I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
I agree the film is interesting and gripping in parts, but it added up to something a little on the dull side for me. Though, enjoyable. As a side-note, Matt Damon's very good performance I see has been perceived as plain by some critics. I've always been a fan of this type of role. Damon's character has an unemotional exterior - greeting almost any situation with a stony face. It comes across to some that he's doing very little. I like it, I find it invites you to read into the subtleties of the performance. You seem to read into it more, and the character remains mysterious. It's reminiscent of Billy Bob Thornton role in the Coen's 'Man Who Wasn't There', in that movie the effect is even stronger.
A gripping film noir a true hollywood blockbuster served up to the audience in a slow deliberate dark and moody style. It held my attention well, but you have to pay attention to the dates that come up on the screen and keep your wits about you as they swing the scenes back and forth in time. Also to be aware as to whether you are being taken to London or USA. I must admit all in all I enjoyed this movie it had all the necessary ingredience to be a worthwhile watch. Matt Damon plays this part with a silence and control to be commended for, he communicates his character through his facial expression and this is a difficult thing to do for most actors. The history research and movie making skill of Robert de Niro and his crew make this a good movie.
To be perfectly honest, The Good Shepherd is just plain boring most of the time. Intelligent, yes, politically astute, stuffed to the gills with A-list acting talent (overstuffed in fact, there are cameos a go-go), but too frozen with a sense of its own seriousness to grip...
Well-crafted and well-acted, but ever-so-slightly worthy and strangely unaffecting. Given the track record of the CIA, it probably ought to be angrier...
A remarkable study of the corrosive effects of fear and power on an establishment insider who puts duty above all else...
Who knew Robert De Niro has such a keen fascination for foreign policy and espionage? "The Good Shepherd," his first directorial effort since his debut feature, "A Bronx Tale" (1993), is a thoroughly knowledgeable, carefully researched account of the founding and development of the CIA from World War II through the Bay of Pigs fiasco in 1961. While a bit unwieldy at nearly three hours and at times slow going, the film is absolutely fascinating for anyone who shares De Niro's passions...
The most interesting thing about The Good Shepherd is how hard the filmmakers work not only to demystify the agency, but also to strip it of its allure, its heat...
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 15th Feb 2007.
Release date: February 15th 2007.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
