Synopsis
Set in Hamburg, Germany, a weary intelligence operative named Günther Bachmann runs a covert surveillance unit tracking a mysterious Chechen Muslim suspected of terrorist ties. The film explores the murky ethics of modern espionage, where alliances between agencies crumble and doing the right thing becomes dangerously complicated. Philip Seymour Hoffman delivers a haunting, understated performance in what would become his final starring role.
Did You Know?
- Based on John le Carré's 2008 spy novel of the same name.
- Philip Seymour Hoffman's final leading film role before his death.
- Filmed entirely on location in Hamburg, Germany.
- Rachel McAdams learned German phrases specifically for her role.
- Director Anton Corbijn is also a renowned rock photographer.
Iconic Quotes
- Making the world a safer place. You see, that does not make the world a better place.
- I'm not interested in the little fish. I want the big one.
- We are not torturers. We are Germans.
- Trust is earned in drops and lost in buckets.
- He came to us broken. We broke him further.
