The Human Factor
The Human Factor

The Human Factor

1979Movie115 minEnglish

When a leak of information in the African section of British Intelligence is discovered, a security man is brought in to investigate.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Director: Otto PremingerGenres: Thriller, Spy

Plot Summary

Maurice Castle, a British diplomat working in South Africa, is secretly a spy for the Soviet Union. He has been passing on information for years, motivated by his loyalty to his Russian-born wife, Anya. As tensions rise and his activities become increasingly dangerous, Castle finds himself caught between his love for Anya and his treacherous work, leading to a desperate and perilous situation.

Critical Reception

The Human Factor received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many praising its tense atmosphere and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Nicol Williamson and Richard Attenborough. However, some found the pacing to be slow and the plot occasionally convoluted. Audience reception was generally lukewarm, reflecting its status as a more cerebral spy thriller.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful portrayal of espionage and the moral complexities faced by the protagonist.
  • Nicol Williamson's performance as the conflicted spy was a standout element for many reviewers.
  • Some critics noted the film's deliberate pacing and intricate plot as potential drawbacks.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and their summary is not readily available for this film.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the 1978 spy novel of the same name by Graham Greene, a renowned author known for his works exploring themes of faith, politics, and morality.

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