Our take
Based on the book by John Le Carre, this slow-burning thriller tells the story of a half-Chechen, half-Russian immigrant suspected of terrorism, who is suddenly spotted in a big German city trying to get his hands on money that was left to him. Gunter (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman) is the head of an international counter-terrorism unit created after 9/11 to spot threats like these early on. Whether this man is a terrorist or not, what he is doing in Germany, how he fits in the grand scheme of things, and whether Gunter will succeed in his efforts – all of these are questions you will be begging to find answers for. Witty, supremely acted, and with a very provocative story line, A Most Wanted Man is perfect if you’re in the mood for a sharp thriller.
What it won
Sundance
1 nom
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
The story
A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg and becomes a person of interest for a covert government team tracking the movements of potential terrorists.
Elsewhere
"It was shot in dark, lurid, vital Hamburg; Hoffman is the star; and I was completely held."
— David Denby
"A thorny, welcome reminder of the mainstream media's short-term memory regarding the abduction, extradition and torture of innocent Muslims under the Bush administration and beyond."
— Michael Pattison
The details
Who picked it
Ras DelTaro is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, reviewing films and shows across the major streaming services.
Nice thriller. The acting is wonderful. The plot has wit and it’s quite suggesting.