Oliver's Deal (2015) Reviews

• A perspective on the autonomous and independent world

  onthejuice2016-07-09

  In this story the common conceptions of the international free trade system are confronted. The film brings together the lives of various parties and focuses upon the fate of one boy. Individuals can be understood as separate and distant from each other. Yet in this depiction, the interdependence of individuals, of their actions, within the global economic system is brought into question. The film attempts to bring light upon and question the issues of independence, of the seemingly autonomous existence capitalism promotes and depicts the interconnected nature of dealings across the international economy, ultimately bringing the various parties together to confront the realities of the decisions they make. The writer/director does not attempt to go into the philosophy of film, nor do they give bourgeois depictions of meaning to life, but faces the realities of the system in which we live. It's not happy go lucky, the film is not an objection to capitalism nor does it try to be a sermon of the misfortunes of the poor and the evil natures of the rich, but presents a perspective of the responsibilities and realities we face in the economically focused lifestyles which we are a part of. In the same vain as 'blood diamond' and 'promised land'.

• Amazing thriller for the summer

  whitealex-611292016-07-29

  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.

• Review for The Debt

  reneelemire2016-07-28

  Sometimes in the film culture, there can be a presence of skewed portrayals of different ethnicities or places that aren't the reality of their actual representation. For example, a lot of people see Peru as just an exotic vacation destination because of the beautiful rain forests and Machu Picchu that's the logical destination. It's not depicting Peru in its entirety in the way it deserves. However, I can say with full conviction and admiration that Director Barney Elliot in The Debt, took the time and care to create a thrilling but heart felt drama while fostering Peruvian culture and history by accurately portraying the reality of Peru. He didn't set this high finance deal between New York businessmen and Peruvian farmers regarding the 1968 agrarian reform in Machu Picchu or the exotic shorelines. Rather, he showed the urban, busy life of Lima, the hard working farmland pastures of the Peruvian countryside, and the limited amount of hospital care in Peru to tell a moving yet suspenseful tale on the unexpected consequences of the character's decisions. I recommend this not only for fans of dramas but also it is important to be educated on the reality of our worldly surroundings.

• Great emotional pay off

  subxerogravity2016-07-11

  I like watching movies about other cultures other than my own. The structure of The Debt told a human very story as they say: A nurse desperate to find a way to get her sick mother the surgery she needs. A small boy learning the hard way how to take care of his father's land. A man born in Peru and educated in America trying to balance business with doing the right thing for his people. http://cinemagardens.com/index.php/2016/07/11/the-debt It's down to Earth sub plots like this that make the movie pop out and come together so well. I really loved the back drop of Peru. it's a beautiful country, and the sound of the wind blowing into the boom mic actually made me feel like I was there. The Debt has a lot of layers to it because of all the sub stories and lead to one huge plot about an international fiancé deal going south and Stephen Dorff's character, Oliver's attempts to fix it, but it never gets too complex that you can't follow, even with the subtitles. Very low key movie does not hold back the emotional and political drama it is.

• A financial thriller set in the Peruvian countryside and bustling NYC.

  FSUMotionPictures2016-07-27

  The Debt won several awards at several different film festivals, and for good reason. The film is a thriller set in the financial world of Peru and New York, and follows a young businessman who's tasked with purchasing land in the countryside. The plot takes off quickly, and instantly grips the viewer in compelling twists and turns as characters unfold different parts of the mystery. Stephen Dorff plays the young businessman, and he does an incredible job, and really delivers. His character, at first, is only concerned with sealing the deal, but later becomes torn between his morals and his job. His boss is played by the Oscar nominated David Strathairn, and also delivers a great performance. A seemingly cliché demanding boss at first, it's revealed that he has more sinister intentions in mind. Elsa Olivero plays a struggling nurse whose sole goal is helping her mother receive the surgery she desperately needs. Her performance is also one for the books, and as all their plot threads come together at the end, you'll be glued to the screen. It has a thought provoking ending, and it's heart- warming at the same time. I highly recommend this compelling film, for it will surely surprise anyone who sees it.