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KGB agent Major Valeri Petrofsky has been reassigned at the request of the KGB Chairman for a secret mission wherein he is sent to England to establish a residence near an American military base and receive various items from couriers from the USSR. John Preston is the top British spy catcher, currently at odds with his superior because he doesn’t lick his boots. After he conducts an operation without his superior’s permission caused his superior some embarrassment, he is reassigned to the menial task of overseeing airports and ports. One day one the couriers Petrofsky was expecting comes off a freighter has an accident which leaves him dead. Preston is informed by the pathologist that the man is not a seaman so Preston goes through his things and finds that he was carrying something which he is told is an atomic bomb component. Preston now suspects that someone is bringing in parts for an atomic bomb, his superior doesn’t want to let Preston be proven right so he doesn’t authorize further action and suspends Preston. But a man who works with intelligence approaches Preston saying he might be right because a sleeper transmitter went active twice once probably to alert Moscow that he is in place and the second sent after the man’s death probably to inform that the component he was delivering wasn’t received. So the man offers to let Preston find the man who is bringing in the bomb. And back in the USSR, Petrofsky’s boss is so disgruntled that Petrofsky and so much of his department’s resources are being taken by the Chairman for his op, that he calls his old friend, the Vice-Chairman of the KGB, to find out what’s going on because he believes that the Chairman wouldn’t be able to do any of these things without his friend’s input. But his friend is just as incredulous as he is. So he tries to find out what the Chairman is up to.
Duration: 119 min
Released: 1987
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10 (6,220 Votes)
Genre: Action, Dubbed Movies, Thriller
Stars: Joanna Cassidy, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Caine, Ned Beatty
Directors: John Mackenzie
Writers: Frederick Forsyth, George Axelrod, Richard Burridge
Year: 1987
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The Fourth Protocol (1987): A Gripping Cold War Thriller
Introduction
Released in 1987, The Fourth Protocol is a captivating action-thriller film that melds espionage, political intrigue, and suspense rooted deeply in the Cold War context. Directed by John Mackenzie and adapted from the 1984 novel of the same name by acclaimed British author Frederick Forsyth, this movie has left a memorable mark in the espionage genre. With powerhouse performances led by Michael Caine and Pierce Brosnan, the film expertly combines a complex narrative with thrilling sequences that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Plot Summary
The Fourth Protocol revolves around a dangerous Soviet plot to detonate a nuclear bomb on British soil, an act designed to destabilize the West and shift the global political balance. The story kicks off with the defection of a Soviet agent, which triggers British intelligence to investigate a covert operation known as the "Fourth Protocol." This protocol refers to a clandestine agreement between Soviet spies to smuggle and assemble a nuclear device in the United Kingdom.
Michael Caine stars as John Preston, an earnest and experienced MI5 officer who uncovers fragments of this sinister plot. His mission is fraught with hurdles—not only must he navigate layers of deception within espionage networks, but he also contends with interference from agents with conflicting agendas. Meanwhile, Pierce Brosnan plays Klaus Karfeld, a charming but ruthless German-Soviet spy instrumental in the operation.
The narrative thickens with tension as Preston rushes against time to prevent catastrophe. The film offers a detailed look into intelligence tactics, double-crossings, and the personal sacrifices demanded by spy work. The characters’ motivations and the geopolitical stakes create a gripping atmosphere that epitomizes 1980s Cold War anxieties.
Principal Cast and Their Roles
Director and Writer
The film is directed by John Mackenzie, known for his ability to create tense and atmospheric thrillers. Mackenzie's direction ensures the movie effectively balances action sequences with character-driven moments, building suspense throughout. The screenplay was penned by Frederick Forsyth himself, adapting his own novel, which guarantees fidelity to the original story’s intricate details and tone. Forsyth’s deep understanding of espionage, drawn from his journalistic experiences, enriches the script with realism and authenticity.
Themes and Style
At its core, The Fourth Protocol explores the paranoia and ideological conflict emblematic of the Cold War era. The film delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the ethical dilemmas facing intelligence agents. It avoids sensationalism, opting instead for a realistic and methodical portrayal of spy operations.
Cinematography and pacing contribute significantly to the movie’s impact. The pacing is deliberate, gradually ratcheting tension while unspooling the plot, a style well-suited for fans of cerebral thrillers. Action scenes are interspersed strategically, reinforcing the stakes without detracting from the narrative depth.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Upon release, The Fourth Protocol received generally positive reviews for its intelligent storytelling and strong performances. Michael Caine’s portrayal of John Preston was particularly praised for its subtlety and gravitas. Similarly, Pierce Brosnan's role showcased his charm and menace, adding to his rising star profile prior to his later fame as James Bond.
While the movie did not achieve blockbuster status, it remains a respected entry in espionage cinema, appreciated by enthusiasts for its authenticity and suspense. Its focus on plausible spycraft distinguishes it from more bombastic Cold War thrillers of its time.
Conclusion
The Fourth Protocol stands out as a classic Cold War espionage film, offering a well-crafted, intelligent thriller enriched by excellent performances and a gripping narrative. For anyone interested in spy stories rooted in realism and political intrigue, this movie delivers a compelling experience that remains relevant decades after its release.
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