100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 72: A Most Wanted Man

Director: Anton Corbijn

Genre: Thriller

Runtime: 121 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McADams, Willem Dafoe, Robin Wright, Daniel Brühl, Grigoriy Dobrygin

Description: A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the international war on terror.

Review: Hamburg is considered an undeniable link in the attacks of September 11th, the preparations were devised from this city. A more appropriate setting for a spy thriller is almost inconceivable. “A Most Wanted Man” is, after films like “The Constant Gardener” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”, the ninth book to movie adaptation from author Jon Le Carré.

Lead man Philip Seymour Hoffman died not that long after filming “A Most Wanted Man”. Aside from some scenes in the last two “Hunger Games” movies, this is his last testament.

When political refuge Issa Karpov arrives in Hamburg, the local anti-terrorist group led by Günther Bachmann, is on edge. Issa has come to Hamburg to claim his father’s legacy.

Together with his lawyer, Annabel Richter, he is trying to get the money and banker Tommy Brue isn’t happen about paying that big amount of money. Before Brue can decide, he is approached by Bachmann. He sees it as an opportunity to uncover the terrorist network. Like other John Le Carré stories, it has a slow build-up. It’s not for everyone, but in combination with the style of director Anton Corbijn it’s golden. And off course the great acting by Philip Seymour Hoffman.

The location, Hamburg, is pictured perfectly. Stale bars, grim streets. The art of manipulation is also illustrated very well, by finding informants and playing political games.

I think Hoffman’s portrayal of the beaten and cynical Bachmann is one of his best performances. Rachel McAdams and Robin Wright show us it’s not just a one man show.

Anton Corbijn is one of the better Dutch directors and he managed to make a name for himself in Hollywood with this movie. “A Most Wanted Man” is a good, strong thriller.

Rating: 3,5/ 5