The International: Review By Fallenlords

Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) is an Interpol agent investigating the dealings of a top international bank. This bank is the preferred bank for organised crime, terrorists and other shady organisations. As he gets closer to uncovering the true nature of the banks business dealings and global influence, people start to die. Assisted by Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts) the pair are determined to see this bank brought to justice. But it appears staying within the confines of legality may not be the way to obtain justice.

Having seen the trailer for this I was under the impression it was an action orientated thriller, to this end I was somewhat disappointed. I felt as a whole it filled neither criteria that well. The plot was reasonable but it had no real twists and turns. It wasn't thrilling enough and it wasn't action orientated enough. If it had filled one selection I think it could have been a good film. Don't get me wrong it is not bad, but it just lacks that little something.

Clive Owen plays a good part as the bedraggled Interpol agent on a mission. Though the back story to this is a little weak - his reason for his intense focus on bringing this bank down is justified enough. But not to the point he seems to have taken it overall. He views it as a personal undertaking due to past events but those events I felt needed to be more personalised to explain his intensity.

Naomi Watts as Eleanor Whitman I found a little bland. Again with her there was an overwhelming sense that justice should be served, but no reasons given for her willingness to aid Salinger at the risk of her own career. Not even a love interest involved with the pair.

Armin Mueller-Stahl as Wilhelm Wexler I thought played a great part. He was a grizzled security expert and a relic from the cold war - a man who once stood by his ideals and followed his soul. But lost himself somewhere along the long journey of life. By helping Salinger he finds an opportunity to redeem himself. I must admit I like this guy as an actor. He has a certain on-screen presence and he somehow seems to mesmerise you.

Brian F. O'Byrne I think is worth a mention as well I thought he played a good part as the Consultant - bank speak for Hitman.

There isn't much to fault in this film apart from the plot letting it down a little. To my mind there should have been more intricate twists and turns to make it more thrilling. Either that or perhaps more action should have been added.

The Director Tom Tykwer I thought did a good job. The editing and visuals all worked well in the film. Everything fitted together nicely. But there was no real 'wow' factor. In a film like this I think you half expect the unexpected to happen, but nothing unexpected did.

A good film and certainly worth watching but the lack of a good twist or really a satisfactory ending I thought left it wanting.