The Debt
The Debt
| 24 April 2015 (USA)
The Debt Trailers

Set against the backdrop of an international finance deal in New York and Peru, Oliver's Deal is an intense political drama which explores how far people will go to get what they want.

Reviews
Eye_MD_B

Most people see the world as black & white, good & evil, and this movie shows that not only cold capitalistic greed, but also wearm-hearted loving care can both cause great pain - if not accompanied by inner wisdom and ethics.(Of course capitalistic ventures damage greater numbers of people, but the principle is the same). So it's a brilliant movie about both sides of the same coin called "blind decisions".

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thesar-2

How far people will go measures both their love of their family and what they're truly capable of. So…be careful of loyalty. You may not know what you're up against.While searching for a "Modern Western," or a movie based in today's times with most of the Western genre's tropes, I stumbled upon The Debt, a 2015/6 gem I never heard of and may never have seen if not for the quick notice of the word "Peruvian" in the synopsis. You see, I just had a visitor, a friend, come from Peru and stayed here, near me in Arizona, for a month. I have not been to his country before, so I relished in the idea of watching a movie based in his country. And, boy, did it ever show more of Peru than I imagined it would.Actually, the movie is split into three overlapping stories with two completely set in Peru. A medical employee is desperate to take care of her elderly mother. A farmer's son is desperate to find his llama. And a corporate tycoon is desperate to land a deal…no matter if it costs an arm or a leg. Wow. This movie should've been called Desperation. It's a good, slow-moving, interesting and realistic film. Nothing groundbreaking, but has some good twists and a heartbreaking third act that will show people's consequences when they didn't even know any were coming.Highly recommend this hidden experience. Plus, it might teach you a thing or two about Peru.***Final thoughts: I've seen this kind of threesome story before and probably will again. I happen to love this kind of filmmaking and have yet to get tired of it. If you do, as well, dive right in. Learn some more about (all country's) societies and yourself.

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Thomas

In a sea of summer films packed with CGI and special effects, Writer and Director Barney Elliott has delivered a smart, clever, and thoughtful, multi-narrative thriller based on a historical reform that took place in 1968. Stephen Dorff stars as a New York financier who will go against all odds to settle a business deal with a Peruvian farming community, a deal which has implication to destroy their way of life. The Debt is a thrilling mystery rooted in realistic, honest characters who are joined by the force of having to make a decision with the effects being out of their control. Definitely worth a watch this summer.

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Levi Saulnier

The Debt features riveting talent all across the board. Blade's Stephen Dorff and The Bourne Ultimatum's David Strathairn shine as the bankers who attempt to acquire land from a Peruvian family. Barney Elliott has managed to put together a moving cast that portrays the suspenseful story; with a special mention for Elsa Olivero who gives a heartbreaking performance as a nurse who tries desperately to care for her sick mother. The narrative is topical as it involves three separate stories that intertwine because of a deal to buy some land in Peru by New York financiers. In my opinion, newcomer Barney Elliott showcases great direction and writing as presented by a surprising turn the film makes, which caught me off guard. Furthermore, the film is shot beautifully as Peru is such a vibrant setting. It's great to see an independent movie that utilizes every frame from start to finish and kept me on edge. I recommend that any film lover see this feature.

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