On Feb. 18, 2001, the FBI arrested former Soviet Analytical Unit agent Robert Hanssen for selling thousands of pages of classified documents to the Russians beginning in 1985, along with identities of KGB spies working for the United States — two of whom were killed on Hanssen's intel. It is known as the largest security infraction in American history, and is the focus of director Billy Ray's latest work, "Breach."

The "Shattered Glass" director once again proves his ability to tell a story through the actions and emotion of its principal characters. "Breach" is a movie of tension and intrigue, pitting spy against spy. Already knowing how the story will end is of no importance. The fun is seeing the events that lead up to the anticipated moment when Hanssen is ultimately brought down.

"Breach" begins in the last two months of the manhunt to find solid evidence against Hanssen (Chris Cooper, "Adaptation"). Young agent-in-training Eric O'Neill (Ryan Phillippe, "Flags of Our Fathers") is assigned to Hanssen as a clerk to gather information on his activities, but the more he learns, the more complicated his assignment becomes. On the surface, Hanssen is a pristine citizen, a devout Opus Dei Roman Catholic and loving grandfather who invites O'Neill's wife to Mass as a friendly gesture.

What the film boils down to is an intense study in character development. Years of vigilant surveillance and lie detection have hardened Hanssen's features, and it is the comparatively inexperienced O'Neill who must break the barrier and try to outwit him. Hanssen's tired criticism of the bureau is contrasted with O'Neill's determination to make agent and prove himself.
"Breach" is carried by its top-notch acting performances. Cooper plays Hanssen with a fierce resolve, whose crimes against the state appear to be wearing him thin. Phillippe uses his boyish features to show a slight naivety to the real world, but manages to hide his intentions from his boss with careful precision.
Laura Linney ("Man of the Year") gives a strong performance as O'Neill's handler, special agent Kate Burroughs. She's a no-nonsense type of woman who has seemingly given her life to her work and talks of how she doesn't even own a cat and dines on TV dinners.
The film does well without any of the typical Hollywood special effects common to espionage films. "Breach" offers edgy sequences without resorting to explosives or high-speed car chases. Much of the tension is actually placed within the dim offices and bare corridors of the bureau.
While Ray builds suspense throughout the film, he never discloses the driving force behind Hanssen's treason. Was it an overbearing father? An exhaustive need to prove his merit? The audience only receives speculative answers to the question.
A similar dilemma arose with "Shattered Glass." While the two films share many similarities– character duplicity, integrity and a D.C. location, "Breach" wins in its ability to keep the plot moving without losing a beat. The audience, much like O'Neill, is never quite sure whether to feel some compassion for Hanssen or to loathe him.
For Ray's second venture into the realm of directing real-world scandals, "Breach" comes out as a compelling, well-crafted spy film. It succeeds in acting, plot and execution, and is well worth a trip to the theater for its intelligent portrayal of a man who turned against his country.

Grade: 3.5 of 5