The Debt (2000)

A gripping psychological thriller, The Debt tells the story of two entrepreneurs who become enmeshed in the criminal web of a Russian thug. In capitalist Warsaw, Adam and Stefan are aspiring businessmen who plan to import Italian scooters. But without collateral for a bank loan, help comes in the form of Gerard, a Russian-born acquaintance who offers money and promises success. This all-too-simple scheme falls apart as Gerard's demands exceed the duo's profits and they quickly terminate the deal. The mobster increasingly demands payment with interest and the threat of violence is inevitable for the two and their loved ones. Paralyzed with fear, Adam and Stefan decide on a plan to free themselves from this sadistic blackmail. The mounting tension of this chilling true-crime drama captures the hopelessness of a country lured into the capitalist lifestyle, while focusing on the compelling choices men make between the right and wrong sides of the law. Product Description

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time

Krzysztof Krauze's "The Debt" (Dlug) was a stressful movie for me to watch, absolutely stressful. However, I have it give it a lot of credit, it was easily one of the most suspenseful films I ever watched. This is a thriller that will make you squirm.

Simply put, "The Debt" is a film about two men that were interested in starting a business. They are turned down for a loan at the bank, but stumble upon a former neighbor who turns out to be in the Russian mafia. Their lives are turned into a nightmare when the Russian wants to collect their debt for listening to them ask about a loan.

Any review that discusses the storyline too much is doing the reader a disservice. What makes this film incredible is the suspense and to spoil it in any way is wrong. If you find this film too much after 30 minutes of stress, keep going and you will see it is worth it.
November 27, 2005

It could happen ...

What struck me the most about this film is the fact that the story line is so believable. Two ordinary guys, one married the other engaged are about to go into business together and in their quest for funding one of them runs into an old friend who they immediately pitch their plan to. The acquaintance listens promising to get back to them which he does, the only problem is that his terms are outrageous at which time the partners find out that they are now dealing with the Russian mob. Things turn ugly and life becomes all about survival - do you succumb?, do you run?, do you do the unthinkable? Based on a true story this film will keep you on edge and make you think 'what would I do'? September 18, 2004

More reviews at Amazon.com ...