Unthinkable

Movie night

The situation: Nuclear bombs are planted in at least three American cities and a terrorist has decided he will endure any torture, if necessary, to stick to his beliefs. Samuel Jackson plays H, a man who is willing to do just about anything to get information from the terrorist. Things become very bloody and very gory quite quickly.Before describing this movie any further, I need to be clear that if you have ANY difficulty watching graphic portrayals of a man being tortured...you will definitely have issues with this one. Whether you can stand to watch the movie or not, at least think about what levels of torture you would find acceptable to save lives. Not every single detail of the torture is shown but there is enough to be quite graphic, along with the screams of a man in deep pain. It is very easy to imagine exactly what is being done...even when it isn't shown.Helen Brody, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, balances out H's commitment to full scale torture. She is horrified by how the terrorist is treated but also has to question her values as time goes on.When the movie ended, I confess that I said, "Wait! Is that the ending? They left it like THIS?!"That ought to tell you that this isn't one of those movies where every last detail is nicely explained and packed in a fine, neat ending with a moral or message with a capital "M". You aren't pounded over the head with any meaning. However, after I got over my initial disappointment (after all, I'd watched all those torture scenes and that is NOT my cup of tea), I started to realize how the ending made sense.My take is that this movie is meant to get people thinking how far they would be willing to go to potentially save lives. Also at stake: how useful is torture in getting the truth out of the tortured? What toll does it take on those who are torturers? How do people who have a strong distaste of certain types of torture react when they have to question their deepest beliefs?In spite of my strong reaction to the ending, this movie did leave me thinking about it for days so that could be reason enough to see it. Samuel L. Jackson gives a very strong performance and the woman who plays his wife (can't recall the name of that actress) has one powerful moment where I believe she makes Helen Brody realize that life is far more complex than Brody ever realized. I may not be remembering these words perfectly but Brody doesn't hide her disgust when she asks H's wife something like "How can you justify what he does? How can you accept him?" The wife explains her side of things and Brody is forced to think beyond "good" and "evil" and truly wonder what needs to be done to keep the country safe. At least, she starts down the path of doubt.I related strongly to the characters and wish I hadn't assumed that the ending would be so pat. If you want a suspense movie that makes you think, try this one. If you like to know exactly "what happens next?" the ending may leave you feeling let down. It left me feeling that way. But the movie still haunted me.

Before you even think about watching/buying this movie you need to sit down and think of the most gruesome movie, and I mean not just physical, but in the realm of very real probabilities that are possible in what could one day happen to this country. What are you emotionally able to handle? How vivid is your imagination? On a scale never imagined before that might lead to total anarchy and the cessation of life as we know it. (I'm only going to skim the movie so as not to give things away.)Someone kills a cop, and it goes viral trying to find him-why? He goes in a mall and stands in front of a camera for 20 minutes before he is recognized. Taken to a secret location run by the highest levels of the government, cabinet level. The FBI agent that is in charge is invited along to watch, with no power at at. Samuel L. Jackson shows up as a private contractor who does not exist working for an agency that does not exist; the compound is under control of the Army and run by Criminal Investigation Division.The terrorist is former Army EOD, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, of the highest level, and has mailed out photos of what could be three working thermonuclear bombs. He has converted to Islam and changed his name, and there is a deadline to be met for his demands, or the three bombs at widely dispersed locations around the country go off. Now Jackson's character gets involved [extract the information, and he can do anything he wants-no Constitution, like rendition only on American soil] ( Did I mention the terrorist has a wife and two children? ) What you are going to witness is, "unthinkable." But is there really any bombs? Why have Iran and other foreign governments gotten involved? Are there foreign nationals involved or is this a one man crusade? Did his wife leave him, or did he send her away?What no one seems able to do is this; ask yourself, who is the bad guy-one who tortures one man, or one who conceivably on the surface, might kill millions. Its a very simple answer, but easy to lose sight of, regardless of whether the bombs exist or not-the entire government is paralyzed. But if they do, forget the terrorist's unconstitutional treatment, there is no more Constitution. Were you in charge of the situation, what would you do-obey the laws, or do whatever....? I guarantee this; you won't look at life from the comfort of your recliner without a shadow lurking in your mind. Do you ask why there are 1500 enemy aliens here, and why we have an open southern border-if people [from all over the world] can walk or drive across illegally, they can carry sizable objects or quantities.Neighbors, you won't have any-they will either be sheep or wolves-which are you?

Premise : is torture justified to extract information from a reluctant victim if that action will save many, perhaps thousands, of lives ?This film tries to answer that question and may work to justify that action for some but it certainly will leave many in doubt. Terribly in doubt as there is a sting in the tail of this film without giving away a spoiler.In my view the acting, the script, the direction, the behaviour of the protagonists, all of it is played out somewhat clumsily. But it makes for very interesting and 'entertaining' viewing.Beware that the film contains strong images of torture, but has a superb performance from Michael Sheen ---- how can he do this when I've just watched him playing the iconic British comedian Kenneth Williams on BBC 4 ? The guy is versatile it must be said unlike Samuel l Jackson who plays the same character that he plays in all his films unless I've missed one of his better films.English subtitles, audio commentary by the director as a bonus feature, 93 very absorbing but uncomfortable minutes.

An edgy and though provoking film that has been censored and not so well distributed, since it deal with some very controversial topics, like the line between national security and mere violence, resulting in a tough pamphlet (yet terrificly compelling story) where you really can't tell who is right and who is wrong. And talking about terrorism, that was an uneasy, uncommon and brave operation to do in america and in the years when if was made.Basically the character of Sam Jackson turns out to be the dangerous, violent yet inevitable and hidden symbol of the price we pay to preserve ourselves, the bloody weapon that, supposedly, guarantee are freedom and lifestyle. And viewers are led to think about it, with no definitve answer, but being left alone with a disturbing, unsettling feeling of uncertainty and unease. A great cast (the bad guy is a dramatic and diabolique Michael Sheen, the guy from Frost/Nixon).

This film is on the edge of your seat stuff Samuel. L. Jackson is good in this as are the rest of the cast. Its a film where you never know what's going to happen next. Great entertaining movie from start to finish

Arrived in great condition. Thrilling to watch

At times tough to watch the torture scenes certainly not for the nervous,Michael Sheen is outstanding in this movie with Samuel L Jackson not far behind, a decent thriller with a great cast