The Fourth State
A German journalist’s investigation into Russian intelligence plunges him into a frightening Moscow conspiracy where truth and survival become inseparable.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- tense
- paranoid
- serious
- political thriller night
- international cinema viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded it as a polished and realistic European espionage thriller with strong craft and performances, though not an exceptional entry in the genre.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Paul Jensen is a journalist investigating the Russian secret service when he becomes entangled in a terrorist plot.
The central conflict links secret-service activity with a terrorist operation in Moscow.
Critics specifically praised the cinematography and described the film's frighteningly realistic atmosphere.
The protagonist's professional investigation places him directly in the path of secret-service operations and terrorism.
Films like The Fourth State, and why
The Lives of Others
shared political espionage, investigative journalism, and grounded European thriller tension
A Most Wanted Man
shared Russian intelligence intrigue, paranoia, and morally pressured protagonists
State of Play
shared journalist-centered conspiracy thriller structure and escalating political danger
The Constant Gardener
shared realistic spycraft, institutional secrecy, and bleak geopolitical atmosphere
Movie Details
- Director
- Dennis Gansel
- Release Date
- 2012-03-08
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Rating
- 6.0 / 10 (57)
Cast
- Moritz Bleibtreu
- Kasia Smutniak
- Mark Ivanir
- Max Riemelt
- Stipe Erceg
- Cosima Shaw
- Reiner Schöne
- Rade Šerbedžija
- Dragoș Bucur
- Masha Tokareva
Common questions
- What is The Fourth State about?
- A German journalist’s investigation into Russian intelligence plunges him into a frightening Moscow conspiracy where truth and survival become inseparable.
- What is The Fourth State like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Fourth State as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Fourth State violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Fourth State as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Fourth State?
- Critics broadly regarded it as a polished and realistic European espionage thriller with strong craft and performances, though not an exceptional entry in the genre.
- Which films are like The Fourth State?
- Films with a similar feel include The Lives of Others, A Most Wanted Man, State of Play, and The Constant Gardener.
- How long is The Fourth State?
- The Fourth State runs 115 minutes.
