Monday, September 26, 2011

Osteria Via Stato

Osteria Via Stato 620N State Street, Chicago
1-312 642 8450
Chicago is my favorite American city. I marvel at the finest architecture. I love to look up to the horizon and admire all those magnificent buildings. I like the fact that this city has a vision. The shopping is great and the dining establishments endless and superb.
I was in Chicago for my grandson’s wedding to a very special, beautiful young lady .I wanted everything to be perfect for them. It truly was.
At sunset on a warm exquisite evening they said their vows at the beautiful country club. The ceremony took place by the waters edge. The canopy was shining in light while the full moon looked down on them as if to bless them. She smiled throughout the ceremony and looked into his eyes. They held hands and you knew there was so much love permeating the air. Everything was perfect. All 300 guests enjoyed a magnificent reception on the terrace and later dined in the splendor of the club on gourmet food exquisitely presented.
The evening before the wedding, family and out of town guests were treated to dinner at Osteria via Stato. It was a short walk from the hotels where most of the guests were staying. It is a lovely area with countless restaurants.
It is hard to feast 50 guests and offer superb food. Osteria obviously has done this before. We enjoyed a private room and a very special meal. We were all talking about it the next day as we recalled the exquisite food we had enjoyed.
The appetizers were enough for an enjoyable meal. The Veal Meatballs were devoured in no time. Caramelized Onions were served family style at the table. Green Salad and Olives were just part of the beginning portion of Antipasti
Platters of Farfalle with Walnuts in a Basil Pesto were the best I have ever tasted. The flavor and the texture were perfect. A platter of Pennette with Roasted Eggplant, basil and a spicy pesto sauce was placed on each table. We were dining in style.
Each guest then had the choice of a main course. I salivated over my Pan Roasted Scottish Salmon. It was placed over a ragout of barley and corn. Others had the choice of Chicken Mario which is an Osterio favorite inspired by the chef. Many at my table raved about the Braised Short Ribs. Crispy polenta was offered for vegetarian folk. We were also offered bowls of Calabrian Potatoes and Local Broccoli. The potatoes were crispy and a tasty winner. I am afraid I ate most of the bowl single handed. We just kept eating and everybody agreed the food was fantastic.
We enjoyed a private room but it was obvious that the rest of the restaurant was bubbling with energy also enjoying the finest of Italian food.
The Italian Diner party was the onset of the festivities for this special wedding. The Italian Dinner Party includes the antipasto, pasta and main course. A dessert table was then set up as an extra. We enjoyed Cheesecake, Chocolate Torte and Macaroons as well as copious glasses of fine wine.
The regular prices are very fair and this restaurant has the reputation of being one of the finest. As the wedding proceedings continued I could hear the guests remarking on the special Friday night dinner at Osteria.
The bride and grooms parents are very special people and also good friends. Do they ever know how to plan a spectacular event.

Utsav Indian Cuisine

Utsav Indian Cuisine 69 Yorkville Ave. 416 961 8349

I adore Indian food. The aroma is captivating. The taste is magnificent. I love the blending of herbs and spices to produce flavors that are exotic and so satisfying.
I hadn’t seen my good friend E for many moons. We had so much to discuss. I love dining with her. We share a delight in enjoying gourmet food. We have so many laughs and the conversation is always stimulating. I truly value her friendship. She actually ate at Utsav the night before and loved it so much she wanted to return. I didn’t need to be asked twice. I remembered my former positive experience at this fantastic restaurant. It is a small and busy spot in the middle of Yorkville. We were so warmly received. We were both starving and were in the mood to have a lengthy dining experience.
Suresh is the owner and manager of this favorite spot. He is so charming and willing to answer any of our questions. He added to the charm of this trendy charming spot.
We over ordered and over ate but kept taking more helpings because the food was so superb. We started with an appetizer of Fish Tika. Cubes of marinated salmon are grilled to perfection. The salmon was flavorful and moist. The sauces served on the side were so flavorful. We devoured this dish with much enjoyment.
My favorite Indian dish is always Sag Paneer. Chunks of freshly home made cheese are smothered in seasoned tempered spinach. It is creamy and the flavor bursts on the palate. The Prawn Biryani was prepared with basmati rice flavored with saffron and cooked with marinated shrimps, nuts and spices on a slow fire. The giant shrimp were moist and flavorful. The rice was exquisite.
We also ordered Baingan Ka Bartha. I adore eggplant and will eat it in any fashion. Roasted eggplant is seasoned with herbs and spices sautéed with onions. Delicious.
I’m so glad we planned to walk home. It was a chance to work off this very special dinner.
I always have a great time with my friend E. This time it was all the more special due to the exotic flavors of every bite.
The prices are economical. It is fun to share many dishes. The service is so welcoming. The food is outstanding.

La Vecchia Ristorante

La Vecchia Ristorante 2405 Yonge St 416 489 0630

I have been busy preparing to go to Chicago for my grandson’s wedding. As soon as I return I enter the full force of the Toronto Film Festival. When my good friend L called to suggest lunch I dropped everything in order to meet with her. We used to study Spanish together and had so much fun and now are very devoted friends. She lives in the far north of the city and we agreed to meet at a central convenient spot. L tells me her husband dines with his brother here often so it was a good recommendation. I was so pleased this was her suggestion.
The two very handsome servers made us so welcome. The place was crowded which is a recommendation in itself. I was very impressed with the menu. I give full marks to
La Vecchia for offering Mini Pizzas and Mini Pasta. This is so appreciated.
We both opted for a Mini Pizza. All are served with a green salad. Once again full marks for putting the salad on the pizza. My Pizza Vegetariana offered a thin crust. The tomato sauce was flavorful. I loved the grilled eggplant, zucchini, red peppers, mushrooms and spinach.($9.00) I ate every crumb and didn’t feel guilty. Every bite was flavorful and fully enjoyed. L enjoyed her Pizza Diavola with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, spicy Italian salami, jalapeno peppers, black olives and goat cheese.($12.00) Many other offerings are part of the daily menu.
Feeling hungry? Feel free to add $3.00 to the Mini Pizza and enjoy a regular size.
Foccaacie are all served with green salad. Focaaccia Capicollo is a delight of spicy capiciollo bocconcini, cucumber and balsamic.($11.00) Focaccia Vegetariana will please the vegetarians. Grilled seasonal vegetables are served with goat cheese and balsamic.($12.00)
The Pasta is homemade and once again you can benefit from a smaller portion. Gnocchi Quattro Formaggi offers mouth watering potato dumplings in a four cheese cream sauce.($11.00) Tagliatelle Biancaneve should tempt you with snow peas, sun-dried tomatoes with grilled chicken in a cream sauce.($11.00)
Some diners like to have a substantial meal at lunch. The entrée dishes offer a variety of Chicken, Veal, Fish and Shrimp.
Gamberi Del Conte is my choice for sautéed shrimp in a lemon garlic sauce served with linguini pesto.($16.00)
Pollo Savoia plates a plump chicken breast with red pepper, onion and mushroom in a white wine sauce served with grilled vegetables.($15.00)
I would say there is something for everyone. The warm pleasant service added to the delight. This restaurant is kind to your pocketbook. Great food at a reasonable price is a winning combination.
We both traveled to a different part of the city in order to meet and both left completely satisfied.

Black Skirt

Black Skirt 974 College St (at Dovercourt) 416 532 7424

A gem! A winner! A great new find!
Black Skirt is named after the grandmothers in Sicily who wear black clothes in memory of loved ones. Agata Decina and Rosa Galle are the owners and chefs. They are not professionally trained in Sicilian culinary art but practice the recipes handed down by their family and friends, Trust me. They know how to cook in the Sicilian style
This is one bustling place. You have to have a reservation. The front of the restaurant houses two large tables. Both were full with a large group. The long bar takes up one side of the restaurant. The other side of the room houses large wooden cupboards and shelves filled with exotic goodies from Sicily. A variety of canned of vegetables. flour, pastas, olive oil and condiments offers great ideas for gifts. Fresh prepared foods and cheeses are also available for take out.
We enjoyed viewing the operations of the open kitchen while waiting for our food to be prepared. We also did a lot of chatting back and forth. What a perfect combination for an evening, great company and superb food,
This is such a friendly place. Kit, our server, was very busy but was so willing to answer all our questions. Apparently the restaurant has only been opened since January. It was packed and apparently it is always crowded. There is a buzz in the air.
Three friends were dining on this occasion. We were starving and ready for a feast. We shared two salads. They arrived in an enormous white bowl. Each salad was sufficient for 4 persons. The Arugula Salad ($6.95) was lightly refreshed with tasty vinaigrette. Shavings of delicious cheese enhanced the peppery taste of the fresh greens. The Beet and Spinach Salad ($8.95) was also totally enjoyed. The greens tasted as if they had just been picked. The beets had been roasted and were perched on the side of the bowl.
While enjoying the salads we devoured the scrumptious bread. We dipped the bread in the superb sauce served in an olive wood bowl. The sauce was composed of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, basil and tomatoes. You are told to mash the concoction with the pestle to free the flavors.
It was beyond delicious. We were so content with our choices. The young couple beside us was celebrating a birthday. They told us that their food was also ‘spiritual’.
The pastas were served al dente and the flavoring was absolutely perfect. The Sicilian Pasta was prepared with spaghetti, tomatoes, pine nuts, raisins, fresh white anchovies, olive oil, basil and dill.($15.95) One pasta dish was flavored with aioli. Fretta Pasta is an offering of spaghetti tossed with ricotta and parmigiano cheese.($10.95)
I enjoyed the Shrimp from the Antipasto list.($10.95) Pan seared shrimp were served in a spicy pizzaioli sauce with grilled Italian bread. This was supposed to be an appetizer. There were 5 very large perfectly flavored shrimp.
Panini selections included one prepared with Veal or Chicken and served with mushrooms and a sweet tomato sauce.($11.95)
Main courses are served after 5:00p.m. Osso Buco, a house specialty, is served with potatoes.($25.00)
Black Skirt opens in the morning for breakfast or lunch. It is open from Monday to Saturday. Charming! Delicious! It is almost as good as being in Sicily.

Higher Ground

Higher Ground

I know this was a fine film but I found it disturbing on an emotional level. Corinne is a charming young girl. She meets a musician and they marry early in life when she discovers she is pregnant. The family turns to religion after a near death experience in a car accident. They become part of a ‘love Jesus’ cult. They dress simply. They thank God for everything and Jesus seems to rule their lives.
Nobody is assaulted or treated badly. In fact a lot of love is shown amongst the congregants. They help one another and seem to enjoy social events together singing the songs about Jesus. At the same time they are ruled by their religiosity.
The men and women had different prayer study groups. At one meeting the men listen to tapes on how to achieve better sex. They all listed with a straight face and no emotion. It was quite hilarious.
Corinne begins to have doubts. She knows that life is not offering her all that she wants. She recognizes the fact that her husband is not cultured and she seems to crave literature and poetry in her life.
The film really is her story. We see her as a child growing up in her family .Even as a young child she liked to read. The librarian is portrayed in a stereotypical manner. She purses her lips and looks austere as she criticizes Corinne’s choice of Lord Of The Flies. We see how poorly she was living as a newly married woman. Her children brought her so much satisfaction but it wasn’t enough.
My distress was for Corinne. I felt her pain and wanted her to find a release from her desires. Unfortunately her wishes caused her husband anguish as she avoided his tender offerings.
The film was open ended and I liked it that way. I would be so interested in listening to opinions about what probably happens to Corinne.
The film is well done. I heard more religion in this film than I have experienced in a life time. I did find that aspect constricting.

Bar Mercurio

Bar Mercurio 270 Bloor St West 416 960 3877

Absolutely fantastic! Every bite was savored. Gourmet experience!
It started as a lunch with my grandson before he heads on a scholarship to The Banff School Of Arts. My daughter-in-law was in the hospital with knee surgery. My son also joined us for a lunch. Alex and I used to lunch here weekly when he was a student at UTS. It was a first time treat for my son.
I like the fact that this is a family owned restaurant. It is an authentic Italian bar and bistro. Joe or Theresa are always on hand to make sure all is running smoothly. Nona is the most remarkable woman. She still does some of the preparation and cooking. She works so hard and always has a smile for the guests. L’Espresso by Mercurio is a sister restaurant across the road. It features the best Paninis, Salads and Amazing Pastries. Both restaurants are always busy. We arrived at 2:00p.m and were surprised to see a full restaurant with only one table available.
My son said the Affumicato was the best Omelette ever. It was creamy and tasty. The smoked salmon and sour cream were flavorful. He also enjoyed the caviar topping. A fresh green salad was included. ($14.00) My grandson remembered the pizzas that he enjoyed on our weekly lunch visits. The Pizza Calabrese satisfied his craving.($14.00) The hot chili oil certainly added a little pizzazz. My Ravioli Ai Gamberi was a gourmet experience bordering on ecstasy.($18.00) It brought back memories of my trip to Tuscany. The ravioli melted in my mouth. The sauce was finger licking good. The home made foccacia was dipped in the sauce and I enjoyed it all. The gamberi were succulent and delicious.
We were all so satisfied with our choices. The Chocolate Flourless Cake was a mouth watering sensual experience.($10.00)
The menu is extensive. Pasta and Pizzas are always so tasty. Grilled fish and meat choices have been satisfying on other occasions.
Bar Mercurio always pleases. The service is friendly and efficient. The plating is appealing. The food always is a winning combination. For all of the above reasons this place thrives. And so it should.

I Don't Know How She Does It

I Don’t Know How She Does It

Any working mother will relate to the problems of being a good wife, caring mother and successful career worker. It brought back memories of trying to be the best at my job while caring for three young children. It calls for the ‘super mom ‘syndrome and it is almost impossible.
The darling Sarah Jessica Parker is a climber in the financial field. She is excellent at her job. She loves her husband, Richard and her two adorable children. As she gains promotions at her work the demands become overwhelming.
I must say she had the perfect husband. He went along with it all. I kept waiting for the divorce talk.
When he wanted to celebrate his promotion she had to be out of town. When he wanted a sexy evening he found his wife fast asleep in bed. She promised to make a snowman with her eldest daughter and was called out of town.
Her out of town work was a potential mine field. She was working Jack Abelhammer, a character played by Pierce Brosnan. Who wouldn’t fall for him? He was charming, handsome, intelligent and very thoughtful. She was cute and charming but always faithful.
Nobody could keep up that busy schedule. There was a lot of humor with the stay at home moms. Obviously they were jealous but had no understanding of her challenge. The stay at home moms were busy in their own way, baking for the school fairs and gong to the gymn.
The film tries to be a documentary type of format. The various speakers talk to you directly as if being interviewed. You get to know their innermost thoughts. It is humorous and effective.
I was sure I was in for the worst film of the year. I was most certainly entertained and thought it had a lot going for it. The issues are real and were handled in a humorous effective manner. This is a feel good film strictly entertiainning.

Moneyball

Moneyball

Everybody loves a good story of the underdog who comes from behind to win. Moneyball was a big hit at the recent Toronto International Film Festival. Brad Pitt is always a big draw. In my opinion it is the story and the telling of the story that makes this a big hit. I personally think that any number of actors could have played the part of Billy Beane. For my part he smirks too much and I found it hard to take him seriously.
Billy Beane was the general manager of the Oakland baseball team. They were losing badly and a new strategy was required.
Beane hires Peter Brand as his assistant. He is an overweight quiet, expressionless worker with no experience. Brand was an expert in statistics and told Beane that in order to start winning they had to take new approach. They started hiring new players based on statistics. They bought players for much smaller sums than their competitors. Most were unknowns but showed promise in getting to the bases.
At first things got worse and Beane felt his job was on the line. Intermingled with the baseball story we see Bean’s relationship with his charming young daughter. He only sees her on occasion as she lives with his divorced wife. The child writes a song and sings it to him. This seems to be his inspiration to make changes and forge ahead.
Of course the audience is all on the Oakland side when they began to win games. This is a good story and it is also true. I did like the fact that we are told at the end what happens to Billy Beane’s career.
There is a lot of baseball in the film. Underlying it all is the powerful story of achievement and the psychology behind it all.

5th Element

5th Elementt 506 Queen St. West 416 504 3213

I enjoyed the food at the 5th Element many times when they were situated on Bay Street. I have also been many times to the new location on Queen St West near Bathurst. The food is exquisite. The service is always friendly and welcoming. The prices are too fair.
I had been attending a film at the Toronto Film Festival and bumped into my family (also film buffs) They were heading to this popular restaurant and I was delighted to join them.
This restaurant has a prix-fixe menu that is the best value in town. Imagine a 3 course Prix Fixe dinner with a glass of wine or beer for $22.95.
The wine was delicious and an ample portion was offered. The plates were beautifully presented. We were all delighted to have an evening of dining together and we all raved about the delicious food.
The appetizers all sounded so appealing. My grandson opted for the Masala Tuna Tatar and Smoked Salmon. There was a small green salad. The sesame drizzle added to a perfect presentation and a most delicious appetizer. We all shared in this very special appetizer. At any other restaurant it would be double the price (or more) Everybody was digging in. Chicken Pakoras are served with plum sauce. The Vegetable Samosa Chaat is offered with mint and tamarind chutney. Fish Tikki is served with a Chipotle Sauce. Roasted Cauliflower Soup caught my attention as did the Baked Crab Cake in a ginger coconut broth with yellow mustard greens. We were so delighted with everything we chose. Our empty plates verified how good it all was.
Chef Johnee is a master chef. He obviously is also very creative. He designed the menu and makes each plate a creative presentation.
All main courses are served with Basmati Pilaf Rice. Grilled Shrimp, Calamari, and Tilapia are prepared in a Bengali Curry Sauce. The Braised Lamb Shank is infused with garam masala and a tomato sauce. Tandoori Chicken Tikka is a traditional creamy butter chicken. Delicious! I was so pleased with my Portobello, Shitake, Button Mushroom Biriyani served with a Lentil Stew. The Broiled Veal Chop has a glaze and is served with basmati pilaf rice.
The choices are amazing. The food drew loud sounds of approval at our table. We were all delighted with our choices.
We all shared the Chocolate Gateaux. It was the perfect creamy, chocolate ending to a feast.
The regular menu has the same items listed as well as many more. I have always enjoyed the food. The place was bustling so a reservation is a good idea.
I don’t know how they do it. I only know that this is a guaranteed winner from every aspect.

Sage Cafe

Sage Café 166 McCaul Street 416 340 7345

I had just returned from the grand wedding in Chicago. The Film Festival is now on my must do list. This means 2 films a day. I have had no chance to shop and the fridge is bare. I was walking downtown for my first film of the day and spotted Sage Café. It has been a successful breakfast and lunch spot for 18 years. The establishment must have originally been a house. It has the feeling of being in an old home. The food is selected from a counter at the front. Place your order and it is delivered to your table at the back of the restaurant. The room is delightful. I really like the dark green wood trim and olive colored walls. The old fireplace adds charm. Presently there is an exquisite photography show by May Ann Kaimola. Her photography is exquisite and worth a visit. The show is called Glimpses Of The Seasons. The pictures are exquisite and you can walk around the restaurant and see photos representing different seasons.
I arrived early and couldn’t believe the long line of patrons that were waiting to place food orders. It all works so efficiently and quickly. Many take the food out. In fact take out and catering is a big part of the business. The food is so tantalizing and the biggest problem is making a choice. The portions are huge and artfully plated.
I ordered a Caesar Salad with a scoop of tuna. Crispy baked pita pieces graced the plate. It was all so delicious. There was enough for 2 people to share but I certainly managed to finish it all.
Wraps are a big item. You can order it with a salad or soup (if you have an enormous appetite). Truly the wrap portions are unbelievable in size. There is a long list of items that can be chosen for fillers.
Specials of the day are listed on a blackboard. On this day there was a Special Quiche Of the Day and a Singapore Salad. Two Soups were listed on the board. Specialties such as Eggplant Parmesan and Fusilli Prima Vera are common daily specialties. The pastries line the counter. Everything is tasty and prepared fresh.
Everything looks so appealing. The food is superb. There is a feeling of nostalgia dining in this little old house. I understand the brunch on Saturday and Sunday is amazing. It is now on my list.
I picked up a catering list on my way out. Very impressive!
Hot Hors D’oeuvres include Mimi Tartlets with a variety of fillings. Chicken Satay Skewers, Oriental Rolls and Falafel Fritters are just a few of the tantalizing options. Appetizers are $18.00- $20.00 per dozen.
Cold appetizers include: Pita Spirals, Brochettes of pesto cheese tortellini, Tomato and Bocconcini Lollipops, as well as Salmon or Crab Cakes.
Doesn’t it make your mouth water? A variety of Entrees and Salads are all available.
I was so impressed with this small establishment. I will go back again very soon and even try the catering. It is a reasonable place to dine on quality food in the heart of the city.

Gainsbourg

Gainsbourg

I am a glutton for punishment. The word masochist even comes to mind. I’m still exhausted from the wedding last week. I have now seen 10 films at The Toronto Film Festival. I am trying to transition myself back to a normal state. I thought attending a regular movie performance would be the way to go. I had no idea what this film was about. It was a short walk from my home and the timing was perfect .In my ignorance I thought I was going to see an artistic film about Gaisborough the famous landscape painter.
I was surprised to discover that Serge Gainsbourg was a French icon of French singers. Who was to know?
The film could well have been an entry for the Film Festival. It is very creative and visual. Of course the music was wonderful.
Gainsbourg was an individual at an early age. His father was a bar piano player and forced him to learn to play the piano. Even as a youth he was outspoken and was not afraid of anything. He was quite a rebel.
Even when he had to wear a yellow star during the war he showed courage and a brazen spirit. We are reminded of the wartime with soldiers marching in the street. Posters making fun of Jews were posted on buildings. At one time he goes into the woods to be away from the soldiers. Some of his friends bring him food and cigarettes. He certainly smoked a great deal all his life. Later in the film he is asked to play a concert for children whose parents never returned from the camps.
Serge has quite an imagination and much of the story includes fantasy creatures that are part of his life.
He was an extraordinary painter and a lover of beautiful women. One of his lovers was Brigitte Bardot. Many close-ups are shown of sexual encounters. Serge was not an attractive man but had no problem in attracting beautiful women and less of a problem seducing them.
At one point in the film we are told,” Life is chance working against destiny.”
There is art, music and drama in the film. At times it is almost confusing but I adored the pageantry.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Best Restaurants

My Picks During the Current Year

I can’t believe I didn’t get to one restaurant this week. I have been busy entertaining my 11 family members from Israel and we are all preparing to go to Chicago next weekend for my grandson’s wedding..
I thought it might be fun to make a list of some of my favorite restaurants of the year.

Best Pizza
Pizzeria Libreria 221 Ossington Ave. 416 532 8000

Best Gourmet Restaurants
Il Posto
Corner House 501 Davenport Ave. 416 923 2604

Best Tuna
Via Norte 938 College St 647 348 1116

Best Panini
Negroni 492 College St 416 413 0005

Best Neighborhood Restaurants
D.T Bistro 154 Harbord St 416 916 8155
Boulevard Café 161 Harbord St.. 416 961 7676

Best Italian Restaurant
Enoteca Sociale 1288 Dundas St W. 416 534 1200

Best French Restaurant
Provence Delices 12 Amelia St 416 924 9901

Best Hamburger
Burger Cellar 3391 Yonge St 647 345 0084

Best New Discovery
Crème Brasserie 162 Cumberland 416 962 7363

Best Vegetarian
Fressen 478 Queen St W 416 504 5127

You Are Here

You Are Here

I was there but wasn’t sure I wanted to be. This was surely the most bizarre film I have ever seen. I asked a young lady (who was also leaving the theatre) what it was all about. She was as mystified as I was. I noticed in the lobby a review written by my favorite film critic. I trust him implicitly. He raved about this film and thought it was brilliant. Obviously I am not sufficiently in tune.
It is filmed in Toronto and well known actors had a job. This is good. It was just so confusing.
It seemed to be a series of little vignettes but nothing added up. Let me give you a few examples. A man is in a small empty room. A paper is shoved under the door. It has a series of Chinese letters written on the paper. He then notices a book. ‘What to do if they shove Chinese writing under the door.” The young man begins to labor over the books to decipher the Chinese letters on the paper.
A man is at the water’s edge. In a droning voice he asks us to contemplate the waves. A shiny red pointer light is bouncing around on the picture of the waves. We are asked to contemplate the waves and try not to focus on the red dot. It was a difficult exercise.
People in an office are tracking the whereabouts of a few people on the street. They pin point their whereabouts with a stickpin on a map.
There are many doors and hallways in the picture. People seem to be lost.
(So was I)
I can only try to understand the mind games being played.
I did find myself laughing at times. I was totally confused all the time. I had fun trying not to focus on the red light while watching the waves in the picture.
Was this film trying to tell us something about how we are living life in this technological era? Maybe. The crazy part is that I feel I should go to see it again and try to make a deeper understanding of this experimental film.

The Debt

The Debt

Do you love suspense, terror and great acting? I hesitated to see the film because I had seen so many previews and I was afraid that the suspense and the story would be upsetting. The music added to the pace and I sat on the edge of my seat throughout the total film. I was certainly not able to predict the ending. In the last half hour I was shocked and surprised by the strange twist of events.
At the beginning of the film we meet three Mossad (Israeli) agents who had been sent into East Berlin to track down a Nazi war criminal. He was a doctor accused of horrific actions against Jews during the war. It was very difficult to listen to the doctor describing his hatred for Jews and telling about the disgusting torture.
Jessica Chastain plays the young Rebecca. She is one of the agents and is pretending to be married to one of the other agents. .All three live in a run down apartment that leaks and has bugs. I did enjoy watching the interpersonal communication amongst the three.
Rachel meets up with the infamous doctor who is now an obstetrician. She pretends she is having difficulty getting pregnant. The doctor was kind, caring and sensitive. It was horrifying to watch her going through tests and examinations in order to get to the ‘monster’ doctor. In the middle of a pelvic examination she jumps up and attacks him. The three agents keep the doctor in their apartment and make a plan to get him back to Israel.
It was difficult watching all the events because of the suspense and the horror. The doctor gets away and the agents tell a lie that he had been killed. They couldn’t stand to admit their failure.
In later years we meet the three agents. Helen Mirren plays the part of the adult Rachael. Her daughter has written a book about her mother’s courageous and honorable actions in killing the doctor. For years the three agents kept it a secret that he was not killed.
Each agent dealt with the secret in his/her way. It weighed heavy on all of them.
The last part of the story is so gripping. The acting throughout will keep you in suspense. Jessica Chastain is amazing in her role as the young Rachael. Helen Mirren is one of the great actors of our time. She is superb in her role of the older Rachael.
John Madden is the director. He has created many Oscar awarded films in the past. I sense another one in this film.