Political Thriller


An all-encompassing term to describe several subgroups of thrillers in which the intrigue and suspense centers on a bureaucratic figure(s) and/or a hazardous political event. Among the numerous types of films that fit under this moniker are: state terror films -- internationally made thrillers with civilians under siege by their own totalitarian government (Cry Freedom, Salvador); spy/espionage films concerning traitorous acts (The Manchurian Candidate, The Hunt for Red October); conspiracy mysteries detailing corrupt politically motivated attempts to overthrow the government or assassinate the head of state (JFK, Z); and cover-ups, in which a common man is thrust into conflict against a government after finding out too much information (All the President's Men, Missing). All of these subgroups generally feature similar conventions, including deception, corruption, large doses of action and mystery that propel the narrative, and a dark vision of the world where things aren't what they seem or where free will is subordinate to fate.

Featured Films:
Vantage PointValkyrieThe Hunting PartyRenditionShooterCatch a Fire

RatingMPAAYearTitle
R2009The International
NR2009Sikandar
PG132008Vantage Point
PG132008Valkyrie
R2008The Baader Meinhof Complex
R2008Fifty Dead Men Walking
R2007The Hunting Party
R2007Rendition
R2007Shooter
PG132006Catch a Fire
R2006The Lives of Others
R2006Fay Grim
PG132006The Sentinel
PG132005The Interpreter
R2005The Constant Gardener
2005Cavite
R2005Munich
R2005Syriana
2005Left Behind: World at War
R2004Spartan
R2004The Manchurian Candidate
2004Blind Sight
R2004Blind Horizon
R2004Silver City
R20042009: Lost Memories
2003Coronado
2002Mexico City
R2002The Dancer Upstairs
R2002Interview With the Assassin
2002Tycoon: A New Russian
PG132002The Sum of All Fears
R2002The Quiet American
R2001Spy Game
200124 [TV Series]
2001Hidden Agenda
2001Guardian of the Frontier
PG132000Thirteen Days
2000Fail Safe
R2000The Art of War
2000Full Disclosure
2000Mach 2
R2000Deterrence
R2000Chaos Factor
2000Retribution
R2000Proof of Life
1999The Fall
NR1999Diamondbacks
1999Exiled

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