Good movie -- more about character than action

Rating: 6/10 (6 August 2002)

Without Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson I don't think this script is strong enough to make it a good film. But the acting is superb, and the tension between the two approaches to leadership shown by the leads is interesting enough to carry us along. I was a little skeptical that there would be enough interest in a cold war story of a potential disaster that we all know didn't happen, but ultimately you just find yourself wondering how the individuals involved came to deal with a very difficult situation. There is cowardice and courage -- in the same person -- and blind loyalty and instinctual rebellion in different people. Very well done.

Excellently directed, nicely filmed, and worth seeing. I didn't think Ford could do a good Russian accent, and it does come and go now and then, but you tend not to notice after awhile. I recommend this movie, and like its intelligence. Thumbs up.