‘Farewell’ shows the unglamorous world of spying

Director: Christian Carion

Cast: Willem Dafoe, Diane Kruger, Guillaume Canet

Cert: 12

Based on a true incident from the Cold War era when a top KGB agent – codenamed Farewell – leaked vital information about the Soviet Union’s vast spy network to the French who passed it on to the USA resulting in far-reaching consequences.

This slow-paced but always effectively gripping thriller shines a spotlight on the dark side of international relations – from which nobody emerges with much credit – and examines the impact of deceptions and betrayals has on the lives of the agents and families concerned.

Don’t expect sexy 007 adventures, do expect – and enjoy – the unglamorous depiction of a seedy world of cynics, cheats and generally all-round devious diplomats.

Star Rating: 3/5