The Debt (Ha-Hov) - Movie Review

The 2011 film, The Debt is based on a 2007 Israeli film titled Ha-Hov (The Debt). After watching the 2011 version of this film, I came away somewhat disappointed. The biggest short-coming for the newer version were the many contrivances. There were some improvements in the new film, but the storyline was not one of them. The Debt (2007) had a much cleaner plot that did not feel as forced as the remake.

In the original version of The Debt, the plot does not try to be as cute. The story follows the failed kidnapping attempt of a former Nazi known as the "Surgeon of Treblinka" (changed to Birkenau in the newer film...a reference to Dr. Josep Mengele upon whom the character is based). A team of young Mossad agents crosses into West Berlin to kidnap the Doctor, who is practicing at a fertility clinic. The team is led by a brash young agent named Zvi, a decorated agent named Ehud and a beautiful translator named Rachel.

The agents put together a daring kidnapping, but are left to fend for themselves when their plan to get their captive out of Berlin is delayed. While they are awaiting further instructions, the surgeon manages to slip his bonds and attack Rachel, who has been left alone to watch the war criminal. Rather than face the humiliation of losing a war criminal, the team concocts a story that has Rachel killing the fleeing Nazi. The team returns home to a heroic welcome, capitalizing on there new found fame. It is when Rachel releases her autobiography that the truth begins to seep out. Rachel faces her destiny in a daring completion of a task left unsettled for four decades.

Having the benefit of watching both versions of this film, I tend to find the original influenced by Hollywood. I was put off by the many contrivances and artificial suspense in the 2011 version, so I was pleased that they were absent in the original. The first story was superior by a long shot. While the character development included many new levels in the remake, it went too far. The original was believable, with flawed characters I could relate to. If the production value of the original film was even close to the remake, it would be at least four stars. Unfortunately, this film lacked the polish of the remake. The original also does not provide quite enough foundation, which was an improvement in the remake. Looking at both films, there were some things that I liked better in each film.

The Debt (2007) was unrated with a 100 minute run time. The film had one scene in a strip club that included brief nudity. However, there wasn't much other sensuality in the film. The film did contain disturbing images that appeared to be actual photographs from Birkenau. The film also had intimate violence with a mild gore factor. As a suspense film, the story may be intense for young viewers, but overall, they will mostly be bored by the sluggish pacing.

Having seen both version of The Debt, I like the original better. I enjoyed the polish of the remake, but think the characters and story were better left unchanged. In an attempt to increase the suspense and pick up the pacing, the remake lost something. The original certainly had room for improvement. While the sets were awesome, the cinematography left something to be desired. The acting was superb, as were the characters, but the pacing bogged down quite a bit. The original also could have benefited from a little more foundational material. Overall, a decent suspense film worth renting. 6.5/10.