Original and very relevant premise with a plot that's intelligently done and engaging even though it has its share of stretches/missing pieces and would benefit from a little more in the way of hard suspense. Really fine cinematography and use of settings. THE EAST quietly and convincingly raises questions about who's right and who's wrong, who're the good guys and who're the bad guys. While the acting by all is competent if nothing spectacular, the character development of Benji and "the East" in general is another strong aspect of this film. THE EAST is definitely one of the better things to come out of Hollywood in recent years.