Shining Through
In 1940, New York, secretary Linda Voss suspects her boss is a spy. When America enters WWII, and his key operative in Berlin is killed, Linda convinces her boss to let her go undercover. From secretary to secret agent, Linda is dropped behind enemy lines. Her mission: penetrate the household of a high-ranking enemy official and get out of Germany alive.
Member Reviews
Read the novel instead! - Lina
I very much prefer Susan Isaacs' novel. The movie was dumbed down and over-simplified so much, most of the things that made the novel worthwhile disappeared. Any awareness of class differences, Linda's fear of acknowledging her Jewishness in 1940s New York and Washington, and women's issues of the time are swept away by Melanie Griffith's perky and inappropriately open self-confidence. Also, the movie completely skips Linda's love and marriage to her *original* boss, which makes up a large part of the novel.
Then, of course, I'm one of those who's irritated that they couldn't hire one German-speaking actor for a main role (though I must admit Liam Neeson did a good job with what he had). Of course, I suppose that subtleties like Linda speaking German with a Berlin accent would be completely lost on most North American viewers, though it would have been nice to have an actress who could do a believable Brooklyn accent.
On the plus side, I can see Michael Douglas in the Ed Leland role, though he was too good-looking for a man who was supposed to have had several not-quite-successful reconstructive surgeries after being partly blown up during WWI, and he should have been able to convey a bit more emotion later on, despite his stone face. Also, the movie was clearly filmed on location, which makes a difference. IMO, the biggest failing of the film besides the over-simplified plot was casting Melanie Griffith as the heroine.A nice, classic romance - Solangel
Ths movie was great to watch. My husband and I enjoyed all of the work put into making the ambiance as complete as possible, and it mostly worked. Congratulations to Melanie Griffith for her effort in speaking German. It isn't easy - and she had to make it look natural. Joely Richardson was my favourite character. Simply a very entertaining movie: unlike most recent movies, this one was based on a great plot.A realistic view of Germany at war - ShadyLady1
I was totally surprised with this movie. The acting was very good, the story captivating and it transported me until the end. I will watch it again.It was funny, sad,romantic,tense,joyful, gripping and has all the elements that make it a great movie.Micheal Douglas & Melanie griffith make a superb acting team- Do not hesitate to rent this movie, it is well worth your time, and will leave you feeling great!
Member Reviews
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Read the novel instead! - Lina
I very much prefer Susan Isaacs' novel. The movie was dumbed down and over-simplified so much, most of the things that made the novel worthwhile disappeared. Any awareness of class differences, Linda's fear of acknowledging her Jewishness in 1940s New York ...A nice, classic romance - Solangel
Ths movie was great to watch. My husband and I enjoyed all of the work put into making the ambiance as complete as possible, and it mostly worked. Congratulations to Melanie Griffith for her effort in speaking German. It isn't easy - and she had to make it ...A realistic view of Germany at war - ShadyLady1
I was totally surprised with this movie. The acting was very good, the story captivating and it transported me until the end. I will watch it again.It was funny, sad,romantic,tense,joyful, gripping and has all the elements that make it a great movie.Micheal ...