The Good Shepherd
It's not that bad actually. The movie has a major problem and that is that deNiro overdid it with subduing Edward's character (Matt Damon). Yes, we understand Edward intellectually, but we're not allowed to feel it. Matt Damon has to choose on many occasions between social aspects in his life or morality, and duty to the CIA. Yes, we would understand this burden, but we do not get to feel the burden.
His wife in the movie, Angelina Jolie didn't work for me. I felt she was obnoxious from the start. Even a strict rational view from my end didn't help. I felt she's the weakest link by far acting wise.
Story wise I felt it was very interesting. It mimicked history somewhat - not very accurate but actual events played a role in a recognizable and plausible way.
In the now, we see Damon (Edward) being involved in finding a spy, as his role is that of a counter intel guy. And during that investigation, the analysis of leaked footage, we are taken back to Matt Damon's earlier life and career. Then we slowly move towards the present day. And then the spy is revealed.
To me, it was obvious who the traitor was, but the story was nevertheless interesting. Mind you, this movie is not for everybody. it's not a classical spy movie with high octane action. Yes, harsh consequences are briefly to be seen, but not for the action, but for illustrative purposes.
There's a of lack of depth in personality. Especially the lack of transparency of Edward's psyche - as I wrote, we're not allowed to feel him - could be off-putting.
Simply put, the story was good albeit naïve as to how the world really works, the acting worked for me, the actors too. Do not like smug Matt Damon, but I feel he did a good job here. He was ordered by deNiro to act bland so I can't blame him. Everybody did a good-enough job, but Angelina Jolie was not the right pick. She should stay in movies where she can continue to hate on men.
I liked it and I'm going to watch it again because I'm pretty confident I missed a little gem here or there or may have misunderstood a thing or two. Exactly here lies another beauty of this movie. 7/10 feels right to me.
His wife in the movie, Angelina Jolie didn't work for me. I felt she was obnoxious from the start. Even a strict rational view from my end didn't help. I felt she's the weakest link by far acting wise.
Story wise I felt it was very interesting. It mimicked history somewhat - not very accurate but actual events played a role in a recognizable and plausible way.
In the now, we see Damon (Edward) being involved in finding a spy, as his role is that of a counter intel guy. And during that investigation, the analysis of leaked footage, we are taken back to Matt Damon's earlier life and career. Then we slowly move towards the present day. And then the spy is revealed.
To me, it was obvious who the traitor was, but the story was nevertheless interesting. Mind you, this movie is not for everybody. it's not a classical spy movie with high octane action. Yes, harsh consequences are briefly to be seen, but not for the action, but for illustrative purposes.
There's a of lack of depth in personality. Especially the lack of transparency of Edward's psyche - as I wrote, we're not allowed to feel him - could be off-putting.
Simply put, the story was good albeit naïve as to how the world really works, the acting worked for me, the actors too. Do not like smug Matt Damon, but I feel he did a good job here. He was ordered by deNiro to act bland so I can't blame him. Everybody did a good-enough job, but Angelina Jolie was not the right pick. She should stay in movies where she can continue to hate on men.
I liked it and I'm going to watch it again because I'm pretty confident I missed a little gem here or there or may have misunderstood a thing or two. Exactly here lies another beauty of this movie. 7/10 feels right to me.
Mini Review: It's not that bad actually. The movie has a major problem and that is that deNiro overdid it with subduing Edward's character (Matt Damon). Yes, we understand Edward intellectually, but we're not allowed to feel him. Matt Damon has to make choices which are presented as exclusive: home, morality and duty to the CIA. Yes, we would understand this burden, but we do not get to feel the burden.
Watch the Trailer