Watch Bullet to Beijing

Bullet to Beijing is a 1995 action-thriller directed by George Mihalka, and written by Michael Caine, Jack Higgins, and Harry Alan Towers. The movie stars Anatoly Kulbitsky, Shaughan Seymour, and the legendary Michael Caine, who reprises his role as British spy Harry Palmer. The movie is set in the mid-90s when the cold war is over, and Russia is no longer the enemy. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, a new era of opportunity opened up in the world of espionage. Harry Palmer is now retired and runs a private investigation agency, but he is forced back into the action when he receives a mysterious message from an old colleague. The message is a code that leads Palmer to believe that the former KGB agent, General Arkady Alexei Alexandrov, is still alive and working as a spy in Beijing.

Palmer's curiosity prompts him to investigate the matter further, and he soon finds himself in China, where he is reunited with his former boss, the Director of Military Intelligence, whose help he needs to solve the mystery. Palmer learns that the General's mission is to steal a lethal virus from a Chinese research facility, which could be used as a biological weapon if it falls into the wrong hands.

Palmer's mission takes him to the dark streets of Beijing, where he encounters a mysterious woman named Natasha, who claims to be working for the Russian Mafia. She is an enigma for Palmer, who remains unsure if she is a friend or a foe. As Palmer gets closer to the truth, he soon discovers that there are more players in the game than he initially thought, including an American tycoon, who has his eyes on the stolen virus.

The plot of Bullet to Beijing keeps the audience on edge throughout the runtime, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the viewers guessing. The action scenes are well choreographed, with car chases and shootouts being highlights of the film, and the film's overall tone is suitably gritty, without relying on the usual Hollywood tropes.

Michael Caine's performance as the self-effacing Harry Palmer is a standout, as he brings his iconic character back to life in a new world, where the stakes are higher than ever. Anatoly Kulbitsky also shines as the villain of the piece, playing the role of the General, with a level of menace that keeps the audience on edge.

Although the film was shot on a relatively low budget, the production values are impressive, with scenes shot in several locations around the world, including London, Moscow, and Beijing. The film's cinematography is excellent, with some stunning shots of the Chinese capital, and the soundtrack by Nigel Hess is a perfect fit for the movie, adding to the suspense and intrigue of the plot.

In conclusion, Bullet to Beijing is an entertaining movie that should appeal to both fans of the spy genre and those who enjoy a good action-thriller. With a solid cast, smart writing, and great direction, the film is a worthy addition to the Harry Palmer series and is a must-watch for Michael Caine fans.