The Berlin File

When an illicit arms deal goes bad, North Korean spy Pyo Jong-seong finds himself targeted not just by the South Koreans but also his own bosses.

Critics broadly praised the film's polished action direction, tense espionage atmosphere, and strong performances while finding the plot convoluted and the finale less effective than its earlier set pieces.

• North Korean agents, South Korean intelligence, and private interests all manipulate Jong-seong's decisions and trust.
• The Berlin setting, secretive intelligence dealings, surveillance, and atmosphere of suspicion sustain a bleak espionage mood.
• Critics specifically praised the spectacular, breathtaking, tightly placed fights and action sequences.
• The plot centers on North Korean agents, South Korean intelligence interests, and the political consequences of defection.

• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spyinternational espionage, shifting loyalties, tense covert operations, and kinetic action set pieces
• The Bourne Identitystylized spycraft, divided loyalties, political intrigue, and escalating action
• The Yellow Seahard-edged Korean action, criminal conspiracies, morally compromised agents, and visceral combat
• A Bittersweet Lifegrim geopolitical thriller atmosphere, covert betrayals, and muscular action staging

Director

Ryoo Seung-wan

Release Date

2013-01-30

Runtime

120 min

Rating

6.7 / 10 (232)

What is The Berlin File about?

A North Korean ghost agent caught in Berlin's treacherous arms trade battles rival operatives, shifting loyalties, and the cost of defection.

What is The Berlin File like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Berlin File as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.

Is The Berlin File violent?

Yes. Ember rates the violence in The Berlin File as graphic.

What did critics think of The Berlin File?

Critics broadly praised the film's polished action direction, tense espionage atmosphere, and strong performances while finding the plot convoluted and the finale less effective than its earlier set pieces.

Which films are like The Berlin File?

Films with a similar feel include Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Bourne Identity, The Yellow Sea, and A Bittersweet Life.

How long is The Berlin File?

The Berlin File runs 120 minutes.

Where can I watch The Berlin File?

In United States, The Berlin File streams on Netflix, The Roku Channel, Rakuten Viki, Netflix Standard with Ads, Tubi TV.