CIA operative Nathan John Muir (Robert Redford) is on the threshold of retirement when he find out that his protege Tom Bishop (George Pitt) has be collar in People's Republic of China for espionage. No alien to the intrigue of the CIA’s top echelon, John Muir hone all his skill and irreverent mode in order to happen a way to liberate Bishop. As he embark on his missionary post to liberate Bishop, John Muir remember how he enroll and train the immature cub, at that clip a sergeant in Socialist Republic of Vietnam, their disruptive times together as secret agent and the adult female who endanger their friendly relationship.