The International

Watch The International

"They control your money. They control your government. They control your life. And everybody pays."
  • R
  • 2009
  • 1 hr 58 min
  • 6.5  (99,508)
  • 52

The International is a gripping thriller film that was released in the year 2009. Directed by Tom Tykwer, the film stars Clive Owen, Naomi Watts, and Armin Mueller-Stahl in pivotal roles. The story of the film follows an Interpol agent named Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) and a Manhattan Assistant District Attorney named Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts) as they try to investigate an international bank that engages in illegal arms dealing and other nefarious activities. The bank, named the International Bank of Business and Credit (IBBC), is so powerful that it can manipulate governments, start wars, and control nations. Salinger and Whitman are determined to bring the IBBC to justice, but the bank will stop at nothing to protect itself.

As the investigation progresses, Salinger and Whitman find themselves embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy that leads them to various cities around the world, including Berlin, Milan, and New York. They encounter a host of unsavory characters, such as an enigmatic hitman (Brian F. O'Byrne), a corrupt Italian politician (Luca Barbareschi), and a ruthless IBBC executive (Armin Mueller-Stahl).

What makes The International stand out is its realistic portrayal of the global financial industry. The film showcases how the banking sector operates as a law unto itself, one that is beyond the reach of governments and traditional law enforcement agencies. The IBBC, for instance, is shown to employ a vast network of spies, assassins, and other mercenaries to protect its interests. It is also revealed that the bank has ties to various terrorist organizations, thereby showing how the lines between criminality, politics, and business can be blurred.

The performances of the lead actors in The International are stellar. Clive Owen is perfectly cast as the no-nonsense Salinger, a man who is haunted by his past failures but still determined to do what is right. Naomi Watts, too, shines as Whitman, an idealistic lawyer who is forced to confront the corruption of the political and financial systems she works for. Armin Mueller-Stahl is suitably menacing as the IBBC's resident villain, a man who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep his bank in power.

In terms of technical aspects, The International is a superbly crafted film. Director Tom Tykwer's adept handling of action sequences is on full display, as he stages several breathtaking set pieces throughout the movie. The fight scenes and shootouts are highly realistic and gritty, and they never feel gratuitous or over-the-top. Additionally, the film's stunning cinematography, which features sweeping shots of various cities around the world, helps to create a sense of grandeur and scope that is befitting of the story's global scale.

Overall, The International is a riveting thriller that delivers on every level. It is a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, one that challenges viewers to think about the darker side of the global financial industry. With its pulse-pounding action, strong performances, and incisive commentary, it is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

The International is a 2009 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 52.

The International
Description
Where to Watch The International
The International is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, Starz, The Roku Channel, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent The International for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2009
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 58 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (99,508)
  • Metascore
    52