Iron Spy - DVD

Film: April in 1944: fascist Germany is preparing to attack the USSR. However, after the unexpected war against Yugoslavia prevents the attack, Hitler plans an unexpected and devastating attack to be launched from within with the help of a spy named Water. Russian intelligence operative Igor (Danila Kozlovsky), an avid boxer and linguistic genius, is hired by state security to expose Wasser and prevent his possible attacking actions. Together with Starshi Major Oktyabrsky (Fedor Bondarchuk), he prepares to intercept a secret cargo that could be used to prepare for the German attack on the USSR. But then he has no idea how dangerous this mission really is and how close the feared attack already is...

Iron Spy reminds with its title chosen for the German release of course of the satire Iron Sky. But the similarities end at the title. Because while Iron Sky was filled with humorous absurdities and satirical exaggeration, Iron Spy is, despite some humorous elements, on balance more of a classic spy thriller that focuses more on suspense and drama than on humor or even fantastic elements. Especially in the beginning, this works quite well. The story that is set up here has decent suspense potential and the relationship between Igor and Major Oktyabrsky also promises to be a decent entertainment value.

The action sequences, which are at times strongly reminiscent of Timur Bekmambetov's visual style, as well as some nice special effects give the film an engaging look. Despite all these positive aspects, Iron Spy doesn't get beyond good average in the end. The dramaturgy just isn't mature enough to be able to captivate until the end and in the moments where an emotional reaction should actually arise in the viewer, the whole thing remains too undercooled. The movie entertains, there's no question about that. But the potential it reveals, especially at the beginning, is only used to a certain extent. Instead of great suspense, there are too many lengths, pathos and stilted dialogues.

Whoever appreciates classic spy thrillers and can do without a sophisticated story and emotionally accessible characters for a few pretty moments, will certainly enjoy Iron Spy. However, those who value authenticity, historical accuracy and sophisticated dialogue will probably find this spy hard to like. For the intrinsically but decent entertainment value, there is still a: worth seeing!

Picture + Sound: The visual conversion of the film for the DVD convinces with a high overall sharpness, which has the consequence, however, that some computer effects are very clearly recognizable as such. The colour scheme is coherent, with no notable picture distortions or smudges to be discerned. The sound pleases with a clear reproduction of the dialogues, as well as with some well-executed sound effects, through which the surround channels are also repeatedly challenged. Good!

Extras: As a bonus, there is unfortunately only the trailer and other program tips from the provider.

Conclusion: Even if Iron Spy with its title evokes associations with the satire Iron Sky, the film by Aleksey Andrianov is clearly less humorous and more classic spy thriller, which can come up with some good moments of suspense and a successful visual realization. The DVD is technically well realized, only in terms of bonus material the disc weakens a little. Nevertheless: who can overlook a few dramaturgical potholes and appreciates old-school spy thrillers, can safely risk a look here

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp