A Mosaic of Intrigue and International Politics

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Engineer
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Genre: Action
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Danny A. Abeckaser
Writer(s): Kosta Kondilopoulous
Cast: Emile Hirsch, Tsahi Halevi, Danny A. Abeckaser, Angel Bonanni, Yarden Toussia-Cohen
Where To Watch: available now On Demand, Blu-ray, and DVD; order here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: This film was released back in August and, on the international stage, was another of the list from the Emile Hirsch renaissance of his Nicolas Cage phase of releasing film after film. With the current news cycle focusing on the decades-old battle between Israel and Palestine, this film takes on an entirely new meaning. Let it be known that this is a review of the movie, not the accuracy of its content.

THE ENGINEER ushers us into the volatile realms of 90s Israel. Danny A. Abeckaser orchestrates a journey that seeks to entwine documentary realism with the flair of drama. With a premise that promises to delve deep into the psyche of a nation under siege, the film sparks curiosity and sets expectations soaring.

At the narrative’s core, we encounter the high-stakes pursuit of a notorious figure known only as “The Engineer,” whose strategic malevolence threatens to shake the foundations of security. Here, two distinct narrative threads – one spun by Israeli Intelligence, the other by a grizzled operative – intertwine in a cat-and-mouse game.

However, as we voyage deeper, we find that the portrayal of counter-terrorism tactics often veers towards a Hollywood-esque rendition, distancing us from the gritty realism. Emile Hirsch, entrusted with breathing life into a Shin Bet agent, delivers a performance that, while earnest, leaves us yearning for a more profound connection with the character and the land he’s sworn to protect.

The screenplay, by Kosta Kondilopoulos, catches fire with the tragic moments early on, igniting a chain reaction that propels our protagonist groups into converging paths. Yet, as the narrative unfurls, its lapses in character development remain skin-deep, reducing its overall resonance. There are also more profound questions as to some of the intent of the film’s story.

Set against the politically turbulent fall 1993, THE ENGINEER trails the protagonists’ crusade against Yahya Ayyash. Abeckaser and Kondilopoulos aim to capture an era defined by tension and dread. Nevertheless, their exploration sometimes needs to be expanded as it feels to have a lack of the authenticity that this historical juncture demands.

Hirsch’s portrayal of Etan, a former intelligence agent coaxed back into the fray, joins hands with Avi (Angel Bonanni) to navigate this mission. Though their narratives are interspersed with moments of gravity, the dialogue and character arcs often fail to deliver the requisite depth, leaving their potential only partially realized.

Caught in a tug-of-war between action and political depth, THE ENGINEER only partially commits to either genre. While Hirsch’s lead performance could use more force, Bonnani injects a dose of realism. Alas, these performances alone can’t entirely salvage the film’s struggle to convey the historical weight and complexity at its heart authentically.

Ultimately, THE ENGINEER aspires to encapsulate a multifaceted geopolitical narrative but stumbles in its stride. Laden with potential, the film struggles to maintain the suspense or craft a compelling portrayal of its historical context, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of what could have been.

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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