The Man Standing Next

Though touching on a le Carre-like web of loyalties, ambition and hidden agendas, the film is generally less engrossing than that might suggest...

Stylistically, there are echoes of such notable '70s American political thrillers as "Parallax View" and "The Conversation." Even if you're not sure what's going on at any given moment, it is never less than compelling.

Even though the cinematography is a lot more sophisticated than the average Hollywood drama, the backstory which surrounds The Man Standing Next is much more interesting than the film itself.

It's a strikingly well-made film, shot on three continents with slick production design and confidently unrushed direction.

Woo's screenplay is clever in the way it uses ... [a] straightforward premise ... as a hook for the deeper and more troubling elements of this story.

Lee's portrayal of Kim is excellent as it fully encapsulates the woes of any person bounded by circumstances such as his.

"The Man Standing Next" is an exceptional mainstream film that uses the true-story setting to present a captivating spy thriller whose atmosphere, acting and direction will satisfy all viewers

Offers a rigorous retelling of events, but results in an overloaded narrative that caters to history buffs at the slight expense of casual viewers and cinephiles.