Three-Word Summary: Hunting German terrorists

Rating: 4/5

This political thriller opens by explaining that much of the 9/11 attacks were planned in the city of Hamburg, Germany.

Following the attacks, Germany established a small anti-terrorist group to monitor Muslim activity within Hamburg and prevent future terror attacks.

A Most Wanted Man follows this anti-terror group, led by a brilliant Philip Seymour Hoffman, when they learn of the appearance of a Chechen defector in their city.

Not surprisingly, this movie has gotten high praise from critics and mixed reviews with the public. This is a relatively slow film with limited action. There are no real explosions, a short car chase and only a few guns fired.

This is because the plot relies on intrigue and well-developed characters. It focused on a niche subject, but dives into the subject with rich depth and clarity. The relatively slow pace of the film demonstrates the ponderous and deliberate nature of the real world of spies.

The plot is relatively simple and easy to follow. The theme is pertinent and real. The result is a well-made movie that makes the audience think and feel.

As the layers of the spy world begin to slowly unfold, the story builds to a careful climax, akin to a deliberate dance or a chess match.

I’ll be honest: the ending is unsatisfying. Not because it was poorly executed, but because the plot does not end the way you want it to. Some missions fail. This only further demonstrates the realism of the film and how frustrating politics can be.