The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Good Shepherd is a 2006 espionage drama directed by Robert De Niro, starring Matt Damon as Edward Wilson, a fictional intelligence officer whose career takes him from the OSS into the CIA’s early years. It runs 2 hr 48 min and is rated R for some violence, sexuality and language. The film uses real institutions as the setting for a dramatized story, not as a scene-by-scene account of verified CIA history.
What is The Good Shepherd about?
Edward Wilson is an idealistic young man recruited into intelligence work. The film follows him from service in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) into the period when the CIA is being established. As Wilson’s work demands secrecy and loyalty, his private relationships suffer.
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The story’s focus is the personal cost of a life organized around secrecy. The OSS is presented as the CIA’s predecessor, but Wilson is fictional; the character and events shown should not be treated as a documented account of actual agency operations.
Is The Good Shepherd a documentary or a true story?
No. It is a dramatic feature, not a documentary. It places a fictional protagonist in the real institutional setting of the OSS and early CIA. The premise offers an espionage drama about secrecy and sacrifice, but the available official descriptions do not establish that Wilson or the plot’s events are historical.
#1 Best Overall
- SPY THRILLERS (DVD MOVIE)
Who made the film, and who is in the cast?
Robert De Niro directed the film, and Eric Roth wrote the screenplay. Matt Damon plays Edward Wilson; Angelina Jolie plays Clover, also known as Margaret. De Niro also appears, alongside Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup, William Hurt, Timothy Hutton and John Turturro.
How long is it, and what is its rating?
Universal Pictures At Home lists the runtime as 2 hr 48 min and the rating as R for some violence, sexuality and language. It classifies the film as a thriller and drama. Its length makes it a substantial viewing commitment, while its rating gives a broad indication of content rather than a scene-by-scene guide.
Rank #2
- Clandestine OPS: A unique viewing experience that puts you in control. Go behind-the-scenes and gain access to classified information simultaneously while watching the film.
- Alternate versions and deleted scenes including an alternate ending!
- Script-to-storyboard featurette on Tony Scott's unique filmmaking process.
- Requirements for CIA acceptance: do you have what it takes to be an operative?
Where can you watch or buy it?
Universal Pictures At Home lists digital purchase and DVD, and its page says “Own on DVD Now.” Availability can vary by region, retailer and date, so check current listings before purchasing. The studio listing does not establish a streaming subscription option.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Factory sealed DVD
Rank #4
- REGION 1 CODED DVD (US & CANADA)
Rank #3
- Spy Game - Collector's Edition - DVD New
Film details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2006 |
| Director | Robert De Niro |
| Screenwriter | Eric Roth |
| Lead role | Matt Damon as Edward Wilson |
| Runtime | 2 hr 48 min, according to Universal Pictures At Home |
| Rating | R for some violence, sexuality and language, according to Universal Pictures At Home |
| Genres | Thriller and drama, according to Universal Pictures At Home |
Sources
- Universal Pictures At Home: The Good Shepherd — synopsis, credits, runtime, rating and listed formats.
- Morgan Creek Entertainment: The Good Shepherd — premise and principal cast.
- Rotten Tomatoes: The Good Shepherd — credits and film details.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
