A totally unexpected but welcome addition to the FAC. I never expected this title to even get a Steelbook release, let alone a FA one.
It's certainly misleading that Ridley Scott's name appears on the front. Although Scott obtained the rights to Tom Rob Smith's novel with the intention of directing it himself, he eventually handed over the directing reins to Daniel Espinosa, contenting himself with producing the film instead.
This most certainly is not a direct to video release as one member here has stated. Although not the success that the studio had hoped for, it's not strictly true to say that it completely bombed at the box office, at least as far as the international market is concerned. The US market is, of course, different but I don't think anyone would have expected it to have done well there, given its subject matter. It played at my local cinema for 5 weeks enabling me to see it more than once. The real duds only last 1 week!
It isn't as good as the book on which it was based but what film is? It is, however, an intelligent and thought provoking film, albeit a flawed one, that brings to life the contradictions of Russia during the era of Stalin.
It's also a film that benefits from more than a single viewing due to the multifaceted nature of its story. A number of the subtexts only become apparent on subsequent viewings.
If your taste in movies is for something light and entertaining then don't bother with this. If, however, you're into something darker and more cerebral then give this one a try.
I'll certainly be obtaining this and I look forward to seeing what FA do with it.
