Die Firma

The good thing is that Tom Cruise can boast about his good acting performances since his early childhood. He may be, as a graduate of law school, a quite a rookie, but in the end, you actually believe his nerve-wracking performance. It isn’t really the best thriller I’ve ever seen but if you are in the mood for something from the 1990s and at the same time know movies by Sydney Pollack, you won’t be offended. Just prepare for a really long running time, which may annoy you at times. (11.10.2018)

I unfortunately have not read the book, so I cannot join the usual reservations that the literary source material is significantly better, and I cannot identify with the frequent criticisms of Tom Cruise's acting. Although he is certainly not the best character actor of his generation, he also does not embarrass his profession and can successfully handle the role, which shows why he is the highest-paid male star in American cinema. The film has a solid screenplay without errors in logic, unrealistic action, and ridiculous conspiracies while being suspenseful and entertaining. In addition, in the final confrontation with the leaders of the mafia gang, the ending is clever and surprising. Although the film does not change the view of the genre in any way and is a classic thriller made by a major studio, I still highly appreciate it within its category. Overall impression: 85%. (18.06.2011)

It is a put together and quite old-fashioned (meaning slowly) woven story about a clever lawyer played by a relatively solid Tom Cruise at the beginning of his rich acting career. From a film perspective, The Firm offers quite a lot, its appealing plotline, although not as balanced as needed in terms of pace, provides a relatively solid dissection of the legal system and a whole range of related tricks. Moreover, it’s presented in a truly clear way for viewers who can confidently consider themselves lay in the sector. Unfortunately, this extensive and relatively long colossus is quite impersonal and lacks a substantial amount of any magic or personal sympathy. Sydney Pollack knows how to direct skillfully, but this time he forgot about the spark among those piles of papers. (03.12.2007)

With the honorable exception of Gene Hackman's (fantastic, as it happens) character, this is actually an unsurprising story that unfolds and turns out exactly as you expect. But it's all very well filmed and acted, and I certainly didn't find myself watching it for two and a half hours. (08.03.2020)

Nachdem ich das Buch gelesen habe, erwartete ich von Firma nur das beste. Schon allein deswegen, weil Tom Cruise mir nach perfekt in die Rolle von McDeer passt. Wer mich aber auf voller Linie enttäuschte, war Sydney Pollack. Verglichen mit der Vorlage gab er dem Film weder Action noch Spannung, welches den Leser des Buches so fesselte. Geschweige denn von den etlichen größeren und kleineren Veränderungen in der Geschichte. Der Schluss der Adaption wurde gegenüber dem Buch fatal verändert und veränderte damit den Ton des Werkes komplett. Deshalb ist es schön, dass auf einmal so viele Schauspieler vor die Kamera getreten sind, die in ihre Rollen passen, aber was nützt es, wenn der Film nur auf solide Buchgrundlagen zurückgreift und der Rest seinen eigenen Weg geht. (25.08.2014)