Thought provoking Cold War Classic
Added 8/8/2009
This is one of my personal favorite movies. I gave it 4 stars just because I recognize that there are certainly more full-bodied movies, but this is a good movie. I was particularly intrigued by the thought of "sleepers" living amongst us, and being called up to do their "duty" decades after they'd left their Motherland. It has quite a bit of suspense and a good story line. However, if you are looking for the two main actors, River Phoenix and Sidney Poitier, to exhibit their own finest abilities, this movie is not going to provide you with that experience. Still, it is worth watching!
Joyce
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A real turkey
Added 6/11/2009
Fortunately, I borrowed this DVD from my local library. I like Sidney Poitier and saw River Phoenix in "The Mosquito Coast" years ago, so I thought the teaming of the two actors would be wonderful. I like stories of espionage and intrigue as well. This film, however, was a huge disappointment. I wasn't for one moment convinced that Jeff's parents were Russian spies, that Sidney Poitier was an FBI agent or that the older Russian guy was a real threat. In addition, River Phoenix's character isn't very likable and it's so obvious that River Phoenix is acting. The plot is choppy and there are very few suspenseful scenes or thrills (I don't consider a car chase scene a thrill). Not recommended at all.
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"Red" Knows No Borders.
Added 3/1/2009
The Grant family is a typical "American as apple pie" family complete with all the trappings of the "American Dream" in a plush San Diego neighborhood, let alone the willingness to show their "patriotism" in a local 4th of July parade-so much so that they urge their high school son to participate in it when he's late in getting dressed for it........or so it seems.
Follow the cute, studded River Phoenix in a suspenseful underworld of intrigue, shifting alliances, and a game of cat and mouse, with glaring surprises that practically hit the boy in the face.......and guaranteed to hit yours!
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Cold War Classic
Added 4/8/2008
This was indeed one of the last cold-war films that I can recall. The premise, that Soviet sleepers of many years could be called up for espionage, is played out with Mr. Poitier as the FBI agent working to foil the Soviets. I have only seen River Phoenix in this movie, yet he is masterful; it's such a shame his personal life was so tragic. I hadn't seen this movie in more than 10 years when I purchased the DVD. I found myself transfixed as I had in the movie theater originally. The two actors playing the sleepers were terrific, though I can never remember their names. Recommended.
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Little Nikita
Added 9/24/2007
Sure I am a big fan of Sidney Poitier and River Phoenix, but this movie is an excellent spy thriller. When a long time sleeper cell wakes up they the cold war is pretty much over and they don't want to activate to spy or carry out covert operations against the U.S. any longer. The wife and husband have a teenage son who has only known the ways of being an American. The problem is they are being hunted by their own and only with the help of the FBI, and an agent played by Poitier, are they likely to have any chance at survival. Good quality DVD with plenty of replayability. If you enjoyed this catch The Jackal - DTS, Shoot to Kill, and Sneakers (Collector's Edition).
CA Luster
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Awesome transaction.
Added 5/30/2009
The DVD arrived quickly and as stated, the DVD was in excellent condition. I am proud to have this movie in my DVD collection. Thank you.
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Underated gem!
Added 5/29/2009
One of my favorite movies from the 80's. Judd Hirsh is fantastic! An interesting story of pseudo-radicals from the 60's who are deeply commited to their cause. The trouble is time and society have passed them by.
River Phoenix gives a good performance.
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A Well-Acted, Powerful Story
Added 4/18/2009
I thought this was a powerful movie about '60s radicals on the lam for 14 years and a crisis that develops when the family's 17-year-old son is talented enough to enter Juliard School Of Music which means, because of identity problems, they may never see him again. Judd Hirsch and Christine Lahti play the husband and wife and River Phoenix and Jonas Abry are their kids.
There is excellent acting in this film and particularly by young Phoenix. The story shows us a good portrait of what it must be like to live in hiding. Politically, people will view this movie as they think (conservative or liberal) because it could be viewed a number of ways.
To me, it showed the worst of what could have happened to young people in the '60s who believed they were doing the right thing but broke the law....and paid the consequence. The sad part, as this shows so vividly, is how it affects the rest of the family and others.
I think the most powerful scene in the film is when Lahti meets her dad after 14 years in hiding: very, very emotional stuff and one of the most intense short scenes I've ever seen on film.
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