Let's open this with a quote:
"It was true to the novel and turned out very well, I think. I keep looking for it on cable TV, but it never seems to show up. I came across a commercial videotape of it and was alarmed to find that it was cut to 90 minutes and barely recognisable in terms of my book".
David Morrell Author of The Brotherhood Of The Rose.
That alone is sufficient for me to recommend this film - The author of the book himself is a fan.
As Morrell's comment makes obvious - Get the full-length version. It just so happens, I ordered the new full-length DVD from Sweden. Plays fine on Region 2 players, but reportedly works on other regions too...
As for the film - It's not really a Spy flick... More a thriller, but somewhat different. The organisations and professions themselves are not so important. What matters most is the relationship between the two 'brothers' and their 'father'.
I suppose it's a family tale, set in the genre of a political/spy thriller. Some very good factual background and brilliant actors combine to make this an enjoyable watch. The secondary support cast are not particularly animated, but then they are often just passing faces who serve one purpose - Usually getting killed.
What really makes this is Robert Mitchum and his interaction between Peter Strauss and David Morse. The two latter actors in scenes alone have a very brotherly way about them and you get the impression these two actors were close friends on and off set. Even when they're not in the same scene, all three have a sense of family about them.
James B. Sikking and Connie Sellecca are engaging in their own right, as well as great vehicles for the main 3 to play off.
The film itself does feel like a 70s/80s thriller flick, but that is in perfect keeping with the period the novel is set in, so it works well for the story.
In terms of plot, it's an engaging one that doesn't always go where you think it will and ends, like all good thrillers, with a fantastic and surprising twist!!
"It was true to the novel and turned out very well, I think. I keep looking for it on cable TV, but it never seems to show up. I came across a commercial videotape of it and was alarmed to find that it was cut to 90 minutes and barely recognisable in terms of my book".
David Morrell Author of The Brotherhood Of The Rose.
That alone is sufficient for me to recommend this film - The author of the book himself is a fan.
As Morrell's comment makes obvious - Get the full-length version. It just so happens, I ordered the new full-length DVD from Sweden. Plays fine on Region 2 players, but reportedly works on other regions too...
As for the film - It's not really a Spy flick... More a thriller, but somewhat different. The organisations and professions themselves are not so important. What matters most is the relationship between the two 'brothers' and their 'father'.
I suppose it's a family tale, set in the genre of a political/spy thriller. Some very good factual background and brilliant actors combine to make this an enjoyable watch. The secondary support cast are not particularly animated, but then they are often just passing faces who serve one purpose - Usually getting killed.
What really makes this is Robert Mitchum and his interaction between Peter Strauss and David Morse. The two latter actors in scenes alone have a very brotherly way about them and you get the impression these two actors were close friends on and off set. Even when they're not in the same scene, all three have a sense of family about them.
James B. Sikking and Connie Sellecca are engaging in their own right, as well as great vehicles for the main 3 to play off.
The film itself does feel like a 70s/80s thriller flick, but that is in perfect keeping with the period the novel is set in, so it works well for the story.
In terms of plot, it's an engaging one that doesn't always go where you think it will and ends, like all good thrillers, with a fantastic and surprising twist!!