All the Old Knives (2022)
101 min|Mystery, Thriller|08 Apr 2022
6.1Rating: 6.1 / 10 from 29,789 usersMetascore: 62
Veteran CIA agent Henry is reunited in Vienna with his former colleague and lover Celia.

Actor Chris Pine recently starred in the action thriller The Contractor; a week later, he stars in another film, All the Old Knives. Danish filmmaker Janus Mets Pedersen directs this espionage thriller. Pine is now accompanied by senior actors, such as Thandiwe Newton, Laurence Fishburn, and Jonathan Pryce. This film is adapted from the novel of the same title by Olen Steinhauer; uniquely, he also wrote the script for this film. We haven’t watched a quality espionage thriller in a long time; can this film answer that?

Terrorists took over flight number 127 of Turkey Airlines at Vienna airport, Austria. The CIA Vienna office panicked because they missed it and tried to find a quick solution to solve the problem before the victims fell. CIA Vienna chief Vick (Fishburne) mobilizes all his formidable agents, including Henry (Pine) and Celia (Newton), to contact their source to find out what the hijackers want. However, they failed; all crew and passengers, including the hijackers, were killed before the authorities took action. Eight years later, the case is reopened, and the CIA suspects an insider leaked information to the hijackers. Vick also sends Henry to interrogate strong suspects, namely Celia and her boss, Bill (Pryce).

The strengths and weaknesses of the film are in the script. The real-time setting of the plot is in the past (the hijacking incident), so the dominance of the use of flashbacks is unavoidable. Effectively (even brilliantly, I might say), the story goes back and forth, the present – ​​to the past, and sometimes flashbacks between flashbacks are also used. Confusing? Yes, if you’re not careful, it’s over. You pass small info, you will lose the story’s grip, and we do not know what is important and what is not. If you are careful, you will enjoy it because the plotline can consistently maintain the mystery and intensity. But usually, this kind of complicated plot ends very simply. For film connoisseurs, it’s not difficult to guess where the plot will lead. This is indeed a boomerang for the film. The novel must be much more complex than the film script.

Baca Juga  21 Jump Street

All the Old Knives presents a typical espionage thriller through a unique way of telling with all the complexity of the plot. Technically, none of the aspects is missing. Both sets, cinematography, music, and the four main castings played at their level. Then, of course, the editing that presents cross-cutting scenes so massively arranged neatly. This film could have been special two or three decades ago, but this kind of show is now common in television series. For serious film connoisseurs, this film is a must-watch. If you’re looking for action, skip it.

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PENILAIAN KAMI
Overall
65 %
Artikel SebelumnyaThe In Between
Artikel BerikutnyaThe Outfit
A lifelong cinephile, he cultivated a deep interest in film from a young age. Following his architectural studies, he embarked on an independent exploration of film theory and history. His passion for cinema manifested in 2006 when he began writing articles and film reviews. This extensive experience subsequently led him to a teaching position at the esteemed Television and Film Academy in Yogyakarta. From 2003 to 2019, he enriched the minds of students by instructing them in Film History, Introduction to Film Art, and Film Theory. His scholarly pursuits extended beyond the classroom. In 2008, he published his seminal work, "Understanding Film," which delves into the core elements of film, both narrative and cinematic. The book's enduring value is evidenced by its second edition, released in 2018, which has become a cornerstone reference for film and communication academics across Indonesia. His contributions extend beyond his own authorship. He actively participated in the compilation of the Montase Film Bulletin Compilation Book Volumes 1-3 and "30 Best Selling Indonesian Films 2012-2018." Further solidifying his expertise, he authored both "Horror Film Book: From Caligari to Hereditary" (2023) and "Indonesian Horror Film: Rising from the Grave" (2023). His passion for film extends to the present day. He continues to provide insightful critiques of contemporary films on montasefilm.com, while actively participating in film production endeavors with the Montase Film Community. His own short films have garnered critical acclaim at numerous festivals, both domestically and internationally. Recognizing his exceptional talent, the 2022 Indonesian Film Festival shortlisted his writing for Best Film Criticism (Top 15). His dedication to the field continues, as he currently serves as a practitioner-lecturer for Film Criticism and Film Theory courses at the Yogyakarta Indonesian Institute of the Arts' Independent Practitioner Program.

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