There is always a main reason for me to watch any film or anything for that matter. In this case, it was Benedict Cumberbatch, have been a big admirer of his ever since 'Sherlock' and he has never stopped growing as an actor. The trailer also looked interesting and the true story reading up on it after (went into the film actually not knowing what the story was) fascinates and really worth reading up on. It is also the sort of film that engrosses me.
Something that 'The Courier' did and very well. It may not be one of the best films of its genre and a couple of aspects could have been done a little better, or more like more could have been done with a couple of them. There is also a huge amount to like, which outweigh the things that could have been improved on, and the good things in fact are great (such as the acting). On the most part, the subject is done very compellingly and none of it bored me at all.
Beginning with talking about the good things, 'The Courier' is wonderfully acted. Cumberbatch is especially powerful in the final third and his character is worth rooting for despite what he is made to do. Merab Nanidze also excels with authoritative ease as Penkovsky, who for me was actually the more interesting character and it was his subplot where a lot of the tension comes from. The chemistry between them is very naturalistic, especially in their quite emotional scene in the prison. It is a handsome and atmospheric looking film, especially the photography. The post war setting is also evocatively and lovingly recreated.
Music has a haunting edge and doesn't come over as too sentimental. The Shostakovich-like waltz music particularly comes off memorably, and there is effective use of 'Swan Lake' in one scene where the emotions did feel real. Being someone who has always felt similar emotions watching or listening to 'Swan Lake'. It is also confidently directed, has thought probing scripting that doesn't come over as too talky and there is plenty of intrigue and slow burning tension in the story. The prison scenes are truly harrowing.
A few things could have been done better. Would have liked more of Penkovsky's storyline, as that was more compelling and had the most suspense.
Did feel that Jessie Buckley was on the bland side in an underwritten role. Also found the ending ever so slightly overwrought.
On the whole, very well done. 8/10.
