Spy Game (DVD 2002)

As someone who is generally wary of espionage film, as I have trouble following the twists and turns, the composition of this film was most refreshing.
The plot in a nutshell is so; Robert Redford is on his very last day as a CIA Agent before retirement. He discovers that a former field agent of his, played by Brat Pitt, has been arrested during a prison break in China. Redford's CIA superiors demand he explain Pitt's actions and background. The rest of the story is then told in a series of flashbacks as Redford relates the first time he met Pitt in Vietnam, his subsequent recruitment and training in Berlin and the his work in Lebanon.

Redford's performance is a masterpiece of experience and knowledge; he gives the audience almost no insights into his part's character yet manages to get them to empathise with him the whole way. It really is a joy to see such a master at work. Pitt pulls his weight and gives a good solid performance. The rest of the cast do their job well enough but there's no mistaking the director decided to make this a comparison of heartthrobs from yesteryear and the present day.

The plot and dialogue are a delight as well, there are some really funny gags and the relationship that builds up between Redford and Pitt is a pleasure. So much so in fact you can forgive the film its numerous holes and inaccuracies.

My only one criticism is that there is no effort made to "age" either Redford or Pitt during the whole film, and when you consider the passage of time is at least 25 years this was maybe something the filmmakers should have considered. I question also the way that Pitt manages to wear 90's fashion in 70's Berlin, but, hey, I suppose that's cool for you!

I bought this Film as it was a really good price for one thing, and I had seen it a long time ago and remembered I had enjoyed it.
It has loads of action, you feel it could be true to life nowadays , who knows how law enforcement agencies work. The story unwinds by showing you what has happpaned and what is happaning now. Unlike many films that try to do this and fail, this just flows on so doesn't confuse you at all. The characters are believable, the filming is great, the destruction that people can bring is alarming, but as it does happan, its good that you can see how things are dealt with. I don't want to give too much away, the story is above love and deep friendships in battle zone/ spy situations.