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From Amazon.co.uk
Set it next to the similar Middle-East intrigue of Syriana, and Body of Lies is easy to follow, in fact, this movie's plot is amazingly straightforward for an espionage flick. Leonardo DiCaprio is the CIA agent on the ground, an Arabic-speaking chameleon who believes in forging personal relationships based on trust and professionalism. Russell Crowe is his supervisor, a meddler who makes up the rules as he goes along and is more than willing to trade long-term benefits for a short-term "win". While working on a case in Jordan, DiCaprio gets a modest flirtation going with a nurse (Golshifteh Farahani), although his most intense relationship is with a Jordanian intelligence chief (great role for Mark Strong) who takes a wary view of the CIA's activities. Ridley Scott directs as though weary of all the fuss, and his merriment in Crowe's breezy sociopath gives the movie a rather strange aftertaste. It gets the job done, although after it's over you might find yourself craving the head-scratching complications of Syriana. --Robert Horton
Product Description
Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) is the best man US intelligence has on the ground, in places where human life is worth no more than the information it can get you. In operations that take him around the globe, Ferris' next breath often depends on the voice at the end of a secure phone-line - CIA veteran Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe). Waging war from a laptop in the suburbs, Hoffman is on the trail of an emerging terrorist leader who has orchestrated a campaign of bombings while eluding the most sophisticated intelligence network in the world. To lure the terrorist out into the open, Ferris will have to penetrate his murky world. But the closer he gets to the target, the more he discovers that trust is both a dangerous commodity and the only thing that will get him out alive...
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 65 people found the following review helpful
By J. D. Naylor
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
Despite luke warm reviews and moderate box office performance this top notch thriller really exceeded my expectations.As you would expect from a Ridley Scott film it has stylish visuals aplenty but also has depth beneath the glossy surface.The basic plot line in itself is simple and is based around the US war on global terrorism.Within that frame work lies many shady characters,tailing of suspects,clues,red herrings,globe trotting adventures some decent action sequences and an horrific torture sequence which,all in all make for a quality film.True the plot is minimal and you could say that it's style over substance but hopefully you can see beyond that.What you have here is a stylish and intelligent piece of main stream film making that is more driven by character rather than plot and action.If you enjoyed the understated political thriller "Breach" starring Chris Cooper or the Gene Hackman classic "The Conversation" then you'll have an idea of the basic target audience here.Some of the films subtleties echo John le Carre rather than Tom Clancy and the action when it comes is relevant rather than something just to keep the audience awake !
Di caprio gives another top quality performance but Crowe is a disappointment in an underwritten role and not particularly convincing as a government intelligence chief.He could have been given so much more to do here to add to the film.
The running time at well over two hours could have been trimmed a little especially some of the earlier scenes but that's only a minor gripe.
All in all a pretty decent espionage thriller with brains as well as muscle.Enjoy
Di caprio gives another top quality performance but Crowe is a disappointment in an underwritten role and not particularly convincing as a government intelligence chief.He could have been given so much more to do here to add to the film.
The running time at well over two hours could have been trimmed a little especially some of the earlier scenes but that's only a minor gripe.
All in all a pretty decent espionage thriller with brains as well as muscle.Enjoy
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By K. O'Leary
Format:Blu-ray
One of the best thrillers I've seen for ages, the story has plenty of depth with many intriguing twists and turns in the plot, but Ridley Scott's story telling is so good you never find yourself wondering what's going on. Although the film also has many action packed and tense scenes, I became so immersed in what I was seeing on screen that I found watching it became a strangely relaxing experience; thoroughly enjoyable. It reminds me a lot of one of Ridley's brother Tony's efforts: Spy Game, with Robert Redford and Brad Pitt (another excellent thriller).
I wasn't much of a Di Caprio fan, but I've changed my opinion of him after this performance. In the past I've always thought he's a little flimsy to play hardman roles (he just about pulls it off in Departed), but this time he's matured enough to make a very believable CIA Operative. Russell Crowe is also brillant as Di Caprio's odious boss, he appears to have fattened himself again for this role.
The Blu-Ray presentation is also faultless; wonderful details and colours (the rocks in the desert scenes can be picked out for miles), and the sound is also excellent.
I wasn't much of a Di Caprio fan, but I've changed my opinion of him after this performance. In the past I've always thought he's a little flimsy to play hardman roles (he just about pulls it off in Departed), but this time he's matured enough to make a very believable CIA Operative. Russell Crowe is also brillant as Di Caprio's odious boss, he appears to have fattened himself again for this role.
The Blu-Ray presentation is also faultless; wonderful details and colours (the rocks in the desert scenes can be picked out for miles), and the sound is also excellent.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Richard
Format:Blu-ray
A superb film which is smart, funny, tense and absorbing. The acting is undeniably good with Crowe and Dicaprio having a true chemistry together something shown by the often funny exchange of words between the the both of them. The storyline is excellent albeit quite complex and constantly evolves throughout the film which keep ones interest in the film through its 128 minutes duration that feels far shorter. The script deserves a special mention as does the as usual clinical direction by Ridley Scott. If you liked Blood Diamond, Black Hawk Down and The Kingdom, you will like this. Highly Recommended.
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3.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
cracking
Seller smashing, film was cracking, fast paced and enjoyed Di Caprio's performance, overall happy with purchase, condition of CD etc. ,
Published 5 days ago by smi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Body of Lies, recycled DVD
Great condition and much appreciated it has stayed in this fine state until I could add it to my collection,
Published 1 month ago by Borders Lynn
4.0 out of 5 stars
Body of Lies
Thought this was going to be a really good film because of the two main actors. I was mistaken. Didnt keep my attention and I was disappointed
Published 1 month ago by Mrs Julie Barnes
1.0 out of 5 stars
I lost the will to live
This is an unrealistic plot and with irritating characters that you would rather "punch on the nose" than watch on your screen. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ulrik Jungersen Walther
4.0 out of 5 stars
CORRUPTION IN IRAC
A familiar story about the corruption & crualty that went on in the Irac war...great acting brings it all to life..best director too
Published 3 months ago by CROC
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not to bad
Good action and story line, not a film you can watch more that three times (but some people don't want to watch films more than once). Read more
Published 3 months ago by Goodorbad
5.0 out of 5 stars
great film.
Seen this film before, its a great film, great actors, good ending and would highly recommend to others :) .
Published 4 months ago by francisjoanne
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not Bad Intelligence Thriller
Decaprio plays the man on the ground working to find the head of a terrorist organisation in various middle east locations. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Hagrid's Umbrella
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertainment Personified
Perhaps some of the naysayers are spoiled by expectations surrounding a Ridley Scott film. For myself, this delivered a fast paced, action packed experience. Read more
Published 12 months ago by GetGar
3.0 out of 5 stars
Inconsistent
An Ok film. Interesting tricks and plots moves but with one big bloomer of a mistake hanging over the plot. Read more
Published 16 months ago by C. T. DUNCAN
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