The Operative

This film was certainly not as bad as some of the other reviews indicated. While not taking everything so seriously, the movie absolutely kept my interest, and there were some truly tense moments throughout the film. Definitely not boring at all, and the acting was excellent.

This was the first movie which had real scenes of Iran. Streets, people, accents, culture every thing was completely accurate. If you don't know anything about Iran and iranian people, you can trust every thing you watch in this movie. Of course some small details in streets, wasn't quite the same, but it was close. Any way I think it is underrated and I don't understand why. It's not boring and I enjoyed watching it.

Diane Kruger is a very special beauty. And a very talented actress. A unique personality. This is her movie, she's on screen almost all the time. Martin Freeman is very natural and credible in the role of Thomas. Cas Anvar is just as good in the role of Farhad. But the film could have been much better, there are gaps in the script and in directing. Just 5 stars, all for Diane Kruger and the other actors.

I think this movie shows relatively realistic image of Iran , Iranian people and clash between Iran and Israel. As an Iranian I enjoyed the movie. unlike some of similar movies about Iran , all Iranian characters are good hearted people with no Iranian interrogators or such. also I like that -despite having Israeli production- the involvement of Mossad on Iranian scientist assassination and sabotaging Iran's nuclear program is depicted without hesitation. Acting was good and Iran's streets and atmosphere shown believable and almost perfect ... there is no Opel Astra police cars or old Volvo Station wagons in Iran though. I gave is 8 of 10.

Excellent slow boil espionage thriller. Flawless performances, brilliant screenplay and a slap in the face to expected norms.