Based on John La Carré's novel of the same name, A Most Wanted Man sees Anton Corbijn (The American, Control) craft a slick and engrossing espionage thriller, tackling the War on Terror with a deft and cynical touch. Hamburg is our setting, and the story kicks off when Issa Karpov (Grigory Dobrygin), a Chechen refugee sneaks into the city illegally, immediately coming to the attention of a covert anti-terror group, led by Gunther Bachman (Philip Seymour Hoffman). With Issa believed to be a dangerous terrorist, Bachman's investigates, leading him to believe the young refugee can lead him to a bigger threat.
A Most Wanted Man unspools slowly, ratcheting up the tension from the opening frame. The movie is a wonderful slow burn, and the bleak atmosphere envelops you completely as the story takes its time with setting up all the characters and motivations. It plays fast and loose with your expectations, expertly delivered twists and turns peppering the opening act. Once all the pieces have been put in place, the story kicks into high gear, with the smartly written script delivering plenty of intrigue as it navigates a pared down and very real world representation of modern day espionage. The story packs quite a punch as it winds it's way towards a resolution, with the bleak finale providing the perfect ending, muted but leaving quite the impression. Much like the movie as a whole.
Visually, A Most wanted Man is stunningly beautiful. With Hamburg transformed into a foreboding maze of streets and run down buildings, the washed out visuals provide the perfect accompaniment to Corbijn's steady direction. On top of all this, Philip Seymour Hoffman puts in a powerhouse performance as the drained Bachman, who only wants to do some good in the world dominated by competing agendas and red tape. Shuffling wearily through the movie, and makes his presence felt in every scene, the weight of Bachman's mission is etched on his face, but he perseveres, expertly manipulating those around him. His final scene is heartbreaking, not only for what the character is going through, but for the reminder he is a tremendous acting talent sadly now lost to us. Rachel McAdam's provide excellent support as an immigration lawyer wanting to help Karpov. Initially strong willed and idealistic, we watch as she breaks down as Bachman intrudes on her life, becoming a fragile shell by the movies end. It's an amazing transformation, and one that you believe totally. The rest of the supporting cast put in fantastic work, with Dobrygin, Willem DeFoe, Robin Wright, and Daniel Brühl playing small but important roles, many pieces that make a fantastic whole.
A Most Wanted Man is a thrilling piece of cinema, expertly crafted, and with an amazing performance Philip Seymour Hoffman at its center. A must watch!!!
A Most Wanted Man unspools slowly, ratcheting up the tension from the opening frame. The movie is a wonderful slow burn, and the bleak atmosphere envelops you completely as the story takes its time with setting up all the characters and motivations. It plays fast and loose with your expectations, expertly delivered twists and turns peppering the opening act. Once all the pieces have been put in place, the story kicks into high gear, with the smartly written script delivering plenty of intrigue as it navigates a pared down and very real world representation of modern day espionage. The story packs quite a punch as it winds it's way towards a resolution, with the bleak finale providing the perfect ending, muted but leaving quite the impression. Much like the movie as a whole.
Visually, A Most wanted Man is stunningly beautiful. With Hamburg transformed into a foreboding maze of streets and run down buildings, the washed out visuals provide the perfect accompaniment to Corbijn's steady direction. On top of all this, Philip Seymour Hoffman puts in a powerhouse performance as the drained Bachman, who only wants to do some good in the world dominated by competing agendas and red tape. Shuffling wearily through the movie, and makes his presence felt in every scene, the weight of Bachman's mission is etched on his face, but he perseveres, expertly manipulating those around him. His final scene is heartbreaking, not only for what the character is going through, but for the reminder he is a tremendous acting talent sadly now lost to us. Rachel McAdam's provide excellent support as an immigration lawyer wanting to help Karpov. Initially strong willed and idealistic, we watch as she breaks down as Bachman intrudes on her life, becoming a fragile shell by the movies end. It's an amazing transformation, and one that you believe totally. The rest of the supporting cast put in fantastic work, with Dobrygin, Willem DeFoe, Robin Wright, and Daniel Brühl playing small but important roles, many pieces that make a fantastic whole.
A Most Wanted Man is a thrilling piece of cinema, expertly crafted, and with an amazing performance Philip Seymour Hoffman at its center. A must watch!!!
