Permission to Kill, filmed entirely in Austria, is actually one of the best spy films I have ever seen. That's because its plot isn't unbelieveable like in many such films but very realistic. Bekim Fehmiu, leader of the "National Freedom Party", is due to return to his dictator-controlled country but Dirk Bogarde, chief of "Western Intelligence Liaison", wants to stop him. In order to do that, he gathers all the old friends of Fehmiu, including Ava Gardner and Timothy Dalton... The point of the film is to show spying as a very dirty and dubious business, whose victims are especially people who have high ideas. I'm positive it's one of the most interesting Cyril Frankel films. Despite it's not an action movie there's one fantastic action scene - the escape of Timothy Dalton. He jumps out of the fast riding car and runs through the woods. Believe me it's very engaging. Speaking of Timothy Dalton I must say that he gives a marvellous performance, probably the best of all actors involved in the film. His acting is very enthusiastic but still very natural and convincing. I presume it's thanks to his long-lasting theatre experience, but of course You be the judge. Generally the film is a definite 'must see'. Grade 10/10.
Review of The Executioner
