Sex, lies and more lies

AT the heart of every spy is a core of pure deceit.
This is the lesson taught us by the Israeli intelligence operatives in “The Debt” whose lies pile up so fast they no longer believe in themselves.
The tale focuses on an intelligence operation in Berlin in the 1960s, aimed at capturing a Mengele-like Nazi doctor.
Much effort has gone into creating the Cold War paranoia of the time, and the Berlin streets, wire and gun-toting guards are all faithfully re-created.
There’s a strong cast, led by Sam Worthington proving that he really can act. Worthington is one of the three Israeli operatives in Berlin (two male, one female – cue instant love triangle).
A special mention, too, to Jessica Chastain, as the young female Israeli operative and the female leg of the love triangle.
Of course, with or without the sex, the operation goes horribly wrong – and, years later, we begin to learn what happens when the violent past won’t stay dead.
In telling the tale, there is much jumping between ’60s Berlin and modern-day Israel, but it all hangs together well.
The characters to play the young and old spies are well-chosen, the production values are very high, and the script largely meets the same standards. There are a couple of excellent and wildly unexpected plot twists, neither of which I’ll divulge. Both are deftly handled, and give the tale some real bite.
In summary, “The Debt” is an above-average spy thriller that will keep most audiences interested, particularly with its plot contrivances. – Jason Beck