Gunther Bachmann (Hoffman) runs an off-the-books spy unit. His unit exists to do things the German government is not allowed to do by law. Things come to a head, sort of, when Chechen Issa Karpov (Grigoriy Dobrygin) comes on the scene to claim his father's fortune. Who is this most wanted man and is he telling the truth? Is he a victim or terrorist? What will he do with the money? Inquiring minds um spies are concerned. Now all the spy agencies come to life to find out. Gunther is very wary of the other spy agencies and doesn't trust them.
Now, don't get excited as this is going to be a slow roll from a novel by John Le Carre whose story will be a thinking man's spy story. Forget all about Jason Bourne type characters, car chases, multiple shootings, explosions, unbelievable CGI and thrills in any sense of the word. This is not a thriller you may be used to. This is a thriller for those who do crossword puzzles, Sudoku, maybe chess, Jumble (oh no, not Jumble as anyone can do that), cyphers ..and well, you get the idea. Just so you understand: this is not a thriller. This is an onion of a story. See?
However, the promos seem to indicate this is a fast moving story. HA ! Not so. I am not saying this is bad. It's not. It is a masterpiece, a very good, well acted and well told story.
The acting is top notch. What's not to like? We have notables: Willem Dafoe as Tommy Brue - a banker, Robin Wright as Martha Sullivan - a top CIA agent, and Rachael McAdams as Annabel - the lawyer for Issa, Abdullah (Homayoun Ershadi) – a philanthropist, and of course, Philip Seymour Hoffman who is at the very top of his game in here. He speaks with a German accent and it is just right. The remaining support cast - while not as well known - are very good. .
Here is the key you have been looking for: You need to pay attention all the way. Everything is on the Down-Low. Know where your popcorn and drink are. Don't look away or you will, most certainly miss something. Hey, it's a John Le Carre story so know who you are dealing with. The pace is slow, but it is just right, and engaging if you follow along as you should. I was blown away.
The ending may surprise you. I was surprised. (10/10)
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Yes. Some F-bombs in the beginning and some at the end.
Now, don't get excited as this is going to be a slow roll from a novel by John Le Carre whose story will be a thinking man's spy story. Forget all about Jason Bourne type characters, car chases, multiple shootings, explosions, unbelievable CGI and thrills in any sense of the word. This is not a thriller you may be used to. This is a thriller for those who do crossword puzzles, Sudoku, maybe chess, Jumble (oh no, not Jumble as anyone can do that), cyphers ..and well, you get the idea. Just so you understand: this is not a thriller. This is an onion of a story. See?
However, the promos seem to indicate this is a fast moving story. HA ! Not so. I am not saying this is bad. It's not. It is a masterpiece, a very good, well acted and well told story.
The acting is top notch. What's not to like? We have notables: Willem Dafoe as Tommy Brue - a banker, Robin Wright as Martha Sullivan - a top CIA agent, and Rachael McAdams as Annabel - the lawyer for Issa, Abdullah (Homayoun Ershadi) – a philanthropist, and of course, Philip Seymour Hoffman who is at the very top of his game in here. He speaks with a German accent and it is just right. The remaining support cast - while not as well known - are very good. .
Here is the key you have been looking for: You need to pay attention all the way. Everything is on the Down-Low. Know where your popcorn and drink are. Don't look away or you will, most certainly miss something. Hey, it's a John Le Carre story so know who you are dealing with. The pace is slow, but it is just right, and engaging if you follow along as you should. I was blown away.
The ending may surprise you. I was surprised. (10/10)
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Yes. Some F-bombs in the beginning and some at the end.