Based on the incredible true story of a businessman turned spy.|Mar. 18, 2021|UK|112 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama;Thriller
Description: “The Courier” (2021) is a film that draws parallels to classic spy movies, particularly those set during the Cold War. It shares similarities with the 2015 film “Bridge of Spies,” as both are based on true stories involving Russian spies, imprisoned agents, and international espionage. However, while “Bridge of Spies” centers on a spy exchange, “The Courier” focuses on the story of Greville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch), a British businessman who smuggled crucial intelligence out of Russia between 1960 and 1962. The film explores the personal sacrifices made for the greater good, emphasizing themes of courage and selflessness.
Directed by Dominic Cooke and written by Tom O’Connor, the movie delves into Wynne’s collaboration with Russian agent Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze), who assists him in his covert operations. Wynne’s background as a charismatic salesman made him an unlikely but effective courier, as his capitalist demeanor and social skills allowed him to operate under the radar. His recruitment by MI6’s Dickie Franks (Angus Wright) and CIA agent Emily Donovan (Rachel Brosnahan) places him at the heart of a mission to provide vital intelligence to President Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Despite assurances of safety, Wynne’s journey is fraught with danger, leading to his eventual capture, imprisonment, and torture by the KGB. “The Courier” is a gripping tale of espionage, resilience, and the high stakes of Cold War intelligence operations.
Cast director: Dominic Cooke
Cast actor: Benedict Cumberbatch, Merab Ninidze, Rachel Brosnahan, Jessie Buckley, Angus Wright, Kirill Pirogov, Iva Šindelková, Vladimir Chuprikov, James Schofield, Fred Haig
Original name: The Courier