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8

BHBarryJul 27, 2014

"A Most Wanted Man" stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright and Willem Dafoe in this intense spy thriller based on the novel by John LeCarre. The screenplay was written by Andrew Bovell, directed by Anton Corbijn and"A Most Wanted Man" stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright and Willem Dafoe in this intense spy thriller based on the novel by John LeCarre. The screenplay was written by Andrew Bovell, directed by Anton Corbijn and remains true to Mr. LeCarre’s literary work. Knowing that this was Mr. Hoffman’s last film makes the viewing bitter sweet for one watches this great actor perform as only he can and yet with the knowledge that we will never see him in anything new again.
The length of the film, over 2 hours, should not be a deterrent for every scene is valuable and necessary as good editing helps the viewer watch and understand this otherwise complicated plot. The film geta and deserves an 8.5… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

thejakeberlinAug 24, 2014

Overall, A Most Wanted Man was satisfying as all hell. Like I said above, we rarely get spy thriller movies like this anymore and this one definitely filled the big empty hole for this type of movie in my life. It was interesting, exciting,Overall, A Most Wanted Man was satisfying as all hell. Like I said above, we rarely get spy thriller movies like this anymore and this one definitely filled the big empty hole for this type of movie in my life. It was interesting, exciting, intense, and the perfect amount of thrill to make a money spy movie. But going back to it all, Philip Seymour Hoffman delivered as he usually does, almost bringing a tear to your eye as we now know that he leaves us with one his best performances ever.… Expand

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9

jskrallAug 6, 2014

A wonderful, intelligent movie - not the dumb shoot-up, blow-up, kill-all flick of today. Thank God for it. Almost better than the book. Great acting, directing and cutting. A MUST SEE, if you like some food for your brain. The onlyA wonderful, intelligent movie - not the dumb shoot-up, blow-up, kill-all flick of today. Thank God for it. Almost better than the book. Great acting, directing and cutting. A MUST SEE, if you like some food for your brain. The only bothersome point for me was how my old hometown Hamburg was portrayed... dirty, dreary and covered in so much graffiti that one, who doesn't know it any better, has to wonder what kind of "dump" this actually most beautiful, greenest, classiest and livable of all German cities is. Yes, graffiti is a problem here... but not to the extent presented in the movie with not an inch of a wall, house entrance and staircase visible without some scribble on it.… Expand

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9

ElliottJMAug 7, 2014

The work of intelligence case officers is really accurate according to at least 20-30 books I’ve read on it. That alone is worth it, because no other films seem to get that right (John le Carre was in MI6 so maybe that’s why). But also,The work of intelligence case officers is really accurate according to at least 20-30 books I’ve read on it. That alone is worth it, because no other films seem to get that right (John le Carre was in MI6 so maybe that’s why). But also, Philip Seymore Hoffman was amazing. His character was crazy real, and the worst/best thing about it is you kind of felt like it was really him. As one reviewer said “ And the two of them, actor and character, fit so tightly into that abused and collapsing body up on the screen...” which is dead on in my opinion.

But I don’t know why in the hell they cast Rachel McAdams, she’s so terrible and it took me out of the film at times, not just her "accent" but acting as well, although it is mainly a casting problem I think. They should have cast Jessica Chastain instead like they were considering.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

JamesLJul 28, 2014

A thinking person's movie. Slow and methodical but I'm guessing the way it really happens. No vampires, aliens, giant robots, just great acting and the reality of the war on terror. Sad the see the last of Hoffman. Will miss his brilliance.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

netflicAug 17, 2014

This is one of the best spy movies I have ever seen.
No crazy conspiracy theories, no incredible coincidences, no shootings. it is not a James Bond kind of a movie. Just routine work of a German intelligence officer with its ups and downs.This is one of the best spy movies I have ever seen.
No crazy conspiracy theories, no incredible coincidences, no shootings. it is not a James Bond kind of a movie. Just routine work of a German intelligence officer with its ups and downs. But even though it seems slow, its grip on audience becomes tighter. Incredible performance of leading actors, notably of late Philip Seymour Hoffman. What a great actor we lost recently!

The only thing which I found somewhat annoying was that music was over-dramatic where it did not have to be.

Otherwise, close to a perfect movie.… Expand

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8

SpangleAug 9, 2014

This one is not for everyone due to the pace at which it goes, so if you do not have patience, stay away from "A Most Wanted Man". However, if you appreciate great acting and a slow burning, incredibly intense plot, this is the one for you.This one is not for everyone due to the pace at which it goes, so if you do not have patience, stay away from "A Most Wanted Man". However, if you appreciate great acting and a slow burning, incredibly intense plot, this is the one for you. Philip Seymour Hoffman is stellar and it almost brings a tear to your eye realizing that this is his final role. Robin Wright, Rachel McAdams, and Willem Dafoe, are also all really good here, in addition to the supporting cast. It is a true actor's showcase here. The story is admittedly slow, but never ceases to be entirely engrossing and truly had me from the very beginning. It was a twisty and turny ride, especially the ending, which is fantastic and unexpected. "A Most Wanted Man" is a departure from the usual spy thrillers of today that seem to always involve excessive action sequences. Here, it is dialogue driven and on the back of a great script, direction, and acting, is a resounding success. I truly hope this one can get some more buzz so that Hoffman can get another Oscar nomination, because he deserves it for his work here.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

LowbrowCinemaAug 8, 2014

Totally contemporary, A MOST WANTED MAN feels like a brooding and sad remnant from the cold war. But no. This is today. A MOST WANTED MAN portrays a world in which good/evil and right/wrong are lost. All is pointless, empty, banal but then,Totally contemporary, A MOST WANTED MAN feels like a brooding and sad remnant from the cold war. But no. This is today. A MOST WANTED MAN portrays a world in which good/evil and right/wrong are lost. All is pointless, empty, banal but then, why fight so hard to save the world when in fact no one cares. A MOST WANTED MAN is a poignant and sad statement of our time.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

JDKoernerJul 25, 2014

The polar opposite of Zero Dark Thirty.

The picture opens on a title over a wall being washed by the tide. It announces that the planning for 9/11 took place in Germany without interference, and this must never be allowed to happen again.The polar opposite of Zero Dark Thirty.

The picture opens on a title over a wall being washed by the tide. It announces that the planning for 9/11 took place in Germany without interference, and this must never be allowed to happen again.

So much for the stakes and the motivations.

There follows a film with virtually no action and only as much dialogue as needed to advance the plot. There's a little chit chat, some exposition, and then waiting. Lots and lots of waiting. We wait silently watching the characters wait silently watching other characters make up their minds. There is one sequence which may have been 5 minutes long, with 4 of them silent. There is a sense of things happening in real time.

However, the longer we wait the more we learn, and the more we learn the more we care.

Hoffman's character is the polar opposite of the bombastic CIA agent he played in Charlie Wilson's War. Don't come expecting that, or the ripe bluster of The Master. Everyone speaks quietly in Hamburg where the film is set, and Hoffman perhaps the most quietly, muttering in a strange Germanic accent, but also very invested, and more and more so as the story winds tighter and tighter.

We could do worse than have this as the final performance of Philip Seymour Hoffman. He goes out on a high note, but an understated one as well.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

Brent_MarchantAug 2, 2014

A taut, suspenseful thriller with a terrific collection of performances by a top-notch cast, including undeniable proof of why we'll miss Philip Seymour Hoffman.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

jrodfilmsAug 14, 2014

good political spy-terrorist thriller thats not too hard to follow. great performances from hoffman and wright. slow moving film, but intriguing and never boring.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

drchoc1Jul 28, 2014

Hoffman plays the role of spy agent superbly, as he does in all his films. Without him, the movie is OK, but his presence adds a dimension to the film that is consistent with a LeCarre character. He knows exactly how to play the forlorn agentHoffman plays the role of spy agent superbly, as he does in all his films. Without him, the movie is OK, but his presence adds a dimension to the film that is consistent with a LeCarre character. He knows exactly how to play the forlorn agent in all its aspects, from ennui to excitement to extreme disappointment. The other actors are just the players in this film. The ending is so unexpected that you have to quickly think about what has happened. Put it all together and it really is a fine spy story.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

jacobluskOct 3, 2014

I was prepared to pronounce A Most Wanted Man boring and confusing for about the first 20 minutes. But soon after, I was hooked, and felt invested in everything that was going on. And there's nary an explosion to be seen in the entire film.I was prepared to pronounce A Most Wanted Man boring and confusing for about the first 20 minutes. But soon after, I was hooked, and felt invested in everything that was going on. And there's nary an explosion to be seen in the entire film. What a refreshing thing it is to have another adult movie about spies. The ending is shattering, the characters all too human, and the film highly worth watching.… Expand

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10

TomHugJul 27, 2014

Hits on all cylinders. Acting, directing, cinematography, writing. Dimensional characters, tautly acted, against a great story. You can tell there was craft in the directing and cinematography, but it doesn't call attention to itself, ratherHits on all cylinders. Acting, directing, cinematography, writing. Dimensional characters, tautly acted, against a great story. You can tell there was craft in the directing and cinematography, but it doesn't call attention to itself, rather choosing to serve storytelling.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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9

GinaKJul 27, 2014

What held my attention during this film was the utterly compelling and completely believable performance of Phillip Seymour Hoffman – and I generally have fallen asleep in the middle of recent Le Carre adaptations. Certainly the filmWhat held my attention during this film was the utterly compelling and completely believable performance of Phillip Seymour Hoffman – and I generally have fallen asleep in the middle of recent Le Carre adaptations. Certainly the film simplifies what I am sure was an even more complex story than in the original book, but I thought the direction was stylish and kept things interesting and moving along. I also thought the entire cast gave fine performances. The audience was silent and for once I didn’t have anybody crawling over me to get a popcorn refill, but then the people around me looked like readers (a smallish theater in a megaplex was almost full). For once, a Le Carre adaptation I thoroughly enjoyed.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

TVJerryJul 29, 2014

The appearance of an immigrant in Hamburg spikes the interest of a secret anti-terrorist group headed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Thus begins a tedious, low-key operation to discover the man's true threat. Based on a novel by John le Carré,The appearance of an immigrant in Hamburg spikes the interest of a secret anti-terrorist group headed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Thus begins a tedious, low-key operation to discover the man's true threat. Based on a novel by John le Carré, this is much more about patient procedure than action or chases. Every scene plays out slowly with no tension and lots of looking. Hoffman creates a mildly compelling character, but the ever-present cig and swig is an unoriginal way to signify a flawed character. There's some interesting intrigue, but the pacing is so slow that it tries your patience.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

TheDavoJul 29, 2014

A wonderful, understated movie and a great performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman. I wondered why they would have put him in a role where he was supposed to be German but he carried off well.

Not a Bond movie full of ridiculous stunts andA wonderful, understated movie and a great performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman. I wondered why they would have put him in a role where he was supposed to be German but he carried off well.

Not a Bond movie full of ridiculous stunts and explosions but a Le Carre movie full of what real spy work looks like presumably. If you are hoping for a lot of action and sex, this is not the movie for you.

A fitting final role for one of the best actors in recent memory.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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2

andrewapwJul 26, 2014

It was a snoozefest. Steer clear of this one. The acting was fine, but the story put me to sleep. It is a shame that PSH's last movie was this. Do not even waste your time when this goes to video. Just avoid this movie.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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2

NikolayGNov 7, 2014

I am convinced this movie received generally positive reviews for two reasons: Le Carre wrote the novel (and reviewers decades ago decided to love everything he produces regardless of the quality of his books; is he still coasting on The SpyI am convinced this movie received generally positive reviews for two reasons: Le Carre wrote the novel (and reviewers decades ago decided to love everything he produces regardless of the quality of his books; is he still coasting on The Spy Who Came in from the Cold after all this time?), and it came out shortly after the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman who stars in it. It certainly did not get positive reviews for the quality of the story, which is the single most lead footed, plodding, predictable spy story I have ever seen. I'm all for dialogue and I was glad to sit down for a spy story that would be free of the routine cliches of guns and disguises, poison pens, and so on. But I did not expect the story also to be devoid of complexity, devoid of depth of character (one of the things literary thrillers are supposed to have), devoid of surprise, and mostly devoid of suspense. After the first forty-five minutes or so I realized the movie wasn't going to go anywhere. I gave up on it half a hour before the end, but then watched the last half hour the next morning. Nothing much happened. It has about as much plot and character development in its two plus hours, as you'd expect in the first 20 minutes of any other movie.

Yes the acting was very good and it was fun to hear a Tom Waits song at the end over the credits. But without a story acting's got nothing to do. And sitting through a whole movie for a two minute song at the end, isn't my idea of a good time.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

Gamed2longSep 29, 2014

I am a big fan of the books by John le Carre. Having read the book going into this movie it was interesting, knowing a large part of what was going on to watch it all play out. The person I was with had not read the book. They got lost. AndI am a big fan of the books by John le Carre. Having read the book going into this movie it was interesting, knowing a large part of what was going on to watch it all play out. The person I was with had not read the book. They got lost. And its easy to understand why. A lot of films these days spoon feed major plot points and throw in a reminder every 2 minutes anyway. Not this movie. However they could have done a better job adding context to key things. Like why the banker goes out on a limb for Issa. Or why the protagonists boss/competitors choose to burn him at the end. All it would take is a 30 second "news clip." These were things I would not have been able to follow if I hadn't read the book. The cinematography also had a style that is a bit sloppy. Often I found myself looking for something of meaning in the background which the camera spent so much time dwelling on. Mostly there was none to be had.
Philip Seymour Hoffman gives an excellent performance. He looks awful. You can tell his real life drug issues are taking their toll. But it completely suits the character.
Willem Dafoe gives an unusually nice and likable performance.
All in all its a good movie that could have been a great movie. I place that clearly on the director. Though they gave it their best shot.… Expand

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7

yonianSep 21, 2014

A cerebral movie, not for fans of big explosions and special effects. Assumes the viewer knows enough about Islam to understand at least "Allahu akbar" and "Insha'Allah". The plot development suggests vanity and ego motivated some charactersA cerebral movie, not for fans of big explosions and special effects. Assumes the viewer knows enough about Islam to understand at least "Allahu akbar" and "Insha'Allah". The plot development suggests vanity and ego motivated some characters who would in real life would care about nothing but money.

Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance was suburb, even putting aside respect for the dead. Willem Dafoe was also outstanding. Most of the other performances were above average. I agree with other reviewers here that Rachel McAdams was miscast and outclassed.… Expand

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0

dave89791Jul 25, 2014

Perhaps I'm a bit harsh with this rating, but it's to warn away folks from seeing this

On a scale of up to 4 stars, I'd probably give it 1.5 stars or so due to the good acting and occasionally clever story There is virtually no actionPerhaps I'm a bit harsh with this rating, but it's to warn away folks from seeing this

On a scale of up to 4 stars, I'd probably give it 1.5 stars or so due to the good acting and occasionally clever story

There is virtually no action (except for a foot chase, Philip Seymour Hoffman playing the piano, a document signing, and a fender bender), no character development, very little detail such as to explain the motivations and any backstory for any of the characters.

I regret seeing this.

If you liked Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, you probably would like this since both films are completely devoid of substance and excitement (though this movie isn't quite as terrible as Tinker Tailor).

I don't think I will ever read John le Carré book or see a movie based on one ever again.

I recommend only those who like John le Carré and also liked Tinker to see this one, otherwise I'd avoid at all costs… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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0

dmmcphotmailcomSep 18, 2014

Absolutely awful film, the worst I have ever seen. Almost everyone at the showing left the cinema before the end of the film. Extremely slow and boring.

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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7

BrianMcCriticDec 25, 2014

This is a slow more deliberate film that I give high marks for the performances and an unconventional ending that worked for me. The pacing did take me away from the film at times, but the film still garners a low 7. B

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

FranzHcriticAug 3, 2014

A film that kept me going, gave me humanity: drama, some comic relief and subtlety. Philip Seymour Hoffman gives it his all for us, in his final real performance. Then, at the ending, all fell to the deepest level of bulls**t I can imagine.A film that kept me going, gave me humanity: drama, some comic relief and subtlety. Philip Seymour Hoffman gives it his all for us, in his final real performance. Then, at the ending, all fell to the deepest level of bulls**t I can imagine. And I would like to note on the performance of Rachel McAdams; FInd an actress with a nice ass who can act, or have a somewhat decent accent. The subtlety ended, so did all the relics of a good spy film. All crashed to f**king pieces. Collapse… Expand

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7

Justin765Aug 6, 2014

Based on a John le Carré espionage novel of the same name, A Most Wanted Man follows a German intelligence officer in Hamburg as he attempts to prevent terrorists from attacking his city. The plot is woven with many unexpected turns andBased on a John le Carré espionage novel of the same name, A Most Wanted Man follows a German intelligence officer in Hamburg as he attempts to prevent terrorists from attacking his city. The plot is woven with many unexpected turns and relies on realism to distinguish itself from its counterparts. This focus on realism is a refreshing change from the normal thriller template, but it in turn has its own set of drawbacks.

The foremost of them being pacing. The film drags on at a brutal pace. Although it attempts to create slow burning tension the result accumulates to a very slow two acts. To further enunciate the pacing problem, A Most Wanted Man never feels like if failure does come much would be lost. Various scenes attempt to create feelings of tension but these are mitigated by lack of a consequence for failure. Simply put, very little seems to be on the line.

A Most Wanted Man also has a slew of redeeming qualities. Take the late Philip Seymour Hoffman’s performance for example. His chain smoking, German accented portrayal of the fictional Günther Bachmann is both engaging and undeniably cold. His performance exemplifies true emotion and is one of the best in his outstanding career. The direction is also very polished and stylistic; and the score greatly complements the somber tone of the film.

Although Its focus on realism slows down the pace; this gives it time to propel the emotions of its lead characters. A Most Wanted Man excels through its poor pacing to become a worthy entry in the thriller genre.… Expand

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6

LouisThorndonSep 20, 2014

Very slow and the ending is unconvincing. Ending is really framed on the basis that the Western intelligence services are not only incompetent and lazy (which may well be right), but venal and vicious. However, Phillip Seymour Hoffman is -Very slow and the ending is unconvincing. Ending is really framed on the basis that the Western intelligence services are not only incompetent and lazy (which may well be right), but venal and vicious. However, Phillip Seymour Hoffman is - as - always a delight.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

Q8MarrongGlaceOct 28, 2014

Good but not that good ,

It's a 90's kind of movies when people have no problem wasting time watching 2 hours movie but these days things are getting pretty fast so its better to represent your story in a decent limited time . When theGood but not that good ,

It's a 90's kind of movies when people have no problem wasting time watching 2 hours movie but these days things are getting pretty fast
so its better to represent your story in a decent limited time .

When the story is short it is unlikely to force the movie to be that long stuffed with unnecessary scenes 122 min is way too much I felt board more than once 90 min for that kind of story is more than enough adding some more thrill and
soundtracks effects suspense to attract the audience .

I thing the director could've make more out of it but after I checked
the kind of movies he did I'm no longer wondering why ... With all due
respect but you'll know what I mean after watching the movie .

Thanks… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

LamontRaymondJul 26, 2014

PSH is great in his final full performance, but the movie as a whole slows down after about the hour mark. If you're into the idea of this film, you should just go rent the very interesting one-season drama "Crossing Lines", which is aPSH is great in his final full performance, but the movie as a whole slows down after about the hour mark. If you're into the idea of this film, you should just go rent the very interesting one-season drama "Crossing Lines", which is a similar "team" approach to Euro-crimes and terrorism.… Expand