i dont know why i thought this movie was going to be any different than any of the dozens of washington-based espionage movies ive seen. i guess i really like chris cooper. its a serviceable suspense, mediocre drama, laura linney seems kinda bored. ryan phillippe doesnt embarrass himself but doesnt really do anything to change my mind. chris cooper’s performance is powerful and predictable, very reminiscent of his role in american beauty.

overall, 2.83 out of 5. not spectacular by any means, but it’ll do in a suspense pinch.

Breach is an interesting understated movie and worthy of a wider audience. It seems to have bypassed the production company’s marketing department, personally I can’t remember it being released.

The plot revolves around a tracking and capture of the most damaging mole incident in the history of the US secret service. The movie starts with an announcement of the arrest so you know immediately the outcome but then flashes back two months.

Ryan Phillippe plays a newly appointed low level FBI operative who is assigned to baby-sitting the main suspect played by Chris Cooper (in a stunning performance). The movie plots the development of the relationship between Phillipe and Coper until arrest.

For a lot of time the movie plays like a two handed stage play, well written and with well developed characters. I would thoroughly recommend this movie.

This is one of those films in which you know the outcome but you’re still holding your breath the whole way through to see how it will play out. I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would, due to an excellent cast, captivating plot, and fascinating characters.

The Breach is A LOT better than I expected it to be. It’s a really thrilling film.