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Robert DeNiro’s tale about the birth of the CIA reminded me a great deal of THE GODFATHER. From its epic scope to its family drama to the central character’s obligations, it’s not surprising that Francis Ford Coppola was an executive producer on the film.

Edward Wilson (Matt Damon, GOOD WILL HUNTING) was born into a wealthy, well-respected family, which affords him little choice to pick the direction of his life. He will follow in the footsteps of his father, Thomas (Timothy Hutton, KINSEY), and go to Yale where he will become a member of elite Skull & Bones Society. At the early stages of World War II, General Bill Sullivan (DeNiro) calls on Edward to help serve his country and operate as a spy for a newly formed foreign intelligence agency of the U.S. government. What other choice does he have then to say yes? Despite being in love with a sweet deaf girl named Laura (Tammy Blanchard, STEALING HARVARD), Edward is obligated to marry rich Margaret “Clover” Russell (Angelina Jolie, TOMB RAIDER) after he gets her pregnant. Edward’s quiet demeanor and cold detachment make him a perfect spy, but will all the lying he does, especially to himself, cost him his soul?

While at college, Edward’s loyalty to his country is tested when he is asked by FBI agent Sam Murach (Alec Baldwin, THE COOLER) to spy on his teacher Dr. Fredericks (Michael Gambon, GOSFORD PARK). Later Edward will learn the ways of British espionage in London where he will develop a friendship with the young spy Arch Cummings (Billy Crudup, ALMOST FAMOUS). While working during WWII, he is assigned an aide named Ray Brocco (John Turturro, DO THE RIGHT THING), who quickly becomes the muscle of the organization. The film actually begins with Edward embroiled in the leak scandal that lead to the Bay of Pigs disaster. After time Edward doesn’t know who to trust — even fellow agents Philip Allen (William Hurt, THE ACCIDENTIAL TOURIST), Richard Hayes (Lee Pace, 2006’s INFAMOUS) or Russian defector Valentin Mironov (John Sessions, GANGS OF NEW YORK). It’s pretty bad when Edward seems to be able to trust Russian spy Stas Siyanko (Oleg Stefan, 2001’s HEARTBREAKERS) more than his own co-workers. When Edward’s son, Edward Jr. (Eddie Redmayne, TV’s ELIZABETH I) wants to join the CIA, what is Edward to do but let him?

DeNiro, working from a script by Eric Roth (THE INSIDER, MUNICH), has the patience to let the story develop Edward’s whole life as a spy. It allows time to develop compelling reasons for his actions both personal and professional. Near misses keep Edward alert in the future, also making him more distant. How can someone develop any meaningful relationships when they can’t tell people what they do and one of the chief requirements of their work is that everyone you work with are great liars?

The intrigue of being a spy is woven into the plot without trumped up drama. There is not a bad guy with a gun lurking around every corner, but there could be. Not knowing is much more frightening than knowing. The details of how spies operate are fascinating. Their work is tedious and daunting. This isn’t the glamorous world of James Bond; Edward’s office during the war is anything but luxurious. It’s these details that make this spy story so original. For the first time on screen, it seems like we’re seeing the way espionage really works.

Edward is not a likable character just like Michael is not likable in THE GODFATHER series. However, we understand Edward’s motivations so well that we can relate. In addition, the film provides us with several “moral” characters to see Edward through. It’s their perspective that helps us care about him. In addition, Edward is really good at his job, which is absorbing in and of itself.

Is it the best spy movie ever? Well, I haven’t seen them all so I can’t say. However, it feels the most real out of all the others I have seen thus far. By taking his time, DeNiro truly captures the full scope of the sacrifice one makes when they are called upon to spy for their country.