Akwarium

I really wanted to like this movie more but the acting was terrible and screenplay was horrendous.

I loved the storyline, plot, and even the extended scenes highlighting how tedious and even stressfully boring this spy business could have been! This is a serious subject that piqued my interest but the film itself is pretty mediocre.

I am confused as to how others here can call it a "masterpiece." It is a masterpiece in terms of storytelling, subject matter, and perhaps literature (I have not read the book(s)), but the film adaptation felt like 2 hours going on eternity!

It is worth watching but don't buy this for your collection...

Based on an autobiography of a senior intelligence officer of Soviet GRU. It is a Polish-German-Ukrainian co-production and it is interesting that it is now very difficult to get a copy of this film - too close to the inconvenient truth? If you can get it with English subtitles - definitely see it, it is on pair with the best espionage thrillers. It shows a normal person being gradually pulled into ever more secret circles of the Soviet Military Intelligence, where to remain human becomes increasingly difficult. The rules are cruel, nobody is your friend - even if they appear to be so - and everyone is watching you. Top acting, well told (real) story, and a true and disturbing picture of life behind the Iron Curtain make this one a top movie. Janusz Gajos is excellent in his role - he stars as an experienced GRU officer, a mentor for the main character.

Akwarium is a true story of a Soviet spy operating in Western Europe. An organization he is with is called G.R.U., which is more secret than the K.G.B. Again, the movie is a true story and worth while watching. This is not only an entertaining thriller, but also can be used as educational movie about the Soviet spy agents.

Do you know what does it stand for "G.R.U."? If NO - look this movie. The scenario of this movie has been based on the book of _real_ GRU guy, Viktor Suvorov (real name - Vladimir Bogdanovich Rezun). Through looking this movie you will met real work of Soviet intelligence, not casual Hollywood trash.

It was very good. The story is very engaging and the actors did a very good job. A bit disappointed about the lengths I had to go through to obtain this movie with English subtitles.