In 1989, newspaper reporter Victor Malarek (Josh Hartnett) travels to Thailand to interview imprisoned Canadian Daniel Léger (Antoine Olivier Pilon). He suspects foul play by the Canadian authorities. Sleazy informant Glen Picker (Jim Gaffigan) had sold Daniel as a drug kingpin importing heroin from Thailand to his police handler Sergeant Frank Cooper (Stephen McHattie).
This should be sold as a case of police corruption. I am glad that the film doesn't short-shrift Daniel's petty wrong-doings but that also makes him a less appealing victim. He's a victim of his own bad decisions. Saving him is not a big motivation. It's more compelling to take down corrupt cops. That's the better spin but spin may not be the story's goal. It's also a very cookie-cutter story. Again, based on a true story is holding it back. It's fine. I like some of these actors.
This should be sold as a case of police corruption. I am glad that the film doesn't short-shrift Daniel's petty wrong-doings but that also makes him a less appealing victim. He's a victim of his own bad decisions. Saving him is not a big motivation. It's more compelling to take down corrupt cops. That's the better spin but spin may not be the story's goal. It's also a very cookie-cutter story. Again, based on a true story is holding it back. It's fine. I like some of these actors.