Linbeymusol Wonderful character development!

CrawlerChunky In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Kinley This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Tracy Winters God, this movie sucked.Sean Connery walks through the film acting like he believes in the terrible script. Michelle Pfieffer stinks, especially her dippy Russian accent (sometimes she says "him", sometimes she says "heem"). Roy Scheider proves that he isn't bothered by having to spout vulgarity every five seconds. And the rest of the cast -- well, who the hell cares?Question to director Fred Schepisi, Shapiro, Spaghetti, whatever.... Didn't you think the theme music would get just a little bit ANNOYING if you played it constantly during the film's duration? Let me answer that question for you: NO! DUH! So much for director Fred Scampi.The kind of flick they play on airplanes so you'll fall asleep and keep your mouth shut until landing.

smatysia I have read a few John Le Carre books (although not The Russia House) and was not as impressed as most other people seemed to be. People say that the movie is slow and cerebral (and it is) but really that is how Le Carre's books read. Sean Connery never puts in a bad performance, and neither does Michelle Pfeiffer. And it never hurts that she is sooooo beautiful. Klaus Maria Brandauer is also always good and still is here. The problem is the script, which relates back to the source material. It is a little bit of a bore. Not badly, just a bit. It looks like the filmmakers were so proud to be filming in the USSR, that they went a little overboard. Not every place in Russia is St. Basil's and the Winter Palace. Overall the film is OK.

namashi_1 Based on John le Carré's novel of the same name, 'The Russia House' offers Fine Performances, but as a film, its plain ordinary. It does have some captivating moments, but overall, the slow pace & a half-baked Adapted Screenplay, act as a disadvantage. 'The Russia House' Synopsis: An expatriate British publisher unexpectedly finds himself working for British intelligence to investigate people in Russia.'The Russia House' begins nicely, but loses momentum after 45-minutes into the film. Sure, the second-hour has some interesting moments, but the Writing isn't striking. The Climax, however, works. Tom Stoppard's Adapted Screenplay isn't without merit, but is flawed as well. Also, the slow-pace left me restless at times. Fred Schepisi's Direction is skilled & well-done. Cinematography is excellent. Editing is fair. Performance-Wise: Sir Sean Connery, with a flawless Russian accent, is in good form. Michelle Pfeiffer, also with a superbly picked-up Russian accent, is natural to the core. Roy Scheider is flawless. He stands out. James Fox is effective. Klaus Maria Brandauer is terrific in a small, but significant role. On the whole, 'The Russia House' could've been so much more.

pc95 Directed by Fred Schepisi, "The Russia House" should be more like "The Russia Bore". It is a failure of a story with ultra-slow pacing and devoid of needed tension. I seem to recall this coming to the theater and reading a drubbing by critics at the time. That drubbing is likely warranted. The only redeeming factor here in a small way is the inter-cut and backdrop shots of Moscow and Leningrad. It feels much like a travelogue, and although dated over 20 years ago, has a historical and almost rustic feel. But this isn't nearly enough. Some other problems are the complete lack of romance/chemistry between Michelle Pheiffer and Connery, easily old enough to be her Father. The whole espionage vantage feels punch-less. And the music is monotonous and tacky. Can't recommend it, although there are certainly worse movies out there. 5/10