Our Kind of Traitor
By Jeffrey Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Interesting relationships in violent John le Carré thriller.
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Our Kind of Traitor
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What's the Story?
An English couple -- teacher Perry (Ewan McGregor) and his more highly-paid lawyer wife Gail (Naomie Harris) -- is trying to repair their struggling marriage while vacationing in Marrakech. There Perry meets the boisterous Dima (Stellan Skarsgard), who works as a money launderer for the Russian mafia. Dima believes that his employers are seeking to terminate their relationship with him, and he wants to become an informant, providing information for the British government in exchange for safety for himself and his family. Since Dima can trust no one, he needs Perry to carry a memory stick back to England -- and, after a night of exotic drinks and parties, Perry agrees. But little does he know that when he delivers the info, his job is far from over.
Is It Any Good?
Directed by BBC veteran Susanna White, this latest adaptation of John le Carré's work has a welcome soft touch, focusing on interesting relationships, but that also cushions any suspenseful edges. The high points in Our Kind of Traitor are the struggling marriage between McGregor and Harris' characters, as well as the budding, offbeat, and slightly dangerous friendship between Perry and Dima -- yet the movie slightly drops the ball when it eventually eases the danger between the two men.
White uses the film's many international locations to vivid effect. Sultry parties, crowded lobbies, trains, and chilly remote cabins all take on personalties of their own. Moreover, Damian Lewis gives a strong personality to what might otherwise have been a throwaway side character, an MI6 agent named Hector. But for all this engaging material, the plot can't seem to get into high gear and really rev up the thrills. It's loose, when a good thriller ought to feel tight.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Our Kind of Traitor's violence. How does it make you feel? How does the movie achieve this? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How is sex depicted in the movie? How much sexual content in media is appropriate for kids?
What makes Perry say "yes" to Dima's request? Is he kind and trusting, or is he naïve? What would you have done?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 1, 2016
- On DVD or streaming: October 18, 2016
- Cast: Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard, Naomie Harris
- Director: Susanna White
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Roadside Attractions
- Genre: Thriller
- Topics: Book Characters
- Run time: 107 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence, language throughout, some sexuality, nudity and brief drug use
- Last updated: March 26, 2023
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