The Company (DVD, 2007, 2-Disc Set)

We didn't realize this was a mini-series. Rarely is it that I can't figure out "who-dunnit!" It is intriguing throughout the entire double DVD. Based on Robert Littell's popular historical novel of the same name, the show co-mingles real and invented characters as it traces the CIA's role in several major events, from the earliest days of the Cold War through the collapse of the Soviet Union, with particular attention given to the division of Berlin into East and West in the 1950s, the anti-Communist uprising in mid-'50s Hungary, and the disastrous Bay of Pigs operation in the early '60s. Yeah, it's historical fiction. But it is a great flick!

In my humble opinion, this is Michael Keaton's finest performance!

I purchased this particular DVD set for my brother for Christmas. It, like so many others, is NOT suppose to be as good as the book. Unfortunately, I haven't obtained the book... but it is on my to-do list! By the way, my brother loved it!

This 2007 TNT miniseries featuring Chris O'Donnell, Alfred Molina and Michael Keaton will put you on the edge of your seat. This is a great chronicle of CIA missions during the Cold War, including the internal manhunts for double agents. The cast is superb. The acting is first class. Entirely based on true stories, this is an instant classic. There is some violence in this production, as should be expected, but it isn't overwhelming. Although this TV miniseries was not rated by the Motion Picture Association, PG-13 might be the most accurate rating.

The Company is a 2 disc 6 hour DVD. It was awesome. For those who are students of agency history, reading any anthology beginning with Wild Bill Donovan, Burgess and Kim Phiby, James Jesus Angleton, and the rest is one thing. This production brings to life the events and characters before you. This was terrific from beginning to end. It's not one of those mini series productions I could put down. I had originally bought Disc 1 as a close out at Blockbuster. Well, after watching it I immediately went to Ebay and bought the complete 2 Disc set, got it express delivered and finished the 2nd Disc. It was cheaper on Ebay than Blockbuster.

The best "game" is always the one with no rules. The worst "game" is the one where if you make a mistake someone else dies. So as Dickens once said, these were the best of times. These were the worst of times. I loved this production.

The characters were superbly portrayed. The production was first class. The acting was dynamite. The Company is a superbly crafted anthology of intelligence tradecraft history which kept me watching from start to finish.

Do youself a favor. If you haven't seen it, buy it on Ebay and watch it.
It's worth It!
Jack Spring

After reading The Company, by Robert Littell, at nearly 900 pages, and listening (no less than 3 times) to the unabridged audiobook at over 40 hours, I looked forward with great anticipation to the release of the mini-series. I was not disappointed. Because of the obvious time restraints, portions of the book were omitted or condensed, but the meat is all there. Superbly cast and directed, it's the ultimate spy thriller. Watch this movie, you'll not be disappointed.

Great insight and review of the CIA's involvement in the Bay of Pigs and other operations of that time frame. Good acting and very entertaining. No fictional account needed of this curious time frame in American history.