In 1946, mere weeks before he is to be demobilized from military service, British intelligence officer Callum Ferguson (Jim Sturgess) is given one last assignment: convince a German scientist/mechanical engineer (August Diehl) to remain in Britain voluntarily and help the British to compete with the Americans and Russians in the military technology race. Callum also has a conscience, which complicates things as he tries to protect his troubled younger brother (Freddie Highmore), falls in love with his best friend's fiancée (Charlotte Riley), and befriends a former British politician (Alfred Molina) who has a provocative secret that dates back before the war. Close to the Enemy, taking place during the first act of the atomic age and prelude to the Cold War, wades into the murky waters where justice collides with national interest when Callum learns that Nazi war criminals are being protected by his own government. Prolific writer-director Stephen Poliakoff balances the military machinations with stories of the civilian guests at the hotel, including an American jazz band (led by Angela Bassett) that Callum hires to bring life to the otherwise sleepy hotel ballroom. An intelligent, provocative, and engrossing historical drama with a cast of top actors and the scope of a novel, this seven-part 2016 miniseries features extras including behind-the-scenes featurettes, cast interviews, and a photo gallery. Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Close to the Enemy
Acorn, 3 discs, 435 min., not rated, DVD or Blu-ray: $59.99 Volume 32, Issue 2
Close to the Enemy
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