The story is set in Hamburg, Germany, and follows Issa Karpov (played by Grigoriy Dobrygin), a half-Chechen, half-Russian immigrant with a troubled past. Issa seeks asylum and is connected to a large inheritance that draws the attention of German and U.S. intelligence agencies.
GŸnther Bachmann (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman), a German intelligence operative, leads an anti-terrorism team that is monitoring Issa. Bachmann aims to use Issa to expose money laundering activities that fund terrorism. To achieve this, Bachmann collaborates with a human rights lawyer, Annabel Richter (played by Rachel McAdams), and a British banker, Tommy Brue (played by Willem Dafoe).
As the various intelligence agencies become involved, tensions rise, and the true motives of each character come into question. The film explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the ethical challenges faced by intelligence operatives in the post-9/11 world.
In the climax, Issa’s fate becomes entwined with the geopolitical power play between intelligence agencies. The resolution involves a tragic turn of events that highlights the moral ambiguity and complexities of the intelligence work.
“A Most Wanted Man” received positive reviews for its taut storytelling, atmospheric direction, and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s powerful performance in one of his final roles before his death. The film is known for its nuanced portrayal of the intelligence community and its exploration of the consequences of the War on Terror.