In ascolto

The movie gives out lots of interesting factoids about the Echelon spying system that the plot revolves around, which a subsequent web search proved to be largely accurate (or, at least, largely accurate according to one of the various hypotheses about the system).

I found the acting to be fairly weak and unconvincing, especially the lead bad guy, but others as well. At points the acting had me thinking I was watching some kind of B movie, although there were enough decent actors to keep me wondering.

At several point plot issues had me going "Yeah, right." While you can let them slide on technology issues (although one piece of technology that plays a major role in the plot, which supposedly dates back half a century, is particularly questionable), it was often the characters' reactions to the situations they were in that had me wondering "Who would actually do that if they were in such a situation?"

Overall, though, the movie kept me entertained but the draw backs only allow me to give it a Luke warm recommendation, although I'd recommend it more strongly to conspiracy theorists and others who dig this kind of thing.

I saw this beautifully shot film recently.... to be honest I was expecting to watch a good thriller, pass a couple of hours and that's about it. What I discovered was an incredibly fascinating story where, wonder of wonders, I actually felt I was learning something valuable without being preached to...

But the biggest surprise was how moving, honest and sensitive the performances were .... and most of all - how visually stunning the film was.. I was taken on a journey through all the atmospheric 'landscapes', both literal and metaphorical.

Great stuff! A quiet but powerful film. The Listening is undoubtedly one of the best movie surprises of 2006.

Like something out of the pages of "The National Enquirer", "The Listening" is entertaining, as long as you don't let facts get in the way of a good story. After all, the best science fiction, is believable science fiction. Michael Parks goes up against the government's National Security Agency and a private corporation supplier, trying to save an innocent Italian woman from their abusive silencing techniques. Though the movie has it's flaws in the logic department, the intriguing subject matter overcomes any glitches in the story. If you are one of those people who is paranoid about "big brother" listening, this is a film you might want to avoid, because it will definitely strike a nerve. - MERK

The premise that almost anything was possible in this movie just goes against all known physics and electronics. In other words it isn't happening, can't happen and isn't going to happen. The most hilarious part of the 'movie' was the over-modulating scene and what happens to the girl - this is totally and completely impossible. Also do you know how much it hurts to get your eardrums blown out and how long that pain lasts especially at high altitude - completely ridiculous movie from start to finish. I suppose the most irritating part was that the movie was unapologetically lumbering and dull. I really find it hard to understand how this made it anywhere, let alone a movie theater.

Those who enjoy Hollywood thrillers, a la the recent Manchurian Candidate, should not be disappointed. Refreshingly we find the US NSA and its American corporate partners in the role of bad guys. The saving grace for the American side is that the hero is a conscientious NSA staff in the role of master saboteur of a new Big Brother spying technology called Tumbleweeds that can listen to conversations even when cell phones are not in use (but ON of course). Clearly a potential concern of the moment. To some all this may appear far-fetched, even conspiratorial, but it is within the realm of the possible, especially considering the increasing collaboration of phone companies with the NSA. Would you rely on Nokia, Samsung and other phone manufacturers to protect your privacy?