning movie Shakespeare in Love, crafts an intriguing film that although predictable at times keeps you engaged.
Oscar winner Helen Mirren (The Queen) and Oscar nominee Tom Wilkinson (In The Bedroom), provide riveting performances. Jessica Chastain (Jolene), Martin Csokas (Romulus, My Father), and Sam Worthington (Avatar) give captivating performances during the movie's most brooding scenes.
A stand out role is Dr Bernhardt (aka Dieter Vogel) played disturbingly well by Jesper Christensen. Most may remember him as Mr White from Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.
The Debt's strength is that it is character and story driven and not dependant on action or special effects to maintain its viewers. The pacing is steady and there's a lot of intensity as the agents attempt to accomplish their mission. The subject matter of the film is a dark one, and that's reflected in the film. An area where other films have been let down, the transitions from present to past and vice versa are outstanding. Unfortunately, there's a piece of mis-casting in terms of looks between older and younger versions of the same character. Martin Csokas as the younger Stephan looks much more like Ciarán Hinds as the older David. This was very distracting and took some of the edge off.
Overall, the film is a very engaging, edge-of-your-seat thriller.
3.5 stars out of 5
by Dave Nottage
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