Movie Review - Traitor

If you like your thrillers to be thought provoking, unpredictable and well acted, this movie is worth checking out. Though there's plenty of action, "Traitor" includes consideration of moral choices, religious beliefs and even an FBI agent who majored in Arabic studies. The amazing Don Cheadle stars as Samir Horn, a devout Muslin who may or may not be working both sides of the fence as a Special Operations agent for the U.S. government and an explosives expert assisting a terrorist cell with a series of international bombings. Horn, who grew up in Sudan, witnessed his father killed by a car bombing as a child, setting up a conflict between what he does for a living and the ethical ambiguities he feels as a Muslim. FBI agents Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce) and Max Archer (Neal McDonough) track Horn's mysterious activities in an attempt to apprehend him or the group of terrorists with which he has become involved before additional bombings can be carried out. It's a typical plot line, but what makes "Traitor" a bit more interesting is its main character. We see Horn becoming increasingly conscience stricken by the results of his actions, some of which are unintentional but nevertheless highly disturbing to this surprisingly ethical man. Clayton is also more complicated than your average FBI agent. He not only reads Arabic and knows the Koran but espouses a more humane approach towards interrogation of prisoners. At one point he reveals his interest in Arabic studies to fellow agent Archer, along with the fact that he comes from a line of ministers. As the pressure intensifies with a major terrorist operation planned for the U.S., agents and terrorists alike hurtle towards a showdown.

Acting is first rate with Cheadle and Pearce both bringing much more to their characters than the customary action film usually provides. Said Taghmaoui does a good job as Omar, Horn's co-conspirator and friend, with Jeff Daniels and Archie Punjabi contributing more excellent performances. The beginning of the film was a little confusing for me, but once things got rolling this unlikely mix of thriller and character study proved to be very entertaining.

Things to love about this movie: A few nifty surprises; an international setting with scenes in Marsielles, London and Morocco; unusually nuanced writing for an action movie; good performances by Cheadle and Pearce; potent message about the responsibility of one's actions
Things to hate about this movie: A few cookie cutter terrorist operatives
Pleasant surprises: Car chases and shoot-outs kept to a minimum; getting to know FBI agent Clayton more than expected (and Pearce nails a subtle Southern accent)
Unpleasant surprises: A somewhat vague, drop off ending