Our Kind of Traitor
Roadside Attractions | Release Date: July 1, 2016
6.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 41 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
20
Mixed:
19
Negative:
2
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6
NikolayGOct 8, 2016
I give this a 6 because I like Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris, and the acting overall is excellent. But the story .... Listen, this is a fine rental when the price comes down but don't pay top dollar in the theater to see it. The novel mayI give this a 6 because I like Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris, and the acting overall is excellent. But the story .... Listen, this is a fine rental when the price comes down but don't pay top dollar in the theater to see it. The novel may have been better, but here is the problem with the movie. Actually, there are three: First, the theme the director discusses in the "extras" is just not there. It was either never in the script or it got cut out after it was filmed. Every story, even an action movie or thriller, is best when it has a psychological dimension. Here, the fledgling relationship between the main couple was meant to create that dimension. The movie opens in Marrakesh. The husband feels like he's not a real man anymore. His wife's career is soaring. He's lost. He stumbles across this Russian mafia guy trying to turn good by smuggling secret information out of Marakesh to London (There's more to the mafioso's reasons than that, but I don't want to create a spoiler). The husband decides to help the mafioso, in order to give his life purpose and feel like someone who matters. But I'm making all this up about the husband, his motivation, because it's not there in the movie. I just know that it's supposed to be because of what I was told in the "extras" feature. But it should be in the actual movie, not only in the extras. The couple and their issues and the husband's sense of inadequacy never come across directly or indirectly, by dialogue or action. Unless a vacant stare of five seconds by Ewan McGregor is supposed to be sufficient. It's not. Big miss there.

Problem number two: I will be vague so as not to create any spoiler. Someone hides away in a very good place, far away, impossible to locate. Yet, magically, the bad guys show up. No explanation given. Problem number three: Later, something else major happens, very major, actually it's the climactic moment of the whole movie. It makes no sense, or only vague sense if you want to write some of the story yourself in your head to explain it, which is what I did. But the movie studio is not paying me, so why am I sitting there writing plot in my head to explain what's happening on the screen? Major major problem.

I want to see visual, audio hints, scenes, events that demonstrate to me what the heck went on. I don't want to just see a set piece, big action, and walk away saying OK whatever I guess there must have been something to explain that but they just didn't show it to us.

To recap, this movie has 3 major problems: (1) no psychological depth (i.e. the personal story of the couple and how that explained the main character's motivation); (2) the magical appearance of the bad guys at one point; and (3) the big finish set piece occurring without any explanation as to how. I can guess why, just guess, but have no idea how.

So rent it when it's cheap, and while you wait, read the book (which probably does not have the above problems) or 3/4 of it, saving the last bit to surprise you in the movie.

If they go back and shoot some more scenes, add 20 minutes to fill in those gaps and you could have a great movie. The movie's under 2 hours so they actually could do that and it wouldn't be too long. But of course this will never happen.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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6
Brent_MarchantJul 3, 2016
A modestly entertaining spy thriller that, unfortunately, falls prey to a surprising degree of predictability (unusual for a John Le Carre tale), as well as uneven character development and occasionally slow pacing. The fine ensemble castA modestly entertaining spy thriller that, unfortunately, falls prey to a surprising degree of predictability (unusual for a John Le Carre tale), as well as uneven character development and occasionally slow pacing. The fine ensemble cast does its best to cover the material and maintain suspense, particularly Damian Lewis, and the story's diverse location shots are beautifully filmed. However, these assets aren't enough to catapult this picture to the usual level of excellence seen in works of this kind.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
ClariseSamuelsJul 23, 2016
The spy genre continues to be one of the most popular Hollywood themes making the rounds in the theaters. This time we have an adaptation from the master himself, John le Carré, starring Ewan McGregor as a citizen spy who is reluctantlyThe spy genre continues to be one of the most popular Hollywood themes making the rounds in the theaters. This time we have an adaptation from the master himself, John le Carré, starring Ewan McGregor as a citizen spy who is reluctantly dragged into a Russian Mafia intrigue, and Naomie Harris, fresh from her role as Moneypenny in the last James Bond extravaganza. In this film Harris is no longer an unobtrusive sidekick for Bond’s sardonic and self-assured bravado. She is one of the two principals, and she plays an intelligent lawyer who is trying to heal her damaged marriage. Having her empathetic husband fall into the good graces of a Russian Mafia front man who is about to be fired from his job as chief accountant and then murdered along with his family, only serves to make her marital woes that much more complicated.

Gail (Naomie Harris) and Perry (Ewan McGregor) are trying to mend their marriage on a romantic holiday in Marrakesh, when Gail leaves Perry alone at a restaurant after dinner just two nights before they are due to fly back to London. Sitting by himself, he attracts the attention of a friendly but coarse and obnoxious Russian named Dima (Stellan Skarsgård). Dima invites Perry to his table, takes him to a party meant for decadent millionaires only, and then insists upon an early morning tennis match. Finally, after having bonded heavily with the mild-mannered professor of poetics, Dima tells Perry his dark secret. He is the chief accountant in charge of all the Swiss bank accounts for the Russian Mafia, now headed by a businessman/gangster called the Prince. Dima is in possession of incriminating knowledge; he knows that when he signs off on the accounts a few weeks hence, he and his family will be murdered, as was the previous accountant. He needs Perry to take back to London for him a memory stick of all the numbers and names on the Swiss bank accounts, which include top members of British Parliament. The British government is about to accept billions of dollars in funding from the Prince, who masquerades as a legitimate multibillionaire businessman. Dima needs to expose the scam and convince the British government to offer him and his family asylum in England. Perry agrees to be his messenger.

Thus begins a complicated and tense escapade, where Perry and Gail get more and more involved, along with the small number of British government officials who are willing to investigate the scandal and try to bring it down. This is not the kind of spy movie where there are multiple chase scenes in cars, speedboats, and planes. This is a more subtle kind of spycraft that involves a lot of talking, political negotiations, and patient waiting. As in real life, sometimes the action lags; nevertheless, the quiet, low-key kind of suspense generated by the plot is unrelenting from the first scene to the very end. McGregor has to carry what is occasionally a talking-heads plot for the entire film along with a lot of help from Harris, and the two of them make a good team. Skarsgård, who is actually Swedish, is brilliant in the role of Dima.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
foxgroveJul 1, 2016
A watchable but unexcitingly bland spy story (no hesitation here in not using the word ‘thriller’) from the pen of John Le Carre that is a rather bloodless affair in every sense of the word. Politely, rather too politely, directed by SusannaA watchable but unexcitingly bland spy story (no hesitation here in not using the word ‘thriller’) from the pen of John Le Carre that is a rather bloodless affair in every sense of the word. Politely, rather too politely, directed by Susanna White the film is singularly lacking in tension and follows a very predictable and unconvincing story trajectory. The actors do their best to engage the interest and a couple of scenes ignite (in one case literally) but, Tinker Tailor it isn’t!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
GinaKJul 3, 2016
I will give Our Kind of Traitor a marginal “green” rating because I enjoyed it, but I don’t think it’s a great film. The pluses were a beautifully photographed first third, excellent performances by Stellan Skarsgard and Damian Lewis, andI will give Our Kind of Traitor a marginal “green” rating because I enjoyed it, but I don’t think it’s a great film. The pluses were a beautifully photographed first third, excellent performances by Stellan Skarsgard and Damian Lewis, and direction that didn’t fall into the trap of a lot of film adaptations of Le Carre novels – slumber. For once a Le Carre adaptation that moved along and didn’t feel overly detailed and insanely slow. So if you have had it with brain-deadening Marvel hero movies, sequels to old successes, and kiddy films, you might enjoy this one. I did – most of the time.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
jhepOct 13, 2017
I agree with what NikolayG says here....what the heck is the explanation for the BIG BIG DRAMATIC moment of the film....not a peep about it !.....also many of the serious problems with the film originate from the somewhat "goofy" premise thatI agree with what NikolayG says here....what the heck is the explanation for the BIG BIG DRAMATIC moment of the film....not a peep about it !.....also many of the serious problems with the film originate from the somewhat "goofy" premise that this couple will suddenly TOTALLY put their lives on hold so they can help this Russian mobster on the run "save his family and get them to England"....Oh really !! Also after the wife sees her husband having passionate sex with another woman in the back of a party they are attending- she SULKS for a few minutes and never brings it up !.....ya sure....happens all the time !… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
CarFan1999Aug 12, 2016
Our Kind of Traitor only has two major things going for it. First of all, the cinematography is beautiful with many wide shots, nicely designed set pieces, and a unique stylization. Second, the story is unique as it's not just another spyOur Kind of Traitor only has two major things going for it. First of all, the cinematography is beautiful with many wide shots, nicely designed set pieces, and a unique stylization. Second, the story is unique as it's not just another spy movie. Twists and turns are abound and the conclusion is not what you expect from this type of movie. However, that's it. The acting is only ok as the characters emit little to no emotion. The plotting is also horrendous. The first act is too slow as it takes forever to the story to get going. The second act is fine as the tension builds and the pacing is perfect. However, the story all falls apart in the final act. Unbelievable things happen and events become predictable. This also leads to an underwhelming ending. Overall, Our Kind of Traitor looks very nice and has a unique spy story, but it's let down by somewhat poor acting and horrendous plotting.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
TVJerryJul 7, 2016
Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris play a vacationing English couple, who befriend a flamboyant Russian (Stellan Skarsgård). He's got the goods on organized crime in his country and gets the hapless couple involved helping him flee to EnglandEwan McGregor and Naomie Harris play a vacationing English couple, who befriend a flamboyant Russian (Stellan Skarsgård). He's got the goods on organized crime in his country and gets the hapless couple involved helping him flee to England with his family. While there's a bunch of intrigue (often portrayed by suspicious glances), there's not much suspense. An uninteresting with no surprises plot doesn't help. The performances are OK and there are some nice international locales, but the story unfolds without creating much empathy for the characters or providing any thrills. If you want to see a John le Carré novel carried out with style and tension, see "The Night Manager," which was recently on AMC.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
SpangleNov 13, 2016
Directed by Susanna White, Our Kind of Traitor received a largely mixed reception upon its release this past Summer, which is really too bad. Another adaptation of a John Le Carre novel, Our Kind of Traitor is the least of his recentDirected by Susanna White, Our Kind of Traitor received a largely mixed reception upon its release this past Summer, which is really too bad. Another adaptation of a John Le Carre novel, Our Kind of Traitor is the least of his recent adaptations (The Constant Gardener; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy; A Most Wanted Man), but still a high quality spy thriller. Starring Ewan McGregor as Perry, a professor who is unexpectedly approached with vital information on the Russian Mafia by gangster Dima (Stellan Skarsgard), the film is a slow building film, but one with a stellar pay-off.

As with all of the adaptations of Le Carre's novels, Our Kind of Traitor is incredibly precise. Its actions are slow and drawn out. This allows White to inject the film with incredible tension and, occasionally, a unique visual style. Throughout the film, much of the film has this very sleek, glowing look that establishes Our Kind of Traitor as both a good looking film and a decidedly modern one. At times, however, it can be extremely distracting. For example, there is one scene in which McGregor is sitting and is overtaken by a bright orange lens flare that obscures our view of him. I can only hope that was unintentional.

Yet, even when that occurs, the film is incredibly well-written. Tense, deliberate, and with a ton of moving parts, Our Kind of Traitor is a Le Carre spy adaptation, through and through. It is very subtle and a lot happens that the film simply expects the audience to keep up with it. Fortunately, if you are paying attention, this is hardly a challenge and it is very rewarding to watch a film that trusts its audience to keep up and does not feel the need to spell everything out.

The acting in Our Kind of Traitor is also tremendous. McGregor is terrific in the lead role, as the unsuspecting and personally maligned college professor who gets thrown into international politics. Skarsgard, as the repentant and family-focused member of the Russian mafia, is boisterous and loud when needed, but equally solemn and subtle when things turn serious. The balance he strikes between these two personalities is quite compelling to watch and never a let down. As the stolid MI6 agent, Damian Lewis is pretty stereotypical, but brought a cold, calculating edge to the role that really made his performance incredibly captivating.

In a world of action spy films dominated by James Bond and Ethan Hunt, John Le Carre spy films are a breath of fresh air every time. Even if Our Kind of Traitor is not the best film of the recent bunch, it is still a terrific spy film that is thrilling, engaging, and smart. Even better, it respects its audience and trusts us to follow along with the complicated web it weaves. Our Kind of Traitor is simply my kind of film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
LeZeeOct 4, 2016
Caught between the spies and a mafia gang.

I cannot voice for others, some of them did not like it, but for me this is a good film and I enjoyed it. This is a British thriller based on the book of the same name. Directed by not a soCaught between the spies and a mafia gang.

I cannot voice for others, some of them did not like it, but for me this is a good film and I enjoyed it. This is a British thriller based on the book of the same name. Directed by not a so popular woman filmmaker and I think she did an awesome job. Very impressive storyline, completely unpredictable, but I felt I knew this tale and that was just because of this being too simple and yet emotionally appealed. Yep, I was not expecting that, it was a surprise and in the end, I happy that I saw it despite many negative responses.

This is a story of a London university professor Perry, who meets a Russian man called Dima during vacationing in Morocco with his wife. A simple meeting becomes a normal friendship, but later Dima reveals his true identity and asks him for a favour. Perry tries to do what Dima asked for, but that puts the couple in a tight spot. So now they're caught between the two people, not knowing how it all ends, the film in the next half is to reveal the result of the tale. I liked the line that said when Perry asked Dima why did you choose me?

Not just the British actors, but Stellan Skarsgard looked so great, even in his limited part. The highlight was the swift pace, a quickly told story, but it ran for over hundred minutes. The overall atmosphere created to tell the tale was excellent, just like what a spy thriller needed. There are some edgy moments, but the stunts were limited. This is an R rated film, only because of the small scale of drugs, nudes and languages, but it does not deserve that. Maybe that was intentionally done to make it look like a grown-up's film. I think I can recommend it and I hope you enjoy it as well.

7/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
eagleeyevikingApr 19, 2017
Beautifully restrained but also too polite, Susanna White's adaptation of John Le Carre's Our Kind of Traitor is just tense and twisty enough to warrant a viewing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
smiyamotOct 22, 2016
The movie starts out well. Englishman accepts a memory stick from a Russian mobster. Of course, you should never do that, could be a trap, now you are carrying Russian state secrets, you are a CIA spy, yada yada yada. Okay, we're pastThe movie starts out well. Englishman accepts a memory stick from a Russian mobster. Of course, you should never do that, could be a trap, now you are carrying Russian state secrets, you are a CIA spy, yada yada yada. Okay, we're past that, MI-6 thinks the Russian is real, can the Englishman get more involved. Wow, every teacher's vacation fantasy, be a spy. Okay, but then the story really gets out of hand and unbelievable, so I had to take points off. It was good while it lasted.… Expand
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9
alejandro970Jan 13, 2017
Efficent thriller with some taste of Hitchcock. Accurate post twist and unexpected ending makes it a good for a weekend evening. Remarkable role of Ewan Mc Gregor.
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