Nicole Kidman plays a U.N. interpreter from a war-torn African tribal nation. When she overhears a plot against the life of the leader of the country, Sean Penn is the Secret Service agent assigned to investigate the case.

In the process, we learn about the conditions in the wretched country she came from, the challenges faced by inhabitants, and some interesting bits from their traditions on crime and punishment.

What I liked about this movie: The execution was well done. Fine acting, a good story, and a lot of interesting plot twists, and the characters are compelling.

There are moments when the personal involvement between Kidman and Penn's characters become just a little bit much to believe (that they would open up and get to know each other that well during the course of just 1 week -- I doubt it), but that's Hollywood for you. It's all in the service of making an interesting narrative.

A worthy movie. I'm glad I saw it.