Cinafilm has over 5 million movie reviews and counting …
Sitemap
Search

Last updated: 24 Jul 2026 at 05:30 UTC

Back to movie details

Review of by Michael M — 08 Mar 2012

Share
Tweet

"The American" isn't called "The American" because it's supposed to be an "American" film. What is an "American" film? Is it lots of explosions? Car chases left an right? Or is it just sex and swearing from beginning to end? It's none of these things, although most include them.

But an actual film is something that can change your perspective on something. "The American" delivers just that. It changes your perspective on spy-thrillers, Corbijn shows us that. The spy, Clooney, is on the lamb; he needs to get away from danger after a job in Sweden ends badly so he goes to a small village in Italy where he meets a prostitute (Clara).

Jack (Clooney) wants to get away from death so he spends most of his time with her, but also building a special weapon for a mysterious woman Mathilde (Thekla Reuten). But, back to the spy-thriller, Clooney shows us that a spy's life isn't all gun fights all day, everyday; but, it is full of thinking about their next move.

Survival is what it is. And Corbijn displays a sort of subtle suspense, which kept me thinking "what's going to happen next? Who's going to die? What is the weapon for?" and so on. The film answers all of your questions in the end of course, but, it leaves you with another, I won't say more though.

The film goes by fast but keeps you glued non-stop. Best SPY film since "Casino Royale".

This review of The American (2010) was written by on 08 Mar 2012.

The American has generally received mixed reviews.

Was this review helpful?

Yes
No

More Reviews of The American

More reviews of this movie

Reviews of Similar Movies

More Reviews

Share This Page

Share
Tweet

Popular Movies Right Now

Movies You Viewed Recently

Get social with CinafilmFollow us for reviews of the latest moviesCinafilm - TwitterCinafilm - PinterestCinafilm - RSS