Friday, September 2, 2011

The Debt

Before I begin this review, I just need a moment-

WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO! NEW SAM MOVIE!!! *runs around the house screaming in excitement*

Okay, I'm good now :)

This is actually not the first time I've seen The Debt. I saw it with a friend at a film festival last October. I'm very happy it's finally getting released so all of you can see this amazing movie.

The Debt takes place in both 1966 and 1997. Back in 1966, three Mossad agents named David (Sam Worthington :D ), Rachel (Jessica Chastain), and Stephan (Morton Csokas) are assigned to capture the Nazi war criminal Vogel (Jesper Christensen) and bring him back to stand trial. I can't really say much more than that without spoiling the movie. What I can tell you is that things don't exactly go according to plan. Now, more than thirty years later, an older David (Ciaran Hinds), Rachel (Helen Mirren), and Stephan (Tom Wilkinson) must deal with the ramifications of what happend.

I really enjoyed this movie, which I would definitely call a thriller. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And no, I'm not just saying this because Sam is in it (really!). I can honestly tell you I would've liked this movie even if he hadn't been in it.

As far as the acting, I have to begin with Sam. He gives an amazing performance as David. David's background is extremely tragic (and that's putting it mildly) and Sam plays this very convincingly. You really feel for his character. I'll admit, I was crying at one point (somewhere out there I know you're laughing at me as you read this Ashley lol). I know some critics out there like to give Sam a hard time. To all those that do- you suck! But I'd like to hope they change their mind after seeing him in this.

Jessica Chastain (who's in another good movie out now called The Help) did a great job as Rachel. She's quickly becoming a really good actress and I can't wait to see more movies from her. Helen Mirren plays the older version of Rachel. Of course she was good. Helen can do no wrong in my opinion. I've been a fan of hers for years.

The actors who play young Stephan & older Stephan were good as well. And Jesper Christensen was very convincing as the sadistic doctor Vogel.

When award season comes around, I wouldn't be surprised if Helen Mirren or Jessica Chastain get nominated. I would love to see Sam get nominated as well, but I somehow doubt the Academy has the same enthusiasm for him as I do.

I have only one VERY minor complaint. I thought the director could've done a better job in terms of casting older David. Don't get me wrong, Ciaran Hinds is a good actor and played the part well, but he looks nothing like Sam! I definitely see Jessica as a young Helen Mirren and even Tom Wilkinson as an older Morton Csokas. But they should've tried to find an actor that somewhat resembled Sam. Like I said though, the issue was very minor and in no way changed how I felt about the movie.

Obviously, I highly recommend The Debt. PLEASE go see it! You won't be disappointed :)

My Rating: 10/10