The Recruit

PG-13

Released Jan 31, 2003

1 hr. 55 min.

Mystery & Thriller

List

43%

166 Reviews

Tomatometer

58%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In an era when the country's first line of defense - human intelligence - is more important than ever, comes an explosive thriller that gives an insider's view into the CIA's secret training ground: The Farm. James Clayton (Colin Farrell) might not have the attitude of a typical recruit, but he is one of the smartest graduating seniors in the country -- and he's just the person that Walter Burke (Al Pacino) wants in the Agency.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered Aug 01

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Apple TV

Rent The Recruit on Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

This polished thriller is engaging until it takes one twist too many into the predictable.

Read Critics Reviews

Walt S

Engaging at first, but fell apart for me by the end.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/24

Full Review

Rhansley S

Bom filme de espionagem/recrutamento pra se divertir.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/12/23

Full Review

JOhn K

I had no idea Colin was such a midget wow!!! And bridgette had bad nose job holy shnozberry is she frmo rich family? Why did brady bother?

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Elizabeth K

I loved this show. It is fast paced and fun. Plot twists are twisty, just the way I like them. I can't wait for season two.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

Phillip A

It was good, the story was really fun and compelling. Noah Centineo was great. I just feel like it ended in the middle of the season or it needed at least one more episode.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/18/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Underrated Pacino movie. The backstabbing and twists are great and not too predictable. Government conspiracy movies are always fun and this is no different.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/09/22

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Roger Donaldson

Director

Al Pacino

Walter Burke

Colin Farrell

James Clayton

Bridget Moynahan

Layla Moore

Gabriel Macht

Zach

Karl Pruner

Slayne

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

86%

90%

The Sixth Sense

TRAILER

for The Sixth Sense

30%

50%

High Crimes

58%

39%

Fear X

24%

50%

Antitrust

9%

43%

The Skulls

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

New on Prime Video and Freevee in September 2022

Second Poseidon Trailer Hits the Waves

Critical Consensus: "Spear," "New World" Are OK, Not Great

View more photos

Barbara Ellen

Times (UK)

I rather enjoyed The Recruit and I'm guessing you will, too. The script is well-paced and witty, Pacino is as watchable as ever.

Jan 2, 2018

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Above-average thriller, but not very memorable.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 29, 2010

Full Review

Tim Robey

Daily Telegraph (UK)

A standard-issue spy game with all the layered complexity of Ludo.

Oct 19, 2003

Full Review

Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

I'm still hoping Pacino will dazzle with a great performance eventually...

Apr 29, 2009

Full Review

Mark Halverson

Sacramento News & Review

Rated: 3/5

Aug 7, 2008

Full Review

Peter Canavese

Groucho Reviews

Watchable only for its star power and scarce caffeine kicks...awfully predictable. [Blu-Ray]

Rated: 2/4

Jun 1, 2008

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

In an era when the country's first line of defense - human intelligence - is more important than ever, comes an explosive thriller that gives an insider's view into the CIA's secret training ground: The Farm. James Clayton (Colin Farrell) might not have the attitude of a typical recruit, but he is one of the smartest graduating seniors in the country -- and he's just the person that Walter Burke (Al Pacino) wants in the Agency.

Director: Roger Donaldson
Executive Producer: Jonathan Glickman, Ric Kidney
Screenwriter: Roger Towne, Kurt Wimmer, Mitch Glazer
Distributor: Touchstone Pictures
Production Co: Spyglass Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Sexuality|Language|Violence)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 31, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $52.8M
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

Most Popular at Home Now