I started work in the City, around the period of the movie … the ‘cigarette-stained atmosphere’, ‘acrid stench’, etc. (including every prop down to the last paper-clip) captured the time, perfectly.
Watched it in the cinema and thought it was slow and dull. Have watched it probably 20 times since and think it gets better every time. It’s one of those films where observing all of the small things and the ‘feel’ that Mr K talks about is just continually enjoyable and watchable.
No, if you want to watch a GOOD version, watch the BBC miniseries starring Alec Guinness! This just feels all pitched to Eleventy-Stupid, with pointless "contemporary" bits like "Karla was tortured by the Americans" so it comes off as all "now" and "fashionable" (not that Americans didn't torture or commit atrocities before George W. Bush, but we at least used to try and HIDE it rather than wear it as a badge of honor!), or Peter Guillam being gay for no plot or character reason but to remind the audience that Western Espionage Agencies used to consider being LGBTQ a "security risk"! Everything feels rushed and obvious, right down to Toby Jones's Percy Alleline screaming and cursing like some Napoleon wannabe with Little Guy Syndrome rather than "Seething With Goodwill", or Benedict Cumberbatch's Guillam just walking in on Tom Hardy's Rikki Tarr and proceeding to beat the crap out of him....
@@Jinka1950 Might it be the final glance that you can't figure out? What does it mean? Love, hatred, remorse, failure, desperation, one or all of that? Or none. Resignation, perhaps. (Just re watched it. Was sad that it ended. Wished it was ten hours longer.)
@@timeliebend yet, the funny thing being it was John Le Carre himself who urged them to make it their own. To not just remake the book or the miniseries but to do something of their own with it. I quite like the film. I really like the changes they made. It’s still very faithful to the book and miniseries while bringing something new to it. I think it stands very well next to the original series and book.
The casting of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was absolutely full of amazing actors. Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones, Kathy Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy, Stephen Graham. It's insane
I don't think MK realised just how good a film this is...with phrases like, 'it works because'. 'Works'? For my money, it is one of the finest British films ever made. I think he needs to watch it again. Flawless from start to finish, it is an absolute masterpiece. Ditto the beautiful, haunting score.
When I went to the cinema to see this I struggled to comprehend fully what was going on. I hadn't seen the original BBC production, or read the book. However Mark is absolutely right - it was the period detail, the acrid atmosphere and brilliant acting that kept me transfixed.
This places in my top 5 movies ever, always. The final montage is heartbreaking, whether you know the book or not. I have watched the movie 5+ times and it always reduces me to tears. The sheer jadedness of bog-standard day-to-day intelligence seeking could not be better rendered. As a movie, an utter joy. Also, I never thought anyone could portray Smiley better than Alec Guinness, very happy to have been mistaken. George, we knew you with you new specs. x
I don't think people quite grasp the subtlety of what Oldman was doing in the film. Smiley is an extremely quiet character. He keeps a lot of things inside and has to rely a lot on his facial expressions and his physical demeanor to illustrate what he's feeling or thinking when not speaking. Great performance, great film. I don't think a lot of people get it as they want you to believe.
My late husband and I read LeCarre's work out loud as he was visually impaired with a steel trap memory. TINKER TAILOR and SMILEY'S PEOPLE, dark as they are, gave our marriage a kind of shared brilliance that I am still grateful for to this day.
@@jasontapia1032 - in what benighted universe is THAT true? Oldman is a capering, self-centered a**hole on the order of Jared Leto who's acting is all "LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!", while Sir Alec is a brilliant actor who does a great deal with very little. You sound like you like a LOT of acting rather than GOOD acting.
I could happily watch/listen to Mark Kermode review films for hours... One of my favourite scenes was in the dvd extras, Gary Oldman as George Smiley is frying an egg. It's just an ordinary everyday scene and yet there's such a depth of quiet to his acting.
This movie is pure Genius. Anyone who says otherwise does not understand Cinema. The chaps reviewing r spot on, and I'm a yank who thinks this is one of the greatest all time.I watched 10 times and each time ,discovered a new bread crumb. 60's feel cause it accurately shows the older Agents wearing suits they would have bought in the 60's and r still wearing them, Smiley, whereas Guilam, younger and modern for that time period 1973. 10 thumbs up!
aaronsdavis I don't disagree that it is really well made, with great performances, and a smart script, just wasn't for me. I just hate when people say "you didn't understand it" when you disagree with their opinion of a complex movie.
+Parth Marathe can understand why you wouldn’t like it, since a lot of the visuals serve significance only to faithful readers of the book, in fact its plot is very hard to follow with any enthusiasm unless you’ve read it (great book btw). Again the film most greatly serves as the artistic reimagining and visual aid to reading the book. It’s an expertly made and truly beautiful film imo, but yes definitely has high potential to be unenjoyable to certain people who the story doesn’t already hold significance towards. Can’t lie, even the film trailer was confusing and misleading, considering despite how great the actual story is, in today’s world one of the least marketable films to release, with its lack of direct action. In fact the film is surprisingly less action packed than the book, since they had a great opportunity to emphasise tarrs ordeal in Istanbul but is only hinted at after the fact, or even better prideauxs escape attempts in Hungary and extending the torture scenes etc.
I was alive in the 70's in Birmingham in the UK when the cold war was around us all, something I can't get out of my consciousness. The threat of nuclear annihilation was ever present. Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy, captured the period perfectly with the spy intrigue and then came Smiley's people, not as good as Tinker, but a good watch never the less. The movie is a great addition to the fold, Gary Oldman is Genius. Check them all out.
We were engaged in a cold war with the Soviet Union, most action didn't combat. The reds under the bed mindset was a real and threat. This story was was part of that cold war. Enjoyed the film immensely, the final montage was superb.
I love so many scenes in this movie but one of the best scenes that touched my heart was when Control and Smiley were fired and had to walk the gauntlet out of the circus's building. So humiliating, especially for Control. I know there were so many great scenes , something about that walk of shame was heartwrenching for me. The sickest scene was Irinas disemboweled husband in the bathtub. That was realistically gory and unexpected. !
It was certainly my favourite film of the year, and I absolutely adored it. I've seen it several times since and it just keeps getting better. A brilliant piece of filmmaking derived from a brilliant piece of writing. How rare.
After reading the book, and seeing the old film series plus this, it all runs together in my head a bit. But I’d say that if you enjoyed the movie, you’re very likely to love the other two. To get to explore the characters and situations more is very satisfying, and this 2+ hours feels like it can’t do it all justice, even with such great atmosphere and performances.
What can I say, extraordinary. I first watched a bootleg of this, couldn't even make out what was going on, and I could tell this is a masterpiece already. When I watched it for real, it just blows you away.
I have just watched it for first time. Not easy to follow but from the start you feel the era of 60s 70s, the actors are fantastic so you keep watching ..watching with open eyes trying to understand...no popcorn or coca cola... just perfect. I loved it. 😎🎥🎞
One of the most visually beautiful films ever made, a point rarely commented upon but worth noting. Iglesias' score is equally haunting, though nothing compares to the closing theme music by Geoffrey Bergson from the 1979 version. This version differs significantly from both the book and its 1979 predecessor in treating Ricky Tara and Irina's relationship as a genuine love story rather than as a piece of exploitation by a cynical Tarr,. The scene between Tarr and Smiley in which a weeping Tart begs Smiley to help rescue Irina has no precedent in either the book or the first version but is typical of the subtle changes of emphasis the movie gives to a familiar plot line. I agree that some of the plot lines are rushed and obscure on first viewing but as many have testified, this is a movie that rewards multiple viewings. A rare work by any estimation.
This film was good on 1st viewing but after the 3rd time seeing it on DVD, I think it's an excellent film. The acting of the minor roles is really impressive and the camera work is creative
Just watched this film, and now that I've seen the ending and then watched this review, I'm going to watch it again. I feel a lot of the subtlety passed me by as I tried to figure out the plot
"Smiley is suspicious Percy". I say that as soon as anyone questions something 😂. Toby Jones though, what an actor, i thought he was American when i first saw him, i guess thats a good thing if an actor can make you believe they are another nationality.
I think one of the reasons for this stories popularity is that it's not James Bond. Everyone, as much as they may love James Bond, knows that Bond isn't the real world of espionage. This is a look inside at something that is closer to the truth. Especially if you are old enough to know the story of Kim Philby and the mess that was MI6 in the 40's and 50's.
the tv series remains the best adaptation. film was brilliantly acted, brilliantly directed and brilliantly shot, but to fit the whole of the plot into one film meant tearing out a great deal of the resentment and paranoia and slow, knife-edged tension from the source material. This was at its worst in the denouement between Smiley and [spoiler] - Smiley 'won'. Before, [spoiler] kept his principles and Smiley was left with nothing of real value in his life, only empty pride and a hollow victory.
John Hurt what a brilliant actor. In fact the lot were all brilliant. Hard to say who stole the show..I guess Gary just about. But even Colin Firth came across perfectly...that slightly smarmy ex public school with his "Stronger" mate😉
Great fim, slightly eclipsed by the 1979 series though. The only character that was better portrayed in 2009 version was john hurt as control. The fellow that played percy allaline in the original was masterful. Same for joss ackland, john standing and nigel stock.
Good point. True, the first watch through I did feel that way a bit. Hard to keep track of so much. But that made me look up to Smiley more. I focused not as much on the plot as the environment and how difficult it would be for any normal person (the audience) to navigate. You'd have to be a genius to realistically keep track of everything (names/facts/lies) AND stay one step ahead in the spy game so the movie impresses that, like you just missed something. But Smiley didn't :)
Being one of those people in my 20's who didn't live through this period, I do connect to it in a way largely through the comedy I've watched over the years, for me comedy is a great way to connect to the zeitgeist of politics at the time period it was set, a great gateway into the past.
Absolutely love this film It’s a song that would be unusual for one of the suspects to be whistling…….unless he was listening in. So couldn’t have been a current hit
I have just finished my first viewing of this film. I was left scratching my head completely- I liked to think I was following until around 3/4, the last 3rd lost me completely! I know from being a avid film fan that this might take my minute brain one or two more viewing to completely understand! I know I was watching a masterpiece, but couldn’t fully appreciate it...The script and non linear setting with 15 names I failed to remember completely threw me off. I loved the pacing, writing, acting, direction and editing it must have been a nightmare...just a shame I didn’t understand it!
The first viewing I didn’t have a clue what was happening- the third viewing made me want to apply for a job at MI6. either way this film is a masterpiece.
Great film. Glad it gives the audience some credit and doesn't feel the need to spell everything out. The only negative I can think of is if you compare it to the TV series starring Alec Guinness. The series had a lot more time to "sweat it out" so to speak. There was a few daft lines at the end of the film that undermines the story but apart from that it was great. Powerhouse cast and authentic.
I totally agree with the Doctor! Besides being a Lecarré fan I can say that the movie did not disappoint me at all! I have never watched the Alec Guinness series but eventually will.
Oldman was totally perfect in this part. Did not overplay it. He let his mannerisms and non verbal acting do SO much. Smiley is a quiet man. He thinks. Keeps it in. Oldman outstanding as he always is!! And a brilliant brilliant cast performing, well.....brilliant!
The film is terrific and I’ve seen it many times. I then watched the TV version and it’s also terrific. However, Smiley’s people is off the charts at good it is.
I think the movie was being presented in this way, to show the reality of such work, " cold and sterile" and most of being a spy is "office work", and the people doing this work are " disconnected " , from the rest of us, and living in their own , tight knit communities, that they build around themselves, not trying to be clever or critical of you, just pointing out. I worked in this area for some years, and it's like being an office worker. No, I wasn't a Spy, and never wanted to be.
One of several mistakes in film though.....Night duty officer was called .jerry easterby WRONG . he was the newspaper rep \agent (Josh Ackland) in Book and TTSS...Duty officer was Sam...
That's okay and if that's what they were going for, well done, they succeeded in depicting spying in a realistic way. At the end of the day though, I'm still watching 2 hours of office work, which isn't really all that enthralling a movie experience for me. I'm not asking it to be James Bond or the Bourne Identity, with explosions around every corner but I'd liked to be vaguely interested in at least one character or plot point.
here is my review its great having heard the audiobook on youtube, and saw the show as well, seven episodes, and its basically the show but with more dramatic beats, but I do like aspects of it, I liked the realness of it, as well as the style, its great to see, i think the story made more sense in both mediums, one thing I hated or disliked was the constant reflection of the guy getting shot in the cafe, i dont think they needed that, is the only con, it didnt drag at all which is a sign of a good movie, everybody plays there role great, the show and movie are both great in their own way, the soundtrack is great, production design is steller, as well as set design and fashion is great as well, really looks of the time, like siskel or ebert, a recommend thumbs up, 5/5 stars. I would say its hard to understand probably has to watch it a few times, to really understand, but I think im okay, for a for a casual cinema watcher, maybe a couple of tries to understand, i dont think there should be a remake, since i feel like there is no way to top this.
@TheAmerican732 Well, of course they do. If they live in America, the chance of getting work is higher and the weather is an added boon. We can take that fact. We can understand that fact.
Director Tomas Alfredson delivers A thrilling, well acted, stylish, well characterised, well focused & unforgettable spy thriller. (94%) (4.5/5 stars) (positive)
I liked the movie, but I had read the novel and had seen parts of the Alex Guinness series before I saw it. My best friend watched it and was not impressed, but he hadn't read the novel or seen any of the series. I'm also a few years older than he is which may also be part of the difference in opinion.
Surprised the miniseries wasn't mentioned once. I can't see anyone in this movie topping Alec Guinness's quiet, haunting performance in the original and Smiley's People.
I watched the movie and just felt very confused and bored. I looked at my brother and he said 'please tell me you didn't understand that either'. I don't mind a slow movie but it was all just so cold and sterile. They made a spy movie feel like watching office work. A lot of people seem to like it but I don't think I've ever felt this disconnected with a movie, not since Babel anyway. It obviously splits the audience.
Everybody loves this film right now, can't I help but think that they'll hate it for one reason or another when they come back to it after the buzz has died down.
I really liked the TV show, not sure I want to see this. I do love the part in Smiley's People where Alec Guiness' character is being menanced by German punks and he simply winds his windows up
I watched this for the first time while inebriated and found it to be visually and tonally impressive but narratively stale. I will most likely go back to it in a month or so to give it another shot
Just back from seeing this, I thought it was ok, not brilliant. Maybe I need to see it again, but the story didn't flow for me and at times I was confused as to what was going on and who was double crossing who, sometimes I thought I knew what was going on and then two minutes later I was lost again. It did look good and the acting was very good, even if Stephen Graham looked like a young Alan Sugar.
Saw it last night, a brilliant spy thriller. Sure you can work out who the mole is earlier on, but the atmosphere and the performances are just top notch.
also there is a small film called 'nil by mouth' (directed and written by Oldman) which he has stated is slightly autobiographical about his life growing up in London. so yeah he is very very very British, you can spurt all the crap you want he will always be British! also the Dark Knight is technically a British film with a majority English cast, crew and production team and large parts film in England it is classed as a British film. Enough said!
fantastic film... extremely smart work by the director... could elaborate but far too much to write here. im sorry if you found it: a) boring b) confusing c) a bastardized version of the book/tv. d) not the sum of its parts ... the director made a very artistic, fascinating layered film that used the cinematic medium to do things that book and tv don't do. not better, just different. i haven't read the books and thought it was wonderful. happy to get into a deeper discussion if anyone disagrees
I think Oldman was too young to play mature Smiley. And the film was too laid-back for its own good, I must have dozed off and missed the bit where the spy was exposed, there was no fanfare, no drums. How exactly did they collar him anyway?
@themenaceanish Let's just settle the King's Speech thingy so discussions can return to the actual film under scrutiny: KS was not brilliant, but it was very good. It was more conservative and a safer bet than Black Swan, but what wasn't? And the best actor Oscar went deservedly to Firth, although he was supposed to have won it one year earlier for A Single Man. Now. TTSS talk please.
Took me a second viewing to change my view of the film from rather boring to one of the best films I have watched. Have seen it a further two times subsequently and pick up on something new each time.
@themenaceanish I believe you'll find Titanic is the worst best picture winner. As for The Kings Speech, I think it's a very good film and was very deserving of it's accolades. But hey opinions are opinions and we all have them.
I started work in the City, around the period of the movie … the ‘cigarette-stained atmosphere’, ‘acrid stench’, etc. (including every prop down to the last paper-clip) captured the time, perfectly.
Watched it in the cinema and thought it was slow and dull. Have watched it probably 20 times since and think it gets better every time. It’s one of those films where observing all of the small things and the ‘feel’ that Mr K talks about is just continually enjoyable and watchable.
No, if you want to watch a GOOD version, watch the BBC miniseries starring Alec Guinness!
This just feels all pitched to Eleventy-Stupid, with pointless "contemporary" bits like "Karla was tortured by the Americans" so it comes off as all "now" and "fashionable" (not that Americans didn't torture or commit atrocities before George W. Bush, but we at least used to try and HIDE it rather than wear it as a badge of honor!), or Peter Guillam being gay for no plot or character reason but to remind the audience that Western Espionage Agencies used to consider being LGBTQ a "security risk"! Everything feels rushed and obvious, right down to Toby Jones's Percy Alleline screaming and cursing like some Napoleon wannabe with Little Guy Syndrome rather than "Seething With Goodwill", or Benedict Cumberbatch's Guillam just walking in on Tom Hardy's Rikki Tarr and proceeding to beat the crap out of him....
I’ve watched it countless times and I’m a cinephile but I still can’t figure out the ending…..help?
@@Jinka1950 What don't you get about the ending?
@@Jinka1950 Might it be the final glance that you can't figure out? What does it mean? Love, hatred, remorse, failure, desperation, one or all of that? Or none. Resignation, perhaps. (Just re watched it. Was sad that it ended. Wished it was ten hours longer.)
@@timeliebend yet, the funny thing being it was John Le Carre himself who urged them to make it their own. To not just remake the book or the miniseries but to do something of their own with it. I quite like the film. I really like the changes they made. It’s still very faithful to the book and miniseries while bringing something new to it. I think it stands very well next to the original series and book.
The casting of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was absolutely full of amazing actors.
Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones, Kathy Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy, Stephen Graham.
It's insane
they were only missing Ian McKellan and Bill Nighy
And Michael Cane. Although a few characters were channelling Harry Palmer.
One of the absolute best film experience I've ever had the pleasure of coming across. One hell of a cast this film boasted.
I don't think MK realised just how good a film this is...with phrases like, 'it works because'. 'Works'? For my money, it is one of the finest British films ever made. I think he needs to watch it again. Flawless from start to finish, it is an absolute masterpiece. Ditto the beautiful, haunting score.
When I went to the cinema to see this I struggled to comprehend fully what was going on. I hadn't seen the original BBC production, or read the book. However Mark is absolutely right - it was the period detail, the acrid atmosphere and brilliant acting that kept me transfixed.
This places in my top 5 movies ever, always. The final montage is heartbreaking, whether you know the book or not. I have watched the movie 5+ times and it always reduces me to tears. The sheer jadedness of bog-standard day-to-day intelligence seeking could not be better rendered. As a movie, an utter joy. Also, I never thought anyone could portray Smiley better than Alec Guinness, very happy to have been mistaken. George, we knew you with you new specs. x
What are the other 4?
Gutted it didn't do better, we needed an updated "Smiley's People" too
I don't think people quite grasp the subtlety of what Oldman was doing in the film. Smiley is an extremely quiet character. He keeps a lot of things inside and has to rely a lot on his facial expressions and his physical demeanor to illustrate what he's feeling or thinking when not speaking. Great performance, great film. I don't think a lot of people get it as they want you to believe.
his silence is thundering. it creates a space that his quarry has to fill by spilling their guts, against their better judgement!
My late husband and I read LeCarre's work out loud as he was visually impaired with a steel trap memory. TINKER TAILOR and SMILEY'S PEOPLE, dark as they are, gave our marriage a kind of shared brilliance that I am still grateful for to this day.
Oh, Oldman's very good at being Noisily Quiet!
Sorry, Gary Oldman doesn't hold a candle to Alec Guinness's George Smiley....
@@timeliebe Gary Oldman smiley is way better than Guinness. Oldman is a superior actor than Guinness
@@jasontapia1032 - in what benighted universe is THAT true? Oldman is a capering, self-centered a**hole on the order of Jared Leto who's acting is all "LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!", while Sir Alec is a brilliant actor who does a great deal with very little.
You sound like you like a LOT of acting rather than GOOD acting.
I could happily watch/listen to Mark Kermode review films for hours...
One of my favourite scenes was in the dvd extras, Gary Oldman as George Smiley is frying an egg. It's just an ordinary everyday scene and yet there's such a depth of quiet to his acting.
George Formby songs were all about what went on behind doors and the secrets passed across the garden fence.
There were many privaliges for milkmen and window cleaners back then.
I watched this in 2011 in my late 30s and was bored. I watched it now as a 40 year old man and loved it. Its very subtle.
Much my own experience too. Spot on.
I've revisited it a few times since its release, and it unveils new interest every time I see it.
Was confused by it in my early 20s but now I've seen the 4k version 2 times in 1 week including the commentary.
This movie is pure Genius. Anyone who says otherwise does not understand Cinema. The chaps reviewing r spot on, and I'm a yank who thinks this is one of the greatest all time.I watched 10 times and each time ,discovered a new bread crumb. 60's feel cause it accurately shows the older Agents wearing suits they would have bought in the 60's and r still wearing them, Smiley, whereas Guilam, younger and modern for that time period 1973. 10 thumbs up!
+Brian Berry
My sentiments exactly!
Seen it so many times and enjoy it more every time.
Titus Pullo Got to love a person who says that anyone who disagrees with their opinion has no idea what they're talking about
aaronsdavis I don't disagree that it is really well made, with great performances, and a smart script, just wasn't for me. I just hate when people say "you didn't understand it" when you disagree with their opinion of a complex movie.
+Parth Marathe can understand why you wouldn’t like it, since a lot of the visuals serve significance only to faithful readers of the book, in fact its plot is very hard to follow with any enthusiasm unless you’ve read it (great book btw). Again the film most greatly serves as the artistic reimagining and visual aid to reading the book. It’s an expertly made and truly beautiful film imo, but yes definitely has high potential to be unenjoyable to certain people who the story doesn’t already hold significance towards. Can’t lie, even the film trailer was confusing and misleading, considering despite how great the actual story is, in today’s world one of the least marketable films to release, with its lack of direct action. In fact the film is surprisingly less action packed than the book, since they had a great opportunity to emphasise tarrs ordeal in Istanbul but is only hinted at after the fact, or even better prideauxs escape attempts in Hungary and extending the torture scenes etc.
I was alive in the 70's in Birmingham in the UK when the cold war was around us all, something I can't get out of my consciousness. The threat of nuclear annihilation was ever present. Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy, captured the period perfectly with the spy intrigue and then came Smiley's people, not as good as Tinker, but a good watch never the less. The movie is a great addition to the fold, Gary Oldman is Genius. Check them all out.
We were engaged in a cold war with the Soviet Union, most action didn't combat. The reds under the bed mindset was a real and threat. This story was was part of that cold war. Enjoyed the film immensely, the final montage was superb.
I love so many scenes in this movie but one of the best scenes that touched my heart was when Control and Smiley were fired and had to walk the gauntlet out of the circus's building. So humiliating, especially for Control. I know there were so many great scenes , something about that walk of shame was heartwrenching for me. The sickest scene was Irinas disemboweled husband in the bathtub. That was realistically gory and unexpected. !
I keep coming back to hear John Hurt sneer at the others!
It was certainly my favourite film of the year, and I absolutely adored it. I've seen it several times since and it just keeps getting better. A brilliant piece of filmmaking derived from a brilliant piece of writing. How rare.
After reading the book, and seeing the old film series plus this, it all runs together in my head a bit. But I’d say that if you enjoyed the movie, you’re very likely to love the other two. To get to explore the characters and situations more is very satisfying, and this 2+ hours feels like it can’t do it all justice, even with such great atmosphere and performances.
What can I say, extraordinary. I first watched a bootleg of this, couldn't even make out what was going on, and I could tell this is a masterpiece already. When I watched it for real, it just blows you away.
The final montage is up there with Parapluies de Cherbourg, in an entirely different way ;).
I have just watched it for first time. Not easy to follow but from the start you feel the era of 60s 70s, the actors are fantastic so you keep watching ..watching with open eyes trying to understand...no popcorn or coca cola... just perfect. I loved it. 😎🎥🎞
One of the most visually beautiful films ever made, a point rarely commented upon but worth noting. Iglesias' score is equally haunting, though nothing compares to the closing theme music by Geoffrey Bergson from the 1979 version. This version differs significantly from both the book and its 1979 predecessor in treating Ricky Tara and Irina's relationship as a genuine love story rather than as a piece of exploitation by a cynical Tarr,. The scene between Tarr and Smiley in which a weeping Tart begs Smiley to help rescue Irina has no precedent in either the book or the first version but is typical of the subtle changes of emphasis the movie gives to a familiar plot line. I agree that some of the plot lines are rushed and obscure on first viewing but as many have testified, this is a movie that rewards multiple viewings. A rare work by any estimation.
Just watched it on Netflix. I thought it was terrific although I didn’t have a clue what was going on.
Still my favourite. Nothing tops it before or since.
This film was good on 1st viewing but after the 3rd time seeing it on DVD, I think it's an excellent film. The acting of the minor roles is really impressive and the camera work is creative
Just watched this film, and now that I've seen the ending and then watched this review, I'm going to watch it again. I feel a lot of the subtlety passed me by as I tried to figure out the plot
It's like peeling back an onion to reveal the layers. Watch it a few more times to appreciate the depth of it
"Smiley is suspicious Percy". I say that as soon as anyone questions something 😂. Toby Jones though, what an actor, i thought he was American when i first saw him, i guess thats a good thing if an actor can make you believe they are another nationality.
I think one of the reasons for this stories popularity is that it's not James Bond. Everyone, as much as they may love James Bond, knows that Bond isn't the real world of espionage. This is a look inside at something that is closer to the truth. Especially if you are old enough to know the story of Kim Philby and the mess that was MI6 in the 40's and 50's.
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the tv series remains the best adaptation. film was brilliantly acted, brilliantly directed and brilliantly shot, but to fit the whole of the plot into one film meant tearing out a great deal of the resentment and paranoia and slow, knife-edged tension from the source material. This was at its worst in the denouement between Smiley and [spoiler] - Smiley 'won'. Before, [spoiler] kept his principles and Smiley was left with nothing of real value in his life, only empty pride and a hollow victory.
I wonder if these two had any inclination they would be working together in 2020 on Scarla Radio?
I did live through part of the Cold War. And this film is utterly claustrophobically brilliant
John Hurt what a brilliant actor. In fact the lot were all brilliant. Hard to say who stole the show..I guess Gary just about.
But even Colin Firth came across perfectly...that slightly smarmy ex public school with his "Stronger" mate😉
Great fim, slightly eclipsed by the 1979 series though. The only character that was better portrayed in 2009 version was john hurt as control. The fellow that played percy allaline in the original was masterful. Same for joss ackland, john standing and nigel stock.
@@kevinharkness2108 Yeah the original waa great. Alec Guiness no?
Good point. True, the first watch through I did feel that way a bit. Hard to keep track of so much. But that made me look up to Smiley more. I focused not as much on the plot as the environment and how difficult it would be for any normal person (the audience) to navigate. You'd have to be a genius to realistically keep track of everything (names/facts/lies) AND stay one step ahead in the spy game so the movie impresses that, like you just missed something. But Smiley didn't :)
I was surprised to note that Oldman isn't actually very strong verbally in an interview however there's no question about his acting prowess.
I went in really wanting to like it, it did have it's moments, but I can't say it was enthralling.
I'll look forward to when the DVD that I've ordered arrives :-)
Being one of those people in my 20's who didn't live through this period, I do connect to it in a way largely through the comedy I've watched over the years, for me comedy is a great way to connect to the zeitgeist of politics at the time period it was set, a great gateway into the past.
There's a lot of Tinker Tailor before you get to the Soldier Spy.
Why no mention of the gorgeous ending montage? This review missed the mark for me.
Action packed would be one of the last terms I’d use
Absolutely love this film
It’s a song that would be unusual for one of the suspects to be whistling…….unless he was listening in. So couldn’t have been a current hit
I have just finished my first viewing of this film. I was left scratching my head completely- I liked to think I was following until around 3/4, the last 3rd lost me completely!
I know from being a avid film fan that this might take my minute brain one or two more viewing to completely understand!
I know I was watching a masterpiece, but couldn’t fully appreciate it...The script and non linear setting with 15 names I failed to remember completely threw me off.
I loved the pacing, writing, acting, direction and editing it must have been a nightmare...just a shame I didn’t understand it!
I was in exactly the same position as you. Second viewing, it all clicked into place.
The first viewing I didn’t have a clue what was happening- the third viewing made me want to apply for a job at MI6.
either way this film is a masterpiece.
@bordarboy Actually from Southeast Missouri...not sure how that reflects upon Britain.
after watching the dumpster force awakened, i had to rewatch this master piece to remind me the greatness of cinema again, god
Do majo and kermode still do a R5 movie review show?
Great film. Glad it gives the audience some credit and doesn't feel the need to spell everything out. The only negative I can think of is if you compare it to the TV series starring Alec Guinness. The series had a lot more time to "sweat it out" so to speak. There was a few daft lines at the end of the film that undermines the story but apart from that it was great. Powerhouse cast and authentic.
a masterful piece of cinema PERIOD
I totally agree with the Doctor! Besides being a Lecarré fan I can say that the movie did not disappoint me at all! I have never watched the Alec Guinness series but eventually will.
+NADS IQ And you sir... Are a tosser
Oldman was totally perfect in this part.
Did not overplay it. He let his mannerisms and non verbal acting do SO much.
Smiley is a quiet man. He thinks. Keeps it in.
Oldman outstanding as he always is!!
And a brilliant brilliant cast performing, well.....brilliant!
The film is terrific and I’ve seen it many times. I then watched the TV version and it’s also terrific. However, Smiley’s people is off the charts at good it is.
I think the movie was being presented in this way, to show the reality of such work, " cold and sterile" and most of being a spy is "office work", and the people doing this work are " disconnected " , from the rest of us, and living in their own , tight knit communities, that they build around themselves, not trying to be clever or critical of you, just pointing out. I worked in this area for some years, and it's like being an office worker. No, I wasn't a Spy, and never wanted to be.
@Flurbdurb I second that. Volume needs turning up.
Its one tenth of the phenomenal mini series
Watch that instead with Sir Alec Guiness
One of several mistakes in film though.....Night duty officer was called .jerry easterby WRONG . he was the newspaper rep \agent (Josh Ackland) in Book and TTSS...Duty officer was Sam...
You mean Joss Ackland?
Gary Coleman's British??
"Watchu talkin bout!"
That's okay and if that's what they were going for, well done, they succeeded in depicting spying in a realistic way. At the end of the day though, I'm still watching 2 hours of office work, which isn't really all that enthralling a movie experience for me. I'm not asking it to be James Bond or the Bourne Identity, with explosions around every corner but I'd liked to be vaguely interested in at least one character or plot point.
here is my review its great having heard the audiobook on youtube, and saw the show as well, seven episodes, and its basically the show but with more dramatic beats, but I do like aspects of it, I liked the realness of it, as well as the style, its great to see, i think the story made more sense in both mediums, one thing I hated or disliked was the constant reflection of the guy getting shot in the cafe, i dont think they needed that, is the only con, it didnt drag at all which is a sign of a good movie, everybody plays there role great, the show and movie are both great in their own way, the soundtrack is great, production design is steller, as well as set design and fashion is great as well, really looks of the time, like siskel or ebert, a recommend thumbs up, 5/5 stars. I would say its hard to understand probably has to watch it a few times, to really understand, but I think im okay, for a for a casual cinema watcher, maybe a couple of tries to understand, i dont think there should be a remake, since i feel like there is no way to top this.
@TheAmerican732 Well, of course they do. If they live in America, the chance of getting work is higher and the weather is an added boon. We can take that fact. We can understand that fact.
What’s better the movie or the series ?
If they EVER make a House On The Borderlands film, John Hurt for The Recluse, hands down.
Reading these posts about the film, it looks like you either love it or hate it. I love it.
George Smiley was the anti-James Bond. There is a great scene in Smileys People where he goes to get his "box" and decides to leave the gun behind.
Director Tomas Alfredson delivers A thrilling, well acted, stylish, well characterised, well focused & unforgettable spy thriller. (94%) (4.5/5 stars) (positive)
I liked the movie, but I had read the novel and had seen parts of the Alex Guinness series before I saw it. My best friend watched it and was not impressed, but he hadn't read the novel or seen any of the series. I'm also a few years older than he is which may also be part of the difference in opinion.
That was the best John Hurt impression I've ever heard.
I'd have really enjoyed this if TTSS was being discussed by Mark Kermode and Jane Hill.
Why George Formby on the radio, because it turned out nice again!
Surprised the miniseries wasn't mentioned once. I can't see anyone in this movie topping Alec Guinness's quiet, haunting performance in the original and Smiley's People.
I was listening just waiting for one of them to bring it up
Its on tonight BBC 4 tv at 9pm
If only they would make a sequel...Smiley's People....brilliant film ....stunning acting.
Please please please do Smiley's People!!
If you want to watch TTSS then put the effort in and watch the 6 hour 1979 version.
The film is ok but ruined by the music over the final scene.
I watched the movie and just felt very confused and bored. I looked at my brother and he said 'please tell me you didn't understand that either'. I don't mind a slow movie but it was all just so cold and sterile. They made a spy movie feel like watching office work. A lot of people seem to like it but I don't think I've ever felt this disconnected with a movie, not since Babel anyway. It obviously splits the audience.
Best film I've seen this year. First Let the Right One In and now this? I'm so gay for Thomas Alfredson right now
Everybody loves this film right now, can't I help but think that they'll hate it for one reason or another when they come back to it after the buzz has died down.
i even know his first son (Alfie Oldman, who is British) and he will confirm that his dad is very much British!
It is definitely about spying.
All seeing.....all wise
I really liked the TV show, not sure I want to see this. I do love the part in Smiley's People where Alec Guiness' character is being menanced by German punks and he simply winds his windows up
Gary hardly speaks in this. He just goes here & there.
@aiyic I couldn't have put it better, myself. Not as good as I thought it would be.
Just watched it. If MTV cutting and explosions are your thing, don't go.
I watched this for the first time while inebriated and found it to be visually and tonally impressive but narratively stale. I will most likely go back to it in a month or so to give it another shot
Just back from seeing this, I thought it was ok, not brilliant. Maybe I need to see it again, but the story didn't flow for me and at times I was confused as to what was going on and who was double crossing who, sometimes I thought I knew what was going on and then two minutes later I was lost again.
It did look good and the acting was very good, even if Stephen Graham looked like a young Alan Sugar.
Saw it last night, a brilliant spy thriller. Sure you can work out who the mole is earlier on, but the atmosphere and the performances are just top notch.
also there is a small film called 'nil by mouth' (directed and written by Oldman) which he has stated is slightly autobiographical about his life growing up in London. so yeah he is very very very British, you can spurt all the crap you want he will always be British! also the Dark Knight is technically a British film with a majority English cast, crew and production team and large parts film in England it is classed as a British film. Enough said!
@zombierepublican As a fan of the book and the tv series, I almost found the movie went by at too kinetic a pace!!
One of my favourite lines is ' I am loyal George'.
fantastic film... extremely smart work by the director... could elaborate but far too much to write here. im sorry if you found it:
a) boring
b) confusing
c) a bastardized version of the book/tv.
d) not the sum of its parts
... the director made a very artistic, fascinating layered film that used the cinematic medium to do things that book and tv don't do. not better, just different. i haven't read the books and thought it was wonderful. happy to get into a deeper discussion if anyone disagrees
@Flurbdurb in 11 years of listening to them they've never sat close enough to the microphones.
oh and there filming batman in England at the moment, so wheres your theory then/
I think Oldman was too young to play mature Smiley.
And the film was too laid-back for its own good, I must have dozed off and missed the bit where the spy was exposed, there was no fanfare, no drums.
How exactly did they collar him anyway?
@themenaceanish It dosen't really matter.
whats this hate the brits time?
@themenaceanish Let's just settle the King's Speech thingy so discussions can return to the actual film under scrutiny: KS was not brilliant, but it was very good. It was more conservative and a safer bet than Black Swan, but what wasn't? And the best actor Oscar went deservedly to Firth, although he was supposed to have won it one year earlier for A Single Man. Now. TTSS talk please.
Took me a second viewing to change my view of the film from rather boring to one of the best films I have watched. Have seen it a further two times subsequently and pick up on something new each time.
Just tried it again 10 years later .
Still terrible!
This film needed better wigs.
@themenaceanish I believe you'll find Titanic is the worst best picture winner. As for The Kings Speech, I think it's a very good film and was very deserving of it's accolades. But hey opinions are opinions and we all have them.