Oddly, I find myself agreeing with most of the reviews here, both good and bad. I've read the book but must read it again to check the bits where the film differs. The film is a poor reflection of the book so if you haven't read the book, I urge you read it before watching the movie - or buy the book and see just how much is missing in the film!

The trailer for this movie is flash bang wallop sex and violence. The film is better than that, just.

For me, disappointment with the film revolves around the lack of depth to the romance between the Sparrow and the American agent. In the book there is tenderness within the relationship, challenged by the undercover motives driving the story. For me this was missing. A quick bonk does not equate to a heartfelt longing sufficient to put your life and undercover operation at risk - well not in my experience anyway! Also missing is the relevance of the search for the Russian mole and the American agent's desire to safeguard his identity. Both are pivotal to the ongoing story.

There is too much torturing, after all, this film is rated 15 (though these days fifteen year olds can probably handle it!) I saw the film in the cinema and I heard someone in the audience say 'I don't think I can take much more of this.' However, there is one standout scene where our heroine and the American agent are in confrontation with the assassin and in this instance, the violence is justified and balances the torture quite nicely!

For those who have read the book, the end of the film differs from the book in a rather odd way but I will say no more. Also, for readers of the book, missing from the film is Dominika's ability to see auras and read the mood and sincerity of people she encounters.

Unfortunately Jennifer Lawrence is not my idea of the sparrow and as someone has pointed out, she goes through the entire film with only one expression.

Would I recommend it? Yes and no! I found the book to be one of the best spy novels but I don't think this film lives up to it. However, as a bit of gratuitous knockabout nonsense, it's ok. Read the book!

As a complete aside from Red Sparrow, Joel Edgerton, who plays the American agent, would make an excellent 'Jack Reacher', much better than diminutive Tom Cruise.