2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Emily Malia)
"Excellent casting, acting and directing" is how one viewer summed up their experience of the hit thriller 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', which stars renowned actors Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The 2011 film, set in the Cold War era, enjoyed immense success, becoming the highest-grossing film at the British box office for three consecutive weeks. Long after its release, enthusiasts continue to praise its storytelling, with one critic hailing it as one of the "greatest spy thrillers of the century".
One review on Rotten Tomatoes reads: "A calm, deep, complex yet intense spy movie that I still enjoy watching today. The scene setup and details are amazing, drastically different from those with aggressive and dramatic fight/CGI movies, which usually have very little plot over storyline and character details." Adapted from a 1974 novel, the movie transports audiences back to 1970s London amid the search for a Soviet double agent perched at the peak of the British secret service.
In a confidential mission, the MI6 head quietly sends an operative to rendezvous with a Hungarian general who's privy to the identity of the clandestine Soviet spy, but death intervenes before the revelation can be made. Following his unwelcome retirement, former intelligence officer George Smiley, portrayed by Gary Oldman, is covertly recruited by a high-ranking government official to uncover the mole. As he delves into the investigation, Smiley soon uncovers that the Soviet informant has entrenched themselves within the organisation, angling for American intelligence, reports the Express .
A viewer said on review website Rotten Tomatoes: "This is a masterfully crafted spy games movie that may be too slow for some. Paranoia, anxiety and betrayal everywhere. I loved it.
" Another added: "Slow, serious, at times bleak. With an ever-present tension. Spectacular acting and visually beautiful.
It takes a bit of patience to fully enjoy this one, but it definitely pays off." Boasting an extraordinary cast, it comes as no surprise that 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' scooped a BAFTA for Outstanding British Film. The remarkable lineup featuring Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Kathy Burke helped the film secure three Oscar nominations.
One viewer was extremely impressed, stating that the film showcased the "best acting ever". They said: "With the best casting ever done in a movie! And the best movie screenplay ever adapted!". Nonetheless, not all critics believe the Cold War thriller deserves its praised status.
A disillusioned cinephile commented: "A sincere attempt but falls short of the 1979 miniseries. The movie relies on visuals and contains minimal exposition; it works when you know the story." The film's 'slow-burn' narrative approach has been lauded by many, contrasting sharply with the frenetic pace of action-dense movies.
Reflecting on this storytelling style, a review mentioned: "It doesn't surprise me that people who are spoon-fed CGI and explosions and shootouts every three minutes won't enjoy it, but for me, I'd like to see more films like this being made." Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is now streaming on BBC iPlayer..
