In my film reviews, I start with the benchmark of five stars and then deduct half or one point if the film falls short in any of the following categories:
· Storyline
· Screenplay
· Acting
· Direction
· Character Arcs
The Night Manager Movie Review: A Must-Watch UK Thriller on Britbox & Amazon Prime Video
"The Night Manager" is a critically acclaimed six-part UK series, available for streaming on both Britbox and Amazon Prime Video. Premiering in 2016, this masterpiece (different from its 2023 Indian counterpart of the same name) is an adaptation of the novel by renowned author John le Carré.
Cast Highlights:
Hugh Laurie (famously known from House) brilliantly portrays the menacing Richard Roper.
Tom Hiddleston takes on the role of the elusive Jonathan Pine.
Olivia Colman (recognized as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown) plays Angela Burr with a depth only she could bring.
Elizabeth Debicki (who mesmerized us as Princess Diana in The Crown) embodies the enigmatic Jed Marshall.
Plot Overview: Jonathan Pine, a war veteran turned night manager of a plush hotel in Cairo, gets entangled in the treacherous world of illegal arms sales. Angela Burr, heading a Foreign Office task force, recruits him to delve deep into the operations of the formidable arms dealer, Richard Roper.
The cast delivers a stellar performance across the board. Hugh Laurie's depiction of Roper, with his sharp British accent, magnifies his character's malevolence. Awaiting Roper's fate, the viewers are held in suspense throughout. Olivia Colman, a paragon of acting, conveys profound emotions with the simplest gestures. The subtleties in the performances of Debicki and Hiddleston, laden with concealed emotions and secrets, keep the audience on tenterhooks, hoping their truths remain hidden from the malevolent characters surrounding them.
Ratings & Review:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Storyline: A compelling narrative that ensures edge-of-your-seat tension.
Screenplay (by David Farr): An embodiment of sublime writing.
Acting: Undoubtedly top-tier, with each actor bringing their A-game.
Direction: Executed with finesse, making it truly superb.
Character arcs: Consistent and credible, adding depth to the narrative.
Bottom line: "The Night Manager" isn't just a series; it's an experience. If you're looking for a thrilling UK series on Britbox or Amazon Prime Video, you can't afford to miss this.
Next: The Burial, with Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones, based on a true story