Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Starring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Toby Jones.
Director: Tomas Alfredson
Rating: 5/5
If you missed Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy at the cinema last you than you really missed a treat as this was one of the finest movies that I had the privilege of watching.
It’s not often that you see such a fine British cast brought together but that is exactly what director Alfredson has done and it really is the movie’s strong point.
George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a disgraced British spy, is rehired in secret by his government - which fears that the British Secret Intelligence Service, a.k.a. MI-6, has been compromised by a double agent working for the Soviets.
John Le Carre’s novel is beautifully realised in this Tomas Alfredson directed movie as he manages to capture the feeling and suspicion of the time.
But what is so great about this movie is Alfredson treats the audience with respect and instead of watering the story down he makes it complicated and intriguing and that just adds more mystery to the movie.
Some may complain about the slow pacing of the film but it really does work in the movie’s favour as the tension is cranked up with every scene.
Gary Oldman is simply superb as George Smiley he may be worn down by life but he really is a force for good in this movie.
It is a tour de force performance from the actor in what is a slow burning and quiet role - no special effects of fancy gadgets are needed here.
And the support cast that has been assembled is just superb as everyone plays a key part in this intriguing story.
There is tension and menace around every corner, it really is a riveting watch, you, along with Smiley, has no idea who he can and cannot trust.
This is a stunning piece of filmmaking that keeps you gripped from beginning until the very end - this is not a movie to miss!!
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is out on DVD & Blu-Ray now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw