Spy Game

Spy Game is one of the best Spy Films in recent times and is all you would expect from veteran director Tony Scott, responsible for such films as Crimson Tide, Enemy of the State and Top Gun. As well as the fabulous full-blown action scenes, such as the opening scene, Scott builds tension with such skill that you're kept guessing until the very end.

The story opens with Bishop (Brad Pitt) being imprisoned after a failed mission in a Chinese prison. His mentor and teacher Muir (Robert Redford) is called upon by CIA top men, on his last day before retirement, to try and make sense of the situation. Due to be executed at 8am EST, time is running out for Bishop - but the CIA and US government have other priorities, trade talks with Beijing that are due to start the next day.

Muir and Bishop's relationship is documented through the clever and detailed use of flashbacks, from their first meeting in Vietnam to West Germany to Beirut. The realities of their relationship are often difficult to grasp, with Muir making it clear that he only thinks of Number One, yet seems to have protective leanings towards Bishop. We soon learn that Muir is keen to save his protégé from diplomatic manoeuvrings, and is therefore forced to take underhand action himself. With the help of his secretary and friends in the media Muir sets about upon a complex and detailed plan to save his friend.

The tension mounts as we approach the final scene which is played out with such precision it really must be seen to be believed. A must see for all!

Kelly Taylor