Rating: 9 / 10

Gavin Hood’s “Rendition” is a film where simple legalities form an unstable foundation of misunderstanding, lies, and deceit.

Reese Witherspoon plays Isabella El-Ibrahimi, a wife and mother whose Egyptian-American husband Anwar (Omar Metwally) is secretly apprehended by the United States government on suspicion of aiding a notorious terrorist wreaking havoc in Africa. He is denied legal representation and is given no explanation for what is happening to him. Most of his time is initially spent shackled and bagged. Since he has been detained illegally, he is transported outside of the country under terms of “extraordinary rendition” to be interrogated. Corrine Whitman (Merryl Streep), a merciless political figure, makes the decision to have Anwar deported outside of the U.S., where he is beaten, denied food and clothing and tortured regularly for intelligence under the authority of foreign officials.

CIA agent Douglas Freeman (Jake Gyllenhaal), is assigned to observe the interrogation and report any information obtained from the suspect. Freeman grows uneasy with the brutality and ineffectiveness of the interrogation. He questions the moral weight of the issue. When asked if he is able to handle it, he replies with a look of enormous doubt: “This is my first torture.”

The focal point of this film is really the debate of priority. What is more crucial to the solidity of society: respecting the rights of one person or the national security of all people? The conclusion that is reached may not be a direct answer, because both opposing sides do present very compelling arguments. However, it is likely that viewers will have formulate their opinions by the closing credits.

This film is seamless with a great climax. Whether politics spark your interest or not, “Rendition” is a must see for all.