The Interpreter ***
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Sean Penn, Catherine Keener, Jesper Christensen, Yvan Attal, Earl Cameron, George Harris, Hugo Speer, Curtiss I'Cook
Director: Sydney Pollack
Running Length: 2:08
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Silvia Broome (Kidman) is an interpreter for the United Nations. Late one night, when returning to her sound booth to retrieve belongings, she overhears a plot to kill Edmond Zuwanie (Cameron), president of the fictional Africal country of Matobo when he appears at the United Nations to give a speech. Broome is originally from Matobo, and has lost the majority of her family to a landmine. When she overhears the assassination plans, she is spotted, and becomes a target for the assassins too.

Secret Service agents Tobin Keller (Penn) and Dot Woods (Keener) are called in to investigate what Silvia has to say. They are skeptical at first, but given her dislike for Zuwanie, it seems doubtful that she would make the story up. Tobin comes with some baggage himself, having recently lost his family in an accident. They begin to form a bond of sorts, and he takes on the role of her protector.

"The Interpreter" is an entertaining and timely political thriller. Zuwanie is a dictator who started out good, but became corrupted by power. He enforced a purge of his opposition, and killed many innocents in the crossfire.

Kidman and Penn give their usual excellent performances. The story is top notch, providing action, suspense, and even some thought. It is effective because it is grounded in the reality of today's world. It does not cheat or go for an overly happy ending. This is a good, solid movie and well worth checking out.