Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Actor-tastic adaptation of the 1974 British spy novel by John le Carré, directed by Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In) – his first English-language film.
In the bleak days of the Cold War, middle-aged, taciturn, espionage veteran George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is forced from semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet agent within MI6's echelons, dubbed the "Circus" by those who work there.
A previous adapation was made in 1979 as a seven-part series for BBC, featuring Alec Guiness as George Smiley.
Outstanding British Film and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2012 BAFTAs.
2011Rating: MA15+, for violence, some sexuality/nudity and language127 minsUK, France
Thriller
- Director:
- Tomas Alfredson ('Let the Right One In')
- Writer:
- Bridget O'ConnorPeter Straughan
- Cast:
- Gary OldmanColin FirthTom HardyMark StrongBenedict CumberbatchJohn HurtCiarán HindsStephen GrahamToby JonesAmanda Fairbank-Hynes
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy / Reviews
Total Film
Prepare to lose yourself – in every sense – in a labyrinth of double-agents, deception and damn fine acting from the year’s best British line-up.
Full reviewTime Magazine
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is so elegant, deliberate and smart that it’s a shocker it got made.
Full review
The Telegraph
It’s possible that this brooding, slow-burn approach to storytelling may seem old-fashioned to anyone weaned on the breathless chase sequences of modern espionage thrillers such as the Bourne or Mission: Impossible series.
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The New Yorker
In all its forms, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy strikes the eye, and other senses, as demonstrably real.
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The Guardian
A brilliant study of the disenchantment, compromise and tension of the 1970s spy game.
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IndieWire
When a film has so many attributes—including superior performances and a tangible sense of time, place, and atmosphere—it’s tempting to overlook its shortcomings.
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Hollywood Reporter
John Le Carré’s complicated, distanced Cold War classic turns into a visual delight with an authentic British feel.
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Empire Magazine
Utterly absorbing, extremely smart and - considering this is a sad, shabby, drably grey-green world of obsessives, misfits, misdirection, disillusionment, self-delusion and treachery - quite beautifully executed.
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Daily Mail
If you’re in the mood for expertly handled tension, subtle menace and superior acting by everyone involved, this is not to be missed.
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A.V. Club
Its dealings and double-dealings will probably be better understood on a second viewing, but it only takes one to appreciate Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy as a film.
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