Now I'm no military intelligence expert, but since when do the CIA need an almost-retired field-operatives help to frame one of their own as a dissident? Especially when the "help" simply consists of a few hes-a-good-guy-really-and-you-lot-are-bad-for-not-wanting-to-save-him tales centred around Vietnam, Germany, Beruit and China?
There's a good film to be had though, if you do manage to put your sense aside for 2 and a bit hours. The main plot is a little flimsy, but the bulk of the film is made up of the tales of espionage in Vietnam, Germany and Beruit... and there's some good story there, the Beruit one being particularly involving. There's also some good character acting from Robert Redford as the almost-retired maverick CIA recruitment officer, as well as some stunning set pieces - esp. in China and Beiruit.
On the whole though this film seems to have been created as a vehicle for Pitt's chiselled features, and we see little example of the good acting talent we know he has. It is relatively entertaining though if you like slow-paced, well-drawn out political/military thrillers. If that's your bag, this is right up your alley.
There's a good film to be had though, if you do manage to put your sense aside for 2 and a bit hours. The main plot is a little flimsy, but the bulk of the film is made up of the tales of espionage in Vietnam, Germany and Beruit... and there's some good story there, the Beruit one being particularly involving. There's also some good character acting from Robert Redford as the almost-retired maverick CIA recruitment officer, as well as some stunning set pieces - esp. in China and Beiruit.
On the whole though this film seems to have been created as a vehicle for Pitt's chiselled features, and we see little example of the good acting talent we know he has. It is relatively entertaining though if you like slow-paced, well-drawn out political/military thrillers. If that's your bag, this is right up your alley.