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      Eye of the Needle

      1981, Mystery & thriller, 1h 51m

      18 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

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      Eye of the Needle  Photos

      Eye of the Needle (1981) Eye of the Needle (1981) Eye of the Needle (1981) Eye of the Needle (1981) Eye of the Needle (1981)

      Movie Info

      A ruthless German spy who goes by the name of Henry Faber (Donald Sutherland) is on his way back home from England after gathering information about the D-Day invasion for Hitler. Henry, who is actually the "Needle," a name that refers to his favorite method of killing, becomes stranded on Storm Island with Lucy (Kate Nelligan) and her husband, David (Christopher Cazenove). Lucy's strained relationship with her disabled husband leaves her vulnerable to Henry's charms.

      • Rating: R

      • Genre: Mystery & thriller

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: Richard Marquand

      • Producer: Stephen Friedman

      • Writer: Stanley Mann

      • Release Date (Theaters):  original

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: United Artists

      • Production Co: Kings Road Entertainment

      Cast & Crew

      Critic Reviews for Eye of the Needle

      Audience Reviews for Eye of the Needle

      • Apr 24, 2021

        It's WW2 over in England and a Nazi spy has proof as to where D-Day is going to happen...can they stop him from returning to Germany with the information in time? Donald Sutherland plays the spy in this competent British chase thriller because he's excellent at "sleazy killer" (even though everyone British therefore has to act as if his troubled English accent isn't bothersome. I believe his German is dubbed in). The action gets heated when he gets stranded on an isolated island north of Scotland to await escape by submarine pick up. An unhappy lighthouse keeper's wife unknowingly becomes all that stands between Allied or Axis victory! This suspense vehicle is well done.

        kevin w Super Reviewer
      • Sep 09, 2015

        Claustrophic and taut espionage tale with an impressive second half and overall enormously benefited by a good measure of romanticism, both in its coastal setting and in its musical score, courtesy of the great Miklos Rozsa, who would sadly go into retirement soon after.

        pierluigi p Super Reviewer
      • Dec 10, 2012

        Eye of the Needle is a well constructed, entertaining dramatic thriller with a great cast. Donald Sutherland plays a German spy who has vital information on D Day, and he is trying to get out of Britain. The film keeps you engaged from start to finish and the cast do a fine job in their performances. Director Richard Marquand crafts a terrific film that has a wonderful story, and should appeal to any movie fan. This is enjoyable entertainment for what it is and it manages to be an effective thriller, one that is very memorable. At times the film has weak points, but there's enough good material presented on-screen to make this one worth seeing. I really enjoyed the film, and this is among the best thrillers of the early 1980's. With a great plot, good cast and constant thrills, director Marquand overcomes the film's weaknesses to convey a film that no viewer will soon forget. Richard Marquand would go on to conclude the Star Wars trilogy with Return of the Jedi, but we see hints of a great director who knows how to keep his viewers satisfied and interested. Eye of the Needle is a well crafted film, one that will appeal to genre fans and to other viewers looking for a well constructed, well acted picture. I've seen many films with Donald Sutherland, and The Eye of the Needle is one of his best films that I have seen due to his on-screen presence and his well written character. The film could have been reworked slightly, but most of the time, it succeeds at being a terrific film that in my opinion is a must see due to its plot, acting and effective directing. I found this film to be quite underrated and it's far better than what most critics have said about it.

        Super Reviewer
      • Jul 30, 2010

        (1981 Director: Richard Marquand) What strikes me about Donald Sutherland starring in this movie as Faber, an undercover top-tier German informant during WW II is that it is so different from Donald SUtherland's role in "The Dirty Dozen," certainly an amazing film. Ian Bannen co-stars as Percy Godliman as a leading military role trying to stop the talented and illusive Faber. Not unlike Scotland Yard their efforts more the most part almost lend a feel of "Keystone Cops" to the Brits. [more review to follow)

        Super Reviewer

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