Talented cast are lost to a weak script.
While on holiday in Marrakech, an ordinary English couple, Perry and Gail, befriend a flamboyant and charismatic Russian, Dima, who unbeknownst to them is a kingpin money launderer for the Russian mafia.When Dima asks for their help to deliver classified information to the British Secret Services, Perry and Gail get caught in a dangerous world of international espionage and dirty politics. The couple is propelled on a perilous journey through Paris and Bern, a safe house in the French Alps, to the murky corners of the City of London and an alliance with the British Government via a ruthless and determined MI6 agent.
Ewan McGregor is a talented actor who has both dramatic and comedic abilities - he is able to use his full range in this film. However, no matter how strong his performance the script is convoluted, long and didn’t use enough of John LeCarré’s source material to keep the plot moving. Damian Lewis and Stellan Skarsgård also offer strong performances.
The film also looks beautiful, the cinematography is outstanding and the location filming means that the film is able to utilise both Paris and Russia’s picturesque locations.
Overall go for the performances and cinematography, don’t expect too much from the story though and fans of the novel may be disappointed with the adaptation.
2.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Picture This.
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