The 355 (2022) - Excellent Actresses, Interesting Characters and Stunning Locations Meet Energetic Flow, Creative Ideas and Stunning Pace - 8/10 (10/02/22)

The 355 is an energetic action-thriller revolving around four female spies who are trying to retrieve a top-secret weapon from a dangerous agent who has faked his own death and gone rogue. The movie convinces with great acting performances, intriguing characters and exotic locations. The international cast should appeal to spy movie fans all around the world.

The story revolves around a top-secret weapon that gets stolen from an influential Colombian drug dealer. CIA agent Mason Brown is instructed to buy the weapon from the thief with her long-time partner Nick Fowler. However, the transaction backfires when German agent Marie Schmidt interferes. In the ensuing chaos, the two agents get separated and Nick Fowler meets a grisly fate. The confusion gets even bigger when Colombian psychologist Graciela Rivera attempts to protect and flee with the thief. However, the top-secret weapon gets stolen by another thief. The American agent, the Colombian psychologist and the German spy decide to talk things out and join their forces to retrieve the dangerous weapon. They are supported by MI6 computer specialist Khadijah Adiyeme who tracks the weapon all the way to an auction house in China. The four women try to figure out who might want to purchase the weapon that is hidden in an antique vase. The four ladies are taken by surprise when they meet the person behind the theft and auction. However, just as things are getting dangerously out of control, they get some unexpected support from a mysterious Chinese agent named Lin Mi Sheng.

This action-thriller convinces with excellent acting performances. Diane Kruger steals the show as rebellious German special agent who gets support from her boss and father figure incarnated by the brilliant Sylvester Groth. Lupita Nyong'o delivers the goods as intellectual and intelligent computer specialist who always keeps things cool and focused. Fan Bingbing only appears in the last third of the movie but leaves a lasting impression as an equally charming and dangerous agent whose intentions aren't always clear. One also has to point out the charismatic Sebastian Stan who incarnates the manipulative villain with much charisma.

As you can read, the different characters are equally intriguing and complement one another well. Mason Brown represents resilience, Marie Schmidt showcases rebellion, Graciela Rivera incarnates emotional depth, Khadijah Adiyeme stands for intellectualism and Lin Mi Sheng is a symbol for mystery. Every single female character has different character traits, strengths and weaknesses which makes for a highly entertaining movie that deserves multiple viewings.

The locations are as diversified as the actresses and characters involved. This film starts in the Colombian jungle, transfers to downtown Paris and ends in Shanghai's lush nightlife. Viewers can appreciate elegant mansions in the forest, chaotic ports with mazes of corridors and elegant hotels of glass and steel.

This movie only has a few minor flaws. The story is a little bit too predictable for genre experts. While the action elements are outstanding, the movie is at times missing some tension and thrills.

At the end of the day, The 355 is a very entertaining action-thriller with excellent actresses, interesting characters and stunning locations. The action sequences are intense, the lighting effects are very efficient and the special effects have been created with much care. The movie has excellent flow, creative ideas and stunning pace that justify multiple viewings. I would suggest to purchase the film as soon as it gets released in store if you are unable to make it to a cinema during the pandemic. Genre fans should certainly check this movie out despite many unfairly harsh reviews.