A thoroughly satisfying spy thriller !!

Rating: 9/10 (4 February 2012)

I have been dying to watch this movie for such a long time. I had read so many rave reviews about it that when I got my hands on the Blue ray, i was jumping with excitement. Leading an ensemble British star cast, Gary Oldman delivers a brilliant performance that can easily land him an Oscar nod this year. The star cast also includes Benedict Cumberbatch(Sherlock, War Horse, The Hobbit), Colin Firth, Tom Hardy (Inception, Warriors & The dark knight rises), Stephen Graham (Public Enemies, Boardwalk Empire), Ciaran Hinds (The Debt, In Bruges, Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life), John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood). Already nominated for 3 Oscars for (Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay & Best Original Score) & 11 BAFTA's, this has garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The movie is based on a novel by John Le Carre, which talk about the spy trade craft between the British and Soviet Intelligence during the early 1970's. The story follows the hunt for a Soviet double agent who is sitting at the top of the British Intelligence. The story kicks in a languid pace in the start but very soon it grabs your attention as you enter the world of George Smiley (Oldman) and how he maneuvers the chess board, piece by piece, until he strips it down to the intended target. The era of early 1970 is brilliantly recreated with authentic sets, costumes and a haunting score which add to the mood of the entire experience. Tomas Alfredson directs with a steady hand, never letting it slack, and allows Oldman to breathe the character of Smiley. Give the movie the attention it deserves for the first 15 minutes and I promise you, you would want to see it to the end.