Metacritic reviews

The result, except for the stock action climax, is sharp, fast, bitter. [19 September 1994, p. 38]

The filmmakers haven't simply tamed the rogue elephant of Clancy's narrative; they've turned it into something that moves as gracefully and as powerfully as a gazelle.

Another fast, gripping spy story with some good tricks up its sleeve.

The movie has two other qualities you don't always find in films of this kind: a sense of humor and a sense of character. [15 August 1994, p. 61]

There is enough intrigue to keep it interesting, and if it ever feels too slow, try counting the number of people who get betrayed.

The plot alone is a thing of beauty.

Enjoyable, but it's a shallow enjoyment.

Earlier Clancy films alternated between the dull and the ridiculous. First-rate writers like Steven Zaillian and the great John Milius have managed to make this considerably meatier.

There's nothing "wrong" with this movie but it feels like warmed-over business as usual.

As a thriller, this 21 2-hour production takes a slow route between short bursts of excitement.