The International

“They control your money. They control your government. They control your life. And everybody pays.”

I wouldn’t be lying when I say it was firstly English dapper Clive Owen that pulled me into watching this 2009 film. J And then secondly by everybody else! ‘The International’ had scores of professional and sought-after actors which include Aussie Naomi Watts, Danish Ulrich Thomsen, Russian Armin Mueller-Stahl, and Turkish Haluk Bilginer among many others. Written by Eric Singer, directed by German Tom Tykwer and with a budget of an estimated $50 million USD it proved to be quite a riveting experience.

Although quite an interesting story-line about banks covering up illegal activities and cocooned with action-packed crime and mystery. I found it difficult to really identify or feel for the main characters as perhaps the back-story or relationships weren't thoroughly developed. Although Clive Owen who plays Louis Salinger doesn’t rest until justice is served, and his trusty side-kick Watts (Eleanor Whitman) is forever at his side; the way the story progressed continuously uncovering information made it more difficult for the audience to identify with their arms-trading terror.

I absolutely loved the cinematography throughout this film; from Istanbul Turkey, to New York to Berlin; this film took its viewers on a trip around the globe. The camera framed each lovely destination tastefully and I felt captured crisp essences of each country.

High rollers, high-stakes, high-crime, a very reminiscent Bond-type film without the Bond-girl (no offense Naomi), this movie takes us on a journey of financial destabilization from the people you’d THINK you can trust the most.