Farewell Movie Review

Billed by the Dendy as “in the vein of The Lives Of Others" and based on an incredible true story, Farewell is an espionage film about events that changed history” this is one film I had to line up and see. And I wasn’t disappointed.

Set in Cold War Russia this French film follows the extraordinary true tale of an unsuspecting French engineer (Guillaume Canet) who is targeted by a senior member of the KGB (Emir Kusturica) to smuggle documents to France that will create remarkable change in history. As with most European films, compared to the style of the American blockbusters, I loved the understated way in which these incredible events are portrayed - it’s not the action and car chases that drive the film but the characters with all their desires, contradictions and motivations.

The acting is first rate and, although famous in Europe, the main actors are unlikely to be known by too many Australians. The tension builds as the plot develops so be prepared for some heart-stopping moments.

But smattered in between the tension of espionage are some golden moments of laughter so it’s not all dark. This is the real James Bond, where real people risk their real lives for what they believe in with no gadgets or fast cars to save them when the situation starts to close in.

A brilliant film and one you won’t be disappointed you’ve seen!