Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Philip Seymour Hoffman great in moody, smart spy drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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Where to Watch
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A Most Wanted Man
What's the Story?
Burned-out German intelligence officer Gunter Bachmann (Philip Seymour Hoffman) works in Hamburg, Germany, where the 9/11 attacks were planned. A young half-Chechen, half-Russian immigrant, Issa Karpov (Grigoriy Dobrygin) -- a possible ex-jihadist -- turns up, sending Bachmann's people on high alert. Human rights attorney Annabel Richter (Rachel McAdams) plans to secure Karpov a multi-million euro inheritance from his father. Bachmann enlists the help of Richter and of banker Tommy Brue (Willem Dafoe) and -- using Karpov as bait -- hopes to catch a much bigger fish: a respected philanthropist who's suspected of using a shipping company to finance terrorist activity. But Bachmann's clueless bosses are beginning to lose patience.
Is It Any Good?
With controlled, restrained filmmaking that allows for mood-enhancing moments, former music video maker Anton Corbijn (Control, The American) is the right man for this John Le Carre-based thriller. With a strong screenplay by Andrew Bovell, Corbijn's highly intelligent A MOST WANTED MAN is patient with its details, uses urban locations to gloomy effect, and revels in soft-spoken, spring-loaded conversations. But it's all centered around one great character, Gunter Bachmann.
As played by the late Hoffman in one of his finest performances, Bachmann is always fascinating (never mind that Hoffman conjures up an impressive German accent). He's great at his job but feels like a second-class citizen due to past mistakes. He drinks and smokes and carries himself in a way that feels caught between success and failure. Corbijn confidently keeps the balance between the larger cat-and-mouse game and Bachmann's own, personal risk; the movie's final moment may haunt you for some time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the main character's drinking and smoking. How often does he do it? Does he seem to have a problem? What seems to be the source of his substance use?
How violent or fast-moving is A Most Wanted Man? How does it compare to other spy movies you may have seen? Does its slow pace make it seem boring? More exciting? Smarter?
What sacrifices are made in this movie for a greater good? Did it seem like a wise choice?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 25, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : November 4, 2014
- Cast : Philip Seymour Hoffman , Rachel McAdams , Willem Dafoe
- Director : Anton Corbijn
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Lionsgate , Roadside Attractions
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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