The Secret Agent

1996

Drama / Thriller

8
IMDb Rating 5.6/10 10 2769 2.8K

mentally disabled bomb wife brother-in-law police inspector greenwich london

Plot summary

In 1880s London, pornographic bookseller Verloc is a double agent for the Russian government, providing information to Chief Inspector Heat about a lazy anarchist organization. In order for the anarchists to be arrested, an act of terrorism must occur. So Verloc decides to set up bombs – which leads to tragedy – not only for himself but also for his family, including wife Winnie and brother-in-law, Stevie.

Director

Christopher Hampton Photo
Christopher Hampton

Top cast

Christian Bale Photo
Christian Bale as Stevie
Roger Hammond Photo
Roger Hammond as Mr. Michaelis
Robin Williams Photo
Robin Williams as The Professor
Jim Broadbent Photo
Jim Broadbent as Chief Inspector Heat
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
871.59 MB
1280*694
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 34 min
Seeds 5
1.58 GB
1920*1040
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 34 min
Seeds 19

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by PenOutOfTime 7 / 10

A very good film, if not quite a masterpiece....

A very good film, if not quite a masterpiece....This film aims very high, with every intention of obtaining stratospheric heights, but time restraints do not allow this film to fulfill it's full potential, and I think that the obvious effort put into the film by all involved, can produce a slight sense of disappointment in those who appreciate the film, and only increases the alienation of those who are not attuned to the themes of the film.Essentially, I think that the film's greatest flaw is that it is excessively abbreviated, and most characters are not able to be fully developed. This is partly the fault of Joseph Conrad, who wrote complicated and intricately plotted books, but the slow pace which adds greatly (and appropriately) to the atmosphere of the film, also prevents the insertion of additional scenes to develop the characters. This film could have been expanded into a masterpiece, but it would have been very long. To appreciate the film, one must grasp the nature of a large number of characters, and often there are only abbreviated cues to show the way. Thus a story about betrayals small and great, becomes a film of great betrayals.It appears that opinions are very polarized on the acting in this film, but I found most of the performances engaging, with the strong exception of Robin Williams, who seems to be mainly engaged in an attempt to break out of his comedy roles with the aid of a phony scowl. I should note that others disagree with my opinion of Robin Williams in this case however.I found the soundtrack (by Philip Glass) to be outstanding, with a traditional flavor as is appropriate to the film, but quite original.
Reviewed by rps-2 7 / 10

Dark and deep

This is a very dark and mysterious piece of work that captures the sooty mood and gritty feel of Victorian London. Even the extras seem plucked, unbathed, right out of Limehouse and Whitechapel. An unshaven mad bomber is an odd role for Robin Williams. As always, he does it well but unfortunately Williams is Williams and all I could think of was Patch Adams. Bob Hoskins may be best portrayer of losers in all filmdom. Certainly his character here, Verloc, is a confused and pitiable loser. The plot is dark and even a little pointless. The sombre cinematography with its muted colours, deep shadows and European texture emphasizes the grim story of shattered lives . At times there is some needless "creative" camera work. Nevertheless this very unconventional film makes for a satisfying if, at times, puzzling couple of hours
Reviewed by jotix100 5 / 10

Sabotage

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