The Recruit

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The Recruit

PG-13

Released Jan 31, 2003

1h 55m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

43%

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164 Reviews

58%

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100,000+ Ratings

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.

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Critics Consensus

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

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Barbara Ellen

The 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

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Above-average thriller, but not very memorable.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 29, 2010

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Tim Robey

Daily Telegraph (UK)

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

Oct 19, 2003

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

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

Apr 29, 2009

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Mark Halverson

Sacramento News & Review

Rated: 3/5

Aug 7, 2008

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Peter Canavese

Groucho Reviews

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

Rated: 2/4

Jun 1, 2008

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Audience Member

I enjoyed this movie. I thought it had a little too much predictability. But it kept you guessing just enough that it worked. I thought the 3 mains were really good. Good movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/14/25

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John A

You would think with a cast like this and an opening act that strongly sets the stage we would end up in the thick of a compelling thriller that has as brains along with contemporary style. The first half is obviously better than the second.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

04/21/25

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Anthony C

Love Al Pacino! Great movie!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/23/24

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Walt S

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

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/24

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Rhansley S

Bom filme de espionagem/recrutamento pra se divertir.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/12/23

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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

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Roger Donaldson

Director

Al Pacino

Walter Burke

Colin Farrell

James Clayton

Bridget Moynahan

Layla Moore

Gabriel Macht

Zach

Karl Pruner

Slayne

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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
Producer: Roger Birnbaum, Jeff Apple, Gary Barber
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
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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