robert-temple-1
Why was this made? Perhaps because director Marek Kanievska had made 'Another Country' (1984) with Rupert Everett twenty years earlier? This film purports to be a film about the stresses faced by Kim Philby's second wife, Eleanor, in the face of her husband's defection to the Soviet Union from Beirut. (Philby's first wife Aileen is not portrayed.) For some bizarre reason, all the names in this film are disguised. Incomprehensible! Sharon Stone plays Eleanor Philby, and the emotional focus of the film is all about her. Rupert Everett plays Philby (having played Burgess before!), and although he was physically all wrong, being too tall, gangly, and haunted, he does very well. There are countless errors in the film, not least the constant reference to 'Russia' before people were using the name like that. There is a great deal of misinformation about Philby flying around, and this film does nothing to dispel any of it. Many people knew he was unstable, a drunk, a bisexual (hence in those days a security risk), and anything else besides. He was unquestionably protected in his job despite all these drawbacks, which should have disqualified him. After his defection to the Soviet Union, he lived comfortably in a four-room flat (five room flats were reserved for the highest officials), and went to work every day as a Colonel in the KGB. The idea that he was sitting around as a lush wishing he could watch some cricket is misinformation spread on purpose. Philby's coded message which he sent back through an unofficial channel when he reached Moscow was: 'When I arrived here the middle toes of both my feet were black.' Work that one out, John le Carre! This film is entertaining viewing, has a good performance also by Julian Wadham, and whiles away the time, as long as you don't take it as gospel. Since we will never known the real truth about any of these things, one fantasy is probably as good as any other. Though why all the sympathy for Eleanor Philby? I can think of worthier objects of pity for what Philby did to them.
Vampenguin
For me, the biggest thing that can make or break a movie is it's characters. The characters in this film, however, had about as much depth as a Kleenex. For the first half hour or so of the film, I found myself thinking "Who cares?". Basically, we're introduced to two people who meet and fall madly in love....in the first 5 minutes of the movie. No character development to speak of, and they certainly didn't change or grow during the course of the movie. Everett and Stone had zero chemistry, so the love scenes just looked forced and awkward. On top of all this, the film had no flow to it what-so-ever; it cut back and forth so quick and so often it was hard to keep track. Somehow it did manage to keep my attention throughout, so I guess that buys it a few points....but in general, this is a very poor film. Don't bother wasting 100 minutes of your life, watch something else.2.5/10
bhatian
This film teaches you about love vs life. What is more important to you, serving for cold blooded organization or your family? The film starts brilliantly explaining who Leo is and the real human in him. Leo is a mere person (like anyone of us) who is torn between loyal work and his love. In actuality I think Leo is a classic example to all mankind that love comes before work. Life is as short as the length of this film, hence its best to choose love (in this case Sally). What did Leo achieve? Loosing his family to an honorable award from the Russians. My suggestion to all of you: Please choose your family over work, boss, money, and fame. Begin your choices right, only then will you die happy (unlike Leo).The film has excellent concept of cinematography and film quality. It is shot in the format of old times and the costumes, location sets are perfectly chosen to create the right kind of mood. Sharon Stone is in her best form compared to her previous film "Basic Instinct". If she continues to choose roles such as Sally, then it will lead her to a more professional and recognized acting career.I recommend anyone to watch this film (especially) young hot blooded men in Universities having an ambition in life. This film is deep and hold true to the accounts of Sally and Leo who are inbuilt in all of us. Please do yourself a favor and watch it with your love or your wife/husband.I applaud the screenplay writer and the director.My score 8/10.NEIL BHATIA
Bubba JIojo
I just saw A different loyalty on DVD, and was very pleasantly surprised (especially after seeing the trailer). The story was extremely interesting and powerful. Sharon Stone and Rupert Everett were both fine in their parts, though their love story wasn't made completely believable (the second half of the movie was by far better than the beginning, and Sharon Stone actually did a great job portraying this woman). It took me a while to get used to the looks of the movie, though (I'm still not sure why the flashbacks looked so much like an erotic movie from the 70ies). But what an incredible story and a great and subtle script.
AD
