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Breach (2007)

thereviewers
Dec 26, 2014
2 min read

Breach outlines the true story of how espionage, betrayal and money came together to allow Robert Hanssen, the FBI's most notorious double agent, to sell secrets, for over 22 years, to the Soviet Union and then Russia before being caught by an FBI undercover operation.

Overall Review Score

7.5 out of 10

Review

Breach is a story that blends exciting drama with a thrilling on-screen chemistry between Chris Cooper and Ryan Phillippe to create an immersive, rich, entertaining and dark true story of how Robert Hanssen betrayed his country, his beliefs and his religion to sell secrets to the Soviet Union and Russia. Breach showcases the work of the Special Surveillance Group (SSG), commonly known as Ghosts, who are a highly classified unit of non-Special Agents within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This leaves audiences anticipating every interaction, word and move of Eric O'Neill (Ryan Phillippe), the real life Ghost, who is tasked to bring down Hanssen. Overall, while Breach is slow at the start, it provides a realistic insight into the Hanssen investigation and his difficult, testing, and sometimes amusing relationship with Eric O'Neill.

Reviewer 1's score & comments:

Score: 7 out of 10

Comments:

Although the film started off slow it quickly picked up pace and developed into a nail-biting drama showing how one man betrayed the security of a nation. This film and its all-star cast do not disappoint - the great acting by Ryan Phillippe and Chris Cooper made this film both enjoyable and informative.

Reviewer 2's score & comments:

Score: 8 out of 10

Comments:

Breach is an unusual film that outlines the true story of how Eric O'Neill (Ryan Phillippe) was sent undercover to engage in a war of dialogue with Robert Hassen (Chris Cooper), to help the FBI make their case. Breach is an intense, enjoyable drama that leaves the audience anticapting every twist and turn as Eric befriends, defends and ultimately apprehends the most notorious double agent in the FBIs' history. Overall, Billy Ray (Director) and Eric O'Niell (Special Consultant) have effortlessly mixed fact with fiction to create an entertaining piece of cinematography.