Reading time: 2 – 2 minutes

Breach, directed by Billy Ray, is based on the true story of the take down of possibly the worst spy in American history, FBI Agent Robert Hanssen (Chris Cooper). Hanssen sold numerous U.S. secrets to the soviets over a 15 year time frame for about $1.4 million in cash and diamonds before being brought down.

Hanssen was ultimately brought down thanks in part to a valiant effort by young FBI upstart Eric O’Neill (Ryan Phillippe) who was undercover as Hanssen’s assistant and gathered the evidence the FBI had been seeking.

The movie takes O’Neill’s point of view through the months leading up to Hanssen’s take down and I think that choice leads to a very exciting and insightful film. Seeing things through O’Neill’s eyes gives us the chance to really see Hanssen as a person and it leads all of us to feel for him once he is finally brought down even though we know he deserves all he gets and more.

Chris Cooper does an incredible job playing Hanssen as well which really pulls the viewer into the story and the mind of a spy. I would even go as far as to say that Cooper’s portrayal of Hanssen is Oscar worthy.

While Hollywood usually over dramatizes “true stories” Breach was only dramatized in a handful of tasteful places to add to the suspense of the film but overall it seems to be very true to life. I highly recommend checking Breach out when out when you have a chance. It’s both a great film and a history lesson rolled into one.