Archangel (2005)

57% of users liked it
(2,507 ratings)

After nearly a half-a-century of silence, the final secret of Josef Stalin reveals itself to a former Oxford historian who is currently attending a Russian conference for the newly opened Soviet archives in a tense international thriller starring Daniel Craig (Casino Royale). Fluke Kelso (Craig) is… More After nearly a half-a-century of silence, the final secret of Josef Stalin reveals itself to a former Oxford historian who is currently attending a Russian conference for the newly opened Soviet archives in a tense international thriller starring Daniel Craig (Casino Royale). Fluke Kelso (Craig) is on his way out of Russia when an unexpected visit from an ex-officer of the Soviet Secret Police offers hints of a deadly scandal. Later, when the mysterious former agent is found brutally slain, Kelso enlists the aid of the man's daughter Zinaida in finding the answer to a mystery that was presumably buried along with the Soviet Union dictator back in 1953. When Fluke and Zinaida travel to the remote Russian seaport of Archangel in search of the elusive truth, the vengeance of both the Russian authorities and the dangerous underworld threatens to silence them both and keep Stalin's secret buried for yet another half-a-century. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr.
Directed By: Jon Jones
Written By: Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Mar 19, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Nov 7, 2006
Studio: MTI Home Video

Critic Reviews

Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile
A positively gripping work which never lets up the tension and the intrigue, with great performances and touches of wry humour. And a sensational subject.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
Even diehard Craig fans may want to give this a pass...

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

This was a very well done mini-series from the BBC. The plot twists and turns made it an intriguing watch. The scenery, and locations, added to the mystique. The acting was first rate. A very interesting, and nicely done, mystery/espionage/thriller.
Sophie B

I loved the story behind this fantastic movie. I am interested in this sort of thing which is why I enjoyed it so much. Amazing performances by all the cast and I loved the mise en scene so much. It was really really effective. Fantastic.
Morgan G

Another brilliant piece of acting from Daniel Craig. I hate the way people assume he's always how he is in Bond, this character could not be further. Shows some terrifying truths about the state of modern resurgent Russia. Brilliant acting all around, a decent plot, even… More
Another brilliant piece of acting from Daniel Craig. I hate the way people assume he's always how he is in Bond, this character could not be further. Shows some terrifying truths about the state of modern resurgent Russia. Brilliant acting all around, a decent plot, even believable, beautiful locations....has it all.
Curtis L

Pretty much I'll watch or read anything to do with Russia and Stalinism, and if you add Daniel Craig to it, I'll eat it up. It was alright, but I did get bored several times and wanted to go make some taquitos.
Al S

A disappointment really, Craig is teriffic of course but not even a great actor like him can salvage from this material
Bannan i

Quite an interesting film, based on a book that is apparently not that bad either. This reminded in some parts of The Da Vinci Code...but executed in a much more believable fashion with a plot that unfolds that may actually not be quite as ludicrous! ;] Daniel Craig, although you can… More
Quite an interesting film, based on a book that is apparently not that bad either. This reminded in some parts of The Da Vinci Code...but executed in a much more believable fashion with a plot that unfolds that may actually not be quite as ludicrous! ;] Daniel Craig, although you can say 'thank you' in Russian flawlessly...you must work on that accent! Hahaha, though most of the translation was accurate...within reason. Altogether the story itself is quite intriguing, when a westen professor is met by an old man who was a former bodyguard of Stalin and tells his story. The story leads to something invaluable to [history] that needs to be found and of course it sets off Fluke Kelso (Craig) on journey discovering some of the most confidential and dangerously kept secrets. What an interesting take on Stalin, and keeps you bound to your seat...wondering where the next lead will bring you to. Definitely much like the 'holy grail' of sorts for Stalin's secret legacy.
Deb S

The best thing about this film is Daniel Craig who shines as Professor "Fluke" Kelso "specialist in all things Stalin" He is researching the secret concerning the death and legacy of Josef Stalin. The uncovering of one of the world's most dangerous and best… More
The best thing about this film is Daniel Craig who shines as Professor "Fluke" Kelso "specialist in all things Stalin" He is researching the secret concerning the death and legacy of Josef Stalin. The uncovering of one of the world's most dangerous and best kept secrets that many would kill for places Craig in the middle of a hornets' nest of well armed men. Filmed under challenging conditions of frigid drizzling weather, Archangel manages to capture the bitter chill and desolation of the countryside in winter as well as the grit and grandeur of Moscow. There are a lot of twists and turns in this movie but it's not a bad thriller and Daniel Craig and Russian actress Yekaterina Rednikova give impressive performances. (I'm a Daniel Craig fan so I may be just a tiny bit biased!!)