Stories of political strife and resistance to authoritarianism often translate to good cinema, and “The Secret Agent” certainly does some things right. Unfortunately, this movie also feels insufficient in many areas.
Set in 1977 during the time of dictatorship by the military in Brazil, “The Secret Agent” centers on Armando, a former professor-turned refugee who goes by the alias Marcelo to avoid detection. Played by Wagner Moura, Armando is under threat both because of his refugee status, and due to someone having a vendetta against him.
The film follows how he tries to blend in by getting a job at a registration office, which brings him into a circle with a corrupt police chief, while he also attempts to reconnect with his son and plan an escape.
Continue reading “REVIEW: After strong start, ‘The Secret Agent’ is largely unspectacular”
Matthew Liedke on Film 