Poster of The Debt

The Debt

Drama, Thriller

Director: John Madden

Release Date: August 31, 2011

Where to Watch

The Debt blew me away! First, I would watch Helen Mirren knit a sweater, but acting as a retired spy is a special treat. Second, the overt gender complications of being a female spy is explicitly & maybe over emphasized, but I enjoyed it; however, I could see how others may be like, “An aging Nazi is a challenge for her?!?” I bought it based on certain factors, but I won’t spoil it by discussing them. Considering the male spies’ success rate & greater level of experience, I think that she did fine & was stronger psychologically. Seriously, the first physical confrontation with the Nazi is worth the price of admission. Third, I thought the story had an amazing texture: different timelines, Rashomon perspective & moral complexity! Drawbacks: casting! In what world is Sam Worthington a young Ciaran Hinds. I thought Marton Csokas made a better Ciaran Hinds than Tom Wilkinson. Just didn’t work! Also not one Jewish actor was available. Hmmm. I wish that the original Israeli film was available for viewing!

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