Kompromat: El expediente ruso

Conspiracy-hunt-escape. An excellent spy thriller based on true events from France, like a French version of The Fugitive, from the director of the awesome Zulu. Gilles Lellouche finds himself in a very uncomfortable situation. He has been falsely accused of sexually abusing his daughter and the powerful KGB organization is involved. A transfer to a Russian prison with a Section 42 it’s something you don't want. (Too bad most of the film doesn't take place in the prison, it would be properly raw there). There’s no right to a defense, the French authorities are helpless, his only recourse is to escape and pray. I enjoyed this. Lellouche gives his standard quality performance (he reminds me of Liam Neeson), the music is excellent and the tension is palpable in a couple of scenes. A situation no one wants to find themselves in. If you like European conspiracy thrillers, I definitely recommend it. 8/10. (16.02.2023)

As good as France is at comedies, it is equally good at gritty thrillers. Kompromat is an excellent, relentless thrill ride from start to finish. The escape from the KGB of a Frenchman living in Russia, who was falsely accused of paedophilia for reasons unknown is itself fairly gripping stuff, and although it's a little ordinary and mundane, the director is skilled enough to make it an engaging ride with an excellent lead. The film has pace, is suspenseful and never lets you out of its clutches for the entire two hours. There is action, spy shenanigans, a bit of politics and a spectacular escape. This is just good stuff, and I have no complaints. (19.02.2023)