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The Russia House 7.3/10
An espionage film starring Sean Connery, Michelle Pfeiffer, Roy Scheider and James Fox.
Connery plays a book publisher who is contacted by a Russian scientist, via an intermediary and Russian publicist played by Pfeiffer, who wants Connery's character to publish Russian military secrets about the ineffectiveness of the country's nuclear armaments. The scientist's book to Connery is intercepted by British Intelligence, who subsequently enlist him to go to Russia to figure out whether what they have is actually credible, which involves going through Pfeiffer's character.
This is an old style of film; no shootouts, no explosions, no chases. It is all about the story. I think it could of done with a bit more pep, but perhaps that is just my modern sensibilities. The ending is also a little bit too overly optimistic. However, I enjoyed it all the same. It was a bit weird watching Connery mooning over Pfeiffer, considering the age difference (I can't blame him; she is stunning in this film). Both leads turn in top notch performances; Connery actually felt like he was putting effort into the role, rather than relying on his natural charisma to get through a picture.
It was also great to see a movie set in Russia actually be filmed in said country. I believe it was the first western movie to be done so.
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