JASON EVANS' 100-WORD REVIEWS: The Courier

 A gripping spy thriller

Film critic Jason Evans has made it his mission to tell you everything you need to know about movies in exactly 100 words (not 99, not 101). Here is his 100-word review of The Courier.

The Premise: At the height of the Cold War in the early 1960s, high-ranking Soviet official Oleg Penkovsky is afraid his nation is about to start World War III. He wants to deliver information to the West and British businessman Greville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch) is recruited to be the secret messenger. Wynne has no training in the covert espionage game, but his job as an international businessman provides the perfect cover. With the KGB becoming more and more suspicious, can Wynne prevent a nuclear conflict and also help his friend escape to freedom?

The 100 Words: This 100% true spy story is every bit as tense and exciting as a James Bond film (minus the fancy gadgets and unrealistic action). The performances and atmosphere really capture the feel of the Cold War, which is essential to understanding the historical importance of what we are seeing on film. But, this is more than a dramatic history lesson, it is a tale about morality, friendship and sacrifice. I think this is easily one of the best movies of spring. And please avoid reading about the real-life heroes of this story, you want to be spoiler-free on this one!

Reach out to Jason Evans on Twitter @JasonDukeEvans

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