Film fans are now able to re-live the excitement of this “forgotten” spy thriller for free on Channel 4. The 2014 release of A Most Wanted Man which has been hailed as “superb” stars Rachel McAdams and the late Hollywood icon Philip Seymour Hoffman.
The movie, based on John le Carré’s gripping novel, boasts strong performances and intense drama and despite positive reviews, it slipped under the radar on initial release. A Most Wanted Man, which also features Willem Dafoe, follows a refugee arriving in Hamburg who quickly attracts attention from intelligence services. Security agencies urgently try to determine if he is a genuine asylum-seeker or a potential terrorist.
McAdams, now 45, starred as a lawyer assisting the refugee, while Dafoe played a significant role as a banker.
Hoffman, who died aged 46 shortly after the film’s release, starred as Gunther Bachmann, grizzled German spy who is also known for roles in The Hunger Games and Capote.
Viewers praised that actor’s depiction as one of his finest. One review described him as: “Simply outstanding in his role as a grizzled German spy.”
Another added: “A Most Wanted Man allows Hoffman to go out with not only one of his best performances, but one that epitomizes his strengths.”
“It is a commanding performance from Hoffman, and an overwhelmingly satisfying note for this actor to end on,” said a third.
The thriller earned a solid 6.7 rating on IMDb, a respectable 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and has won three awards as critics praised it highly, calling it “intelligent and engaging.”
Unlike the James Bond or Bourne franchises, which dominate the spy genre with big action scenes, A Most Wanted Man focuses on psychological tension and nuanced performances.
The film was also a box office success, grossing over $36million (£26million) worldwide against a $15million (£11million) production budget.