This film tells the true story of Nick Leeson, the floor trader on Simex Singaopre, who singly handedly broke Barings Bank, in the mid '90's. Of how one mans ambition was overcome by pressures, and in turn, reckless gambling.
An incredible aspect of this case was to me, how Leeson covered up for so long, and hoodwinked so many, who it seemed, according to the film, were so wrapped up in their own company rhetoric they simply wanted to believe in Leeson. The regional manager in Singapore had never even heard of the name of the brokerage house Leeson used to "invent" a trade to cover the missing and ever increasing deficit being incured in the "88888" account, a supposed customer account, but in reality, an back office error account.
The pace of the story is very well done here. My only gripe is, for a film with excellent supporting cast, why did they take so little care over the choice of the leading players? McGreggor is convincing as Leeson only when the sickly scenes with his wife are not on screen, the hoplessly miscast Lisa.
Some may find the numerous and fast financial terms not easy to follow. But a fascinating story, with great use of background music.
