The Honorary Consul
The Honorary Consul

The Honorary Consul

1983
Movie
104 min
English

Set in a small politically unstable Latin American country, the story follows the half English and half Latino Dr. Eduardo Plarr, who left his home to find a better life. Along the way he meets an array of people, including British Consul Charley Fortnum, a representative in Latin America who is trying to keep Revolution from occurring. He is also a remorseful alcoholic. Another person the doctor meets is Clara, whom he immediately falls in love with, but there is a problem: Clara is Charley's wife.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: John MackenzieGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a remote Argentinian town on the Paraguayan border, a disillusioned British doctor, Charley Fortnum, finds his life complicated by the arrival of Eduardo Plarr, a visiting doctor who is having an affair with Charley's wife. Their tense relationship is further strained when a group of terrorists kidnaps Eduardo, mistaking him for Charley, and demands the release of a political prisoner.

Critical Reception

The Honorary Consul received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While some praised the performances, particularly from Michael Caine and Richard Gere, and the atmospheric tension, others found the plot convoluted and the pacing uneven. Audience reception was similarly divided, with many appreciating the mature themes and performances but some finding the film's dramatic arc less compelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • Michael Caine delivers a standout performance as the compromised diplomat.
  • The film effectively captures a sense of political unease and personal desperation.
  • Some critics noted that the thriller elements could have been more pronounced or effectively integrated.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and their consensus is not readily available for this title.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the 1973 novel of the same name by Graham Greene, a prolific author known for his explorations of morality and political intrigue in exotic locales.

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TMDB Reviews

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CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

With both Paraguay and Argentina under junta governments, doctor "Eduardo" (Richard Gere) returns to his homeland where he quickly befriends the eponymous gent "Fortnum" (Michael Caine) before making even closer friends with his somewhat op...