An absorbing movie based on shocking real-life events
I told the caller that I wasn’t interested in investing in Bitcoin, and that I was more likely to invest in something else. The caller then became very angry and hung up on me.
When she asked me what I did for a living, I told her that I wasn’t allowed to say. “Ooh, sounds mysterious” she replied, to which I said, “If I told you what I did, both of our lives would be put at risk.” ..
I was a spy, and I knew it. I had warned her before, and I would do so again if she didn’t stop asking questions. She was a scammer, and I was going to make sure she knew it.
I was recently watching Rogue Agent, a movie based on a true story, and I was reminded of my deliberate ploy to trick the woman on the phone into thinking that I was some kind of spy. In the context of this review, neither Robert Hendy-Freegard, the protagonist of the movie (which is based on a true story), nor I were anything of the sort.
In reality, he was a barman and car salesman who falsely recruited others to MI5 as a means of conning them out of the large sums of money they had access to (usually from their parents). In this regard, he had much in common with the thousands of scam callers who plague us every year, as well as the fake persona that I created when trying to wind up one particular scammer. ..
Rogue Agent is a new movie about a man who is pretending to be a spy. James Norton plays the role of the false agent, and he does an excellent job. The movie is interesting and well-made, and I would definitely recommend it. ..
Writer-directors Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson showcase key moments from Freegard’s past in their new film, “Freegard.” The movie weaves various aspects of this particular tale into the central story which focuses on the relationship Freegard had with successful young lawyer Alice Archer (Gemma Arterton), the woman who (in the film at least) is the catalyst for his eventual undoing. ..
In the end, it seems that Archer is the true mastermind behind Freegard’s downfall. But even if he isn’t, his story is still a compelling one that will keep you reading.
The true horror of Freegard’s crimes is not just that he took money from unsuspecting victims, but that he damaged the mental health of those who were under his care. He alienated them from their families and friends, and tricked them into thinking they were doing something noble when in reality they were being robbed. It’s difficult to understand why Freegard acted in this way - the movie doesn’t delve too far into his backstory - so perhaps we are meant to accept that he was a sociopath who had little regard for the feelings and emotions of the people whose lives he destroyed. ..
Norton is convincingly the fake spy, showing both the charming and the sinister sides of his character as he manipulates his victims into doing his bidding. Arterton is good value too as Freegard’s latest target, ably showing both the fragile and resilient side of her character. Watching the two of them interact on screen is a joy as it’s clear that Archer isn’t just another of Freegard’s victims. She is somebody that is wiser, stronger, and more clued in to his schemes than the other people who regrettably fell prey to his charms and lies.
The movie is suspenseful and gripping, but it feels more like a TV drama than a piece of cinema. This may be due to the well-made acting and plot, but the movie may not have been what audiences were expecting.
Rogue Agent is an engaging watch, more so because of the incredible true story it is based on. The acting of the two main stars does much to lure us into this chilling tale as does the screenplay, which manages to keep us on our toes throughout. As such, Rogue Agent is well worth your time and can be especially recommended if you enjoyed the documentary which delved further into Freegard’s life and manipulations. ..
Robert Hendy-Freegard is a free man, so if you encounter someone claiming to be a secret agent, you should tell them to go away. You should do the same if you receive a call from a call center scam artist promising to make you rich or who tells you that you are owed money. These people should never be trusted. ..
In a world of secret societies and espionage, one agent is known as the Rogue Agent. This agent is known for their quick thinking and quick action, and for being one of the most skilled operatives in the organization. However, this agent’s story has a dark side that few know about. The Rogue Agent’s story begins with a moment of weakness that allowed an enemy to take control of them. The Rogue Agent was forced to fight against their own instincts and values in order to protect those they care about. In the end, the Rogue Agent’s story is one of redemption and self-discovery.
