The Insider (1999) Review in 2025
A gripping biographical drama about a whistleblower who exposes the truth about tobacco industry's health risks, starring Al Pacino and Russell Crowe.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and some strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
Highly recommended for fans of biographical dramas, thrillers, and true stories. Watch in theaters for the best experience.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie tells the true story of Jeffrey Wigand, a former tobacco executive who becomes a whistleblower after discovering the industry's cover-up of the health risks of smoking. He shares his story with a journalist, Lowell Bergman, played by Al Pacino, who helps him expose the truth, but Wigand's family suffers the consequences.
Review Details
story9.50/10
The story is engaging, well-researched, and thought-provoking, exploring the complexities of the tobacco industry's cover-up and the personal costs of whistleblowing.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with Russell Crowe and Al Pacino delivering memorable performances that bring the characters to life.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed, with Russell Crowe delivering a standout performance as Jeffrey Wigand, and Al Pacino bringing depth and nuance to Lowell Bergman.
direction9.50/10
Michael Mann's direction is masterful, balancing the tension and drama of the story with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the characters.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, capturing the intensity and drama of the story with a mix of close-ups, wide shots, and clever camera angles.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging story, well-developed characters, masterful direction, and superb acting make this movie a must-watch.
Cons
Some scenes may be disturbing or intense for sensitive viewers.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a whistleblower, I'm a witness."
"The tobacco industry is a lie, and we're the ones who are lying to ourselves."
"The truth is, I don't know what the truth is."
