Watch The Whistleblower

The Whistleblower is a dramatic thriller based on actual events that took place in Bosnia in the 1990s. The movie, released in 2010, tells the story of Kathryn Bolkovac, a Nebraska cop who accepts an international peacekeeping job in post-war Bosnia. She believes she is heading to a peaceful mission of helping the local police force rebuild itself.

However, once in Bosnia, Kathryn discovers a corrupt system that promotes sex trafficking and human rights violations. She uncovers the involvement of high-ranking UN officials, government contractors, and military personnel in a network of human trafficking, prostitution, and forced labor that extends to the highest levels of power.

As Kathryn starts investigating the cases of sex trafficking in Bosnia, she faces resistance and pressure from her colleagues and superiors. However, despite the danger to herself and her family, she refuses to back down from her mission to expose the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The film is led by an outstanding performance from Rachel Weisz as Kathryn Bolkovac. Weisz gives a credible portrayal of a strong woman who fights against a corrupt system and the various obstacles thrown in her way. She delivers a nuanced performance that captures the complexity of the moral and ethical issues at the core of the story.

Monica Bellucci also delivers a powerful performance as Laura Leviani, owner of one of the nightclubs involved in the sex trafficking ring. Bellucci's performance is both tragic and compelling, portraying how women are both victimized and complicit in the exploitation of other women.

Vanessa Redgrave, as Madeleine Rees, is another highlight of the movie. As the UN official who supports Kathryn's quest for justice, Redgrave offers a performance that is both compassionate and determined, lending the story an additional emotional depth.

What stands out in The Whistleblower is the fact that it is not just another story of heroic white saviorism. The movie exposes how a system of colonialism, patriarchy and institutional power structure operates and controls people's lives. Kathryn Bolkovac's experience being a white American woman is juxtaposed with the Bosnian women who are silenced and oppressed in the system she is fighting against.

The screenplay by Larysa Kondracki and Eilis Kirwan is well-crafted, offering a compelling narrative that is both emotionally engaging and thought-provoking. The pacing of the story keeps the audience interested, while the character development of Kathryn and the other characters provides some insightful depth.

The film's production design, cinematography, and score also deserve praise. The depiction of the decaying post-war landscape, the seedy nightclubs, and the underground tunnels where the women are kept against their will, are all beautifully shot and add to the atmosphere of the film.

In conclusion, The Whistleblower is a powerful and engaging movie that tells a story that is both heart-breaking and inspiring. It's a must-see for those who appreciate strong performances, compelling storytelling, and socially relevant themes. While it will not be an easy watch for everyone, the film's themes of resistance, courage, and speaking truth to power resonate powerfully. The Whistleblower is a movie that is both informative and thought-provoking, and it's an essential watch for anyone interested in the topic of human trafficking and institutional corruption.

The Whistleblower is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 59.