Should I See This Film? It Depends On Your Taste

Rating: 8/10 (15 July 2012)

You cannot go into this film expecting an action packed thriller, like Mission Impossible. Nor can you expect an action packed mystery like Sherlock Holmes. It is a slow paced mystery, that is probably more appropriately classified as a drama.
If you like good acting, this film is packed with it. Gary Oldman's performance in this film is unforgettable. I could write and write about his, and all of the other actors performances, but this would turn into a very long review. To keep this short I will just say, the acting from every performer is brilliant and well worth viewing.
I found the story to be phenomenal, and I have never read the book or seen any previous versions. Many however, complain that it is too confusing, and to tiresome to watch and pay complete attention too. I felt the story and pacing was refreshing. To often I find today's pictures to be too repetitive and obvious. The way this story was told was wonderful and real. It interpreted perfectly aspects of Cold War conflict. But, if you bore easy, this film will be terribly long and pointless. A good judgment of whether or not you will be bored by this film is if you are still reading this review. :)
If you love the art of film making, cinematography, lighting, costuming, acting, storytelling, etc, you will love this film. If you go to the cinema to be wowed by CGI, to solve a mystery that you can solve while watching, or to get your lover in the mood, this is not the film for you.
Lastly I would like to say, this film is not dark. (I'm not saying it is appropriate for young audiences, not just because of the rating but because of how bored they would be.) If you upset easily over very graphic, vulgar filled, over sexual films, this one will not upset you. It is pretty tame in those regards. I would still suggest reading the parental guide IMDb offers. Keep in mind the descriptions are very detailed on that guide though, and often make it seem worse then it actually is.
I hope you found this helpful. If you did please press the "yes" button at the bottom of this review. And thank you for reading.