Iffy for 16+
Gritty '70s-style thriller is cynical, grim, and violent.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this thriller about financial corruption probably won't be on most teens' must-see list. Just as well: Not only is it full of wrenching action sequences and grimly realistic (and shocking) violence, but it also has a deeply cynical, hard-to-stomach attitude about the possibilities of finding justice in a wicked world and the interplay between high finance and street-level warfare. There's also some drinking and smoking and strong language (including "f--k") -- but virtually no sexual content.
- Families can talk about whether the violence in this movie seems more realistic than in other thrillers. Why or why not? Do you think watching realistic violence in the media has more impact than sci-fi/fantasy action? Families can also discuss whether situation in the movie seems realistic. Is it upsetting to think of institutions like banks being involved in illegal activities? Is the movie more unsettling given the current state of the economy? Also, is there ever a time when it's appropriate to go outside the law to deal with a crime? What consequences could that have?
The good stuff
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Messages: The film presents a pretty grim view of the world in its take on corruption and the oppressive nature of modern global capitalism and its excesses in the name of profit. Although the main characters are working for justice, there aren't any particularly strong role models here. One character is a law enforcement agent who's willing to go outside the letter of the law. And there's a moment in which it's clearly implied that a lead character is willing to use torture to break a suspect.
What to watch for
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Violence: Several scenes of astonishingly grim real-world violence: A poisoned man vomits and falls to the street; the friend who rushes to help him is hit by a car. A political figure is shot; the assassin is then shot by authorities. A character is hit by another car. A tense, bloody shootout in a public place results in grisly, blood-spurting deaths and terrified innocent bystanders. Viewers also see a person fall to their death, stabbings, and point-blank shootings.
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Sex: A fleeting caress on the cheek between two co-workers hints at sexual tension.
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Language: Strong language includes several variations of "f--k," some use of "s--t," and "for Christ's sake." "Ass" and some variations are also used.
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Consumerism: Visible brands include Marlboro cigarettes, the Mercedes logo, the Blackberry logo, and some brands/manufacturers mentioned for plot reasons, like Silkworm missiles and Vulcan guidance systems.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some smoking and drinking by adult characters.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
THE INTERNATIONAL - WELL-DONE! GRADE: A-minus by MOVIES REVIEWER
Feb. 12 - I just attended the advance press preview of this suspenseful high-quality sleek movie starring Clive Own and Naomi Watts - good chemistry.
I was thoroughly entertained for the entire 1hr 58minutes duration.
Director Tom Tykwer has a firm grip on the suspense/thriller genre and he skillfully shot this movie in multiple locations around the globe - Berlin, Istanbul, NYC, France, and Milan. And competent editing by Mathilde Bonnefoy helped solidify the thrilling plot clarity and continuity based on the original screenplay by Eric Singer.
The International moved along briskly and there were chair-gripping scenes as well as dramatic scenes that showcased both Clive Owen's and Naomi Watts' considerable talents. The supporting cast gave above-average performances.
Great ending that provides a satisfying closure for the story - thematically heavy with thought-provoking moral dilemmas.
VERDICT:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A DEFINITE MUST-SEE for action/thriller fans.
5
An International Thriller by Nightshade32
The International delves into the world of banking and brings to life a darker side of the finance business . The movie keeps audiences on the edge of their seats as the characters Louis Salinger, an Interpol agent, and Eleanor Whitman, an Assistant DA, played by Clive Owen and Naomi Watts; try to bring a corrupt bank to justice. There are several twists and turns in the movie that the outcome proves to be very surprising. Granted there are a few slow moments that drag the movie along, it is still one of the best thrillers to see.
Clive Owen gives a remakeable performance filled with sarcastic wit and touch of tough guy persona. Naomi Watts also gives an enjoyable performance though sometimes it seems like she is extremely tired in a few scenes.
The scenic shots from Berlin to Italy to Turkey and great scene in the famous Guggenheim Museum will definately keep everyone attention as they take a journey on this International thrill ride.
5
More intrigue and thriller than action! by TDK in Dallas
I thought the movie was great. I was expecting a completely unbelievable piece of crap because of the reviews and the previews, but it was good.
4
Although an 'R' rating no worries of any sexual content...just good clean gory violence etc by Dark_Chameleon
This was well received from the half ful theatre (which is saying something for a friday matinee) and nobody walked out or sighed as too many do as of late with the mundane list of recent movies (save for those I have reviewed.
This is a good movie that is only surpassed by the availability of some great movies out now (the reader, slumdog millionaire, gran torino etc) but not one that you'll feel robbed by the time you leave.
Clive Owen is a good lead with the right background and reason to persue a bank with terrorist links which to my view is based loosly on the BCCI bank scandal in the 90's (perhaps pushed to extremes)
A worthy friday night movie with your buddies.
Grade: B-
5
Excellent movie! by Nazamova
I am surprised that this got a "So-So" review. This is a timely movie, some stick with you lines, great action, and gives the viewer something to think about and talk about long after seeing the flick. I suspect that in the day and age of over-the-top action sequences using the latest digital technology, using sex, nudity and explicit language to get people in the seats and being bombarded with stories that make your mind turn to mush rather than make you think, I can see why some folks may not have appreciated the quality of this movie. If you are looking for a good suspense thriller with action and intellect, this is a must see. Don't get me wrong, I love a good old "Die Hard" type movie, but am tired of that being the ONLY kind of action thriller being produced the past few years.
5
Most People Stumble Over the Truth and Wonder on Their Way Unaware.... by ShinesomeLight
This movie is AWESOME because, the director/producer obviously did his or her home work about the inner working of the Banksters..... Anyone who has studied the "Money Masters" "Money as Debt" and "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" and "The Creature From Jeckyl Island" recognized the pure truth hidden in this film. When the Italian politician made made the point about it not being about the money, but the "The Debt" and that was the truth, and the Federal Reserve, the IMF and the World Bank have been screwing Americans ever ever since they got control. Wake up sheeple.
4
Good Thriller by KILLTHEBATMAN86
I enjoyed "The International" very much. It kept me on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. They also showed the neat cities, countries and towns around the world, such as Berlin, France, and Turkey. They have great landscapes. There wasnt a lot of action but the suspense made up for it. It makes you think if something like this can actually happen. It is kind of true how they want everyone to be in debt, just so they can make more money. Good movie. Go see it. Clive Owen is a great actor as well.
1
International by sally1961
I wish I would have read the reviews before going to see this movie... Had to be the most boring movie that I have ever seen... We tried to wait until the end, but just couldn't do it. I was ready to leave after about half hour, gave it a chance. Starts out quick but gets very slow fast. Had to leave with about 20 minutes left. My teenage sons were bored too. Shame...the trailer shows a lot of action, that is about all there is.
3
The International by jjlcastell
The preview for this movie does not do it any justice. I went into the movie thinking it was going to have a weak story line that would not be able to keep me engaged for the lenght of the movie. I was pleasantly surprised when the movie was not what I expected. I was glad to see that the movie was not too direct with the whole mob thing, something that kept me engaged in the movie. Naomi wasn't that great in this one. There were a few scenes when she just didn't seem to have the energy to keep the audience entertained, luckily, the scenes where she appeared the least in were my favorite, sorry Naomi.
3
Slow but very intriguing! by rob0422
You have to know what you like. This is one of those pyscho-political thrillers. It's a movie for thinkers and analytical types. If you like action packed films you'll get some, but you'll definitely be bored with the sprinkles of action in this movie. If you love to travel and love mental challenges with insightful endings, go see it.