"The Debt" is a pretty good movie...with some very good performances.

[CTyankee]

I will give you a summary from another website briefly (not a giveaway on the ending, no worries):

"Three young agents, Rachel (Jessica Chastain), Stephan (Martin Csokas) and David (Sam Worthington), are sent behind the Iron Curtain to apprehend one Dr. Bernhardt (Jesper Christensen), whom the Mossad believe to be former Nazi doctor Dieter Vogel, the "Surgeon of Birkenau." Their mission to bring him back alive fails, but the three return to Israel to much acclaim. Fast forward 30 years, when the three are forced to deal with the consequences of what happened back in 1965. The truth of which is somewhat different from the version they've described all these years."

Therein lies the tale.

OK, there is lots of "action" including some pretty grim violence. It could be compared to "Munich" but without the latter's very nuanced message. "The Debt"'s message is pretty blunt. But probably necessary.

You have a treasure trove of performances here! Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Jessica Chastain and the other principal actors turn in sterling performances. These are ACTORS, folks. They know their stuff and they can do it!

The set design and cinematography are superb at getting the scene set. What doesn't quite work out is the plot at the denouement. A bit forced, as well as more violence. So expect that.

If you like Iron Curtain type of espionage you'll love this movie. It has all the drama in all the scenes of the gritty pre-fall of the Soviet empire "look" about it (I was actually relieved when a daytime scene appeared again!). Everything dark and dank and wet and dirty...

So see it for the artistry of the actors, just know there is a weakness in the script...hey, not a bad ratio, that...

[bigdarryl]

1. Saw it yesterday IT SUCKED!!!! the ending was stupid

[CTyankee]

2. Oh, my...tell me what you REALLY thought...

altho, I agree the ending was a problem. "Munich" was more troubling because it didn't have that kind of ending...I don't know what Madden was thinking...

[rbnyc]

3. Now playing at my not-for-profit...

...independent community cinema.

Support your local Art House Cinemas everyone.

:loveya:

[CTyankee]

4. Yes, I saw it at my local independent cinema (not a non profit but a locally owned one).

They currently have "Midnight in Paris," "The Help," and "Sarah's Key as well. I saw Midnight and Sarah's Key there. $7 bucks for seniors. Their popcorn is vile so I don't get it. Lotsa seniors at Saturday matinees...

[rbnyc]

12. Too bad you're not near us.

We have organic popcorn and it's awesome.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

5. I have been looking forward to this one,

I saw the original, which was a bit of a struggle with my suburban secular jew command of hebrew.

[CTyankee]

6. I'd love to know what you think of this version.

I get the feeling that it was "updated" to appeal to American audiences and their love of espionage and violent dispatching of bad guys. A grittier, real life version would suit me better but I liked seeing the actors doing their thing so much I remained entranced...

[trumad]

7. just watched it

Although I'm a sucker for these types of movies....I thought the ending was ridiculous.

The doctor was in his late 50s at the beginning so 30 years later he would have been close to 90.

[CTyankee]

8. That was its real weakness, to me. Hard to believe those senior citizens in such

er, situations.

However, I'm betting some Oscar noms will come out of this film, primarily for the acting.

[Tx4obama]

9. The older version with English subtitles can be watched for free

if you have cable.
I have Comcast's On Demand and the film is in the Free Movies section.

[ellenfl]

10. same title? i would love to see it. eom

[Tx4obama]

11. Yes the same title.

The Debt (2007)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0990427/