The second instalment of a four-part Cold War espionage thriller, 'Fate of the Resident' follows the 1968 film Oshibka rezidenta (Resident error). With a continued focus on the character and his dilemma, professional intelligence officer Mikhail Tulyev, passionately portrayed by Georgy Zhzhyonov.
Soviet counterintelligence officers aim to infiltrate their western enemies' secret service by enlisting the help of recruited spy Tulyev, who having been captured and arrested is now in a Soviet prison.
The psychological spy story is compelling viewing, unveiling much about the 1960s Cold War era and the clandestine activities of the eastern and western intelligence agencies. It is intelligent multi-faceted drama, aside from the political skulduggery, the film tells a poignant personal tale of the selfless commitment that the 'resident' assumes. Perfectly cast with a diverse group of characters: patriots, double agents, blackmailers, the blackmailed, a lover and even a femme fatale. Tulyev's confessions under Soviet interrogation expose the covert activities and terrorist plans of the hostile western agencies; there is a striking familiarity here, today, within the current geopolitical brinkmanship.
Sudba rezidenta is an intriguing film, a film to enjoy rewatching, one gains a clearer insight of the many details and numerous players entangled in this intricate espionage web.
I have the original 1970 art poster from A. Fyodorov, a wonderful display and daily reminder of the fondness I have for classic Soviet cinema.
