“Eye of the Needle 1981” is a spy thriller about a ruthless Nazi agent who holds the key to the Allies’ victory, but he is hunted by a British intelligence agent who has one shot to stop him before he disappears like a needle in a haystack. The story is full of twists and turns, like an intricate maze that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The acting is superb, with Donald Sutherland delivering a chilling performance as the elusive Nazi spy. The cinematography is also top-notch, capturing the beauty and danger of Scotland’s rugged coastline as the two agents engage in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. Overall, “Eye of the Needle 1981” is an intense and gripping thriller that will leave you breathless.
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Review
Have you ever watched a movie that left you on the edge of your seat, heart racing, and palms sweaty? That’s precisely what the 1981 thriller “Eye of the Needle” does. Based on Ken Follett’s novel, “Eye of the Needle” is a gripping film that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
The story begins during World War II, where Nazi spy Henry Faber (Donald Sutherland) holds pivotal information about the Allies’ D-Day plans. On his way back to Germany, Faber gets stranded on an island in Scotland after his U-boat sinks. He meets Lucy Rose (Kate Nelligan), a married woman who falls for him despite her loyalty to her husband. As she becomes more involved with Faber, she realizes his true identity and their life becomes threatened.
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. The film’s tagline, “She was young. She was beautiful. She was passionate. She was the perfect bait for an enemy spy,” perfectly sums up the nail-biting suspense that permeates throughout “Eye of the Needle.”
One interesting fact about “Eye of the Needle” is that it was originally intended to be directed by Richard Marquand, but he ended up leaving due to creative differences with Donald Sutherland. The film eventually landed in the hands of Richard Franklin, who did a brilliant job in bringing Follett’s story to life.
The acting in this movie is outstanding – Donald Sutherland gives a memorable performance as the ruthless and calculating Henry Faber, while Kate Nelligan exudes vulnerability and emotion as Lucy Rose. Her character’s internal conflict between duty and desire is palpable throughout the film.
“Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under their skin… And it takes so long to get rid of them one by one,” says Faber at one point in the movie. The line perfectly captures the complexity of his character, who is a master of deception and manipulation.
The film’s score, composed by Miklós Rózsa, is hauntingly beautiful and adds an extra layer of intensity to the already tense scenes. “Eye of the Needle” was also a commercial success, grossing over $17 million at the box office.
The film features breathtaking locations in Scotland, including Eilean Donan Castle – a stunning and romantic setting for the love story that unfolds between Faber and Lucy Rose. The cinematography by Alan Hume is exceptional – he captures both the scenic beauty of Scotland and the gritty reality of war with equal skill.
“Eye of the Needle” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film Editing, and it’s easy to see why. The film’s editing is expertly done, with seamless transitions that keep the pacing just right.
In terms of criticism, some people have pointed out that Lucy Rose’s character could have been developed further. However, I believe that her internal struggle between loyalty and passion is conveyed effectively through Nelligan’s nuanced performance.
The special effects used in “Eye of the Needle” may seem dated now but were impressive for their time – especially in a scene where Faber escapes from a sinking U-boat.
In conclusion, “Eye of the Needle” is a thrilling cinematic experience that will leave you breathless. From its gripping plot to its outstanding performances, stunning locations, and captivating score – this movie has it all. If you’re looking for a film that will keep you on your toes until its shocking conclusion, look no further than “Eye of the Needle.”

Technical Data
- Runtime : 108
- Release : 1981-07-24
- Genre : Drama, Thriller
- Cast : Donald Sutherland as Faber, Kate Nelligan as Lucy, Ian Bannen as Godliman, Christopher Cazenove as David, Faith Brook as Lucy’s Mother
- Crew : Celestia Fox as Casting Director, Wilfred Shingleton as Production Design, Miklós Rózsa as Original Music Composer, John Bloomfield as Costume Designer, John Comfort as Production Manager
- Popularity 11.853
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : $18,000,000
- Company : Kings Road Entertainment, Juniper Films
- Summary : Great Britain, 1944, during World War II. Relentlessly pursued by several MI5 agents, Henry Faber the Needle, a ruthless German spy in possession of vital information about D-Day, takes refuge on Storm Island, an inhospitable, sparsely inhabited island off the coast of northern Scotland.
- Tagline : To love a stranger is easy. To kill a lover is not.