Loved it!

Rating: 9/10 (11 January 2012)

This movie felt like a throwback to the 1970s, when a director and his editor would let a story unfold without a quick cut or CGI dinosaur bursting out of a hedge every 15 seconds to wake the audience from its diabetic stupor. It was hardly confusing--there are 2 story lines which intersect eventually, and flashback scenes which you can tell are flashbacks by watching Smiley's glasses.
The slower pace allows you to drank in the seventies London scenery and permits the tension to build immeasurably. The last 5 minutes, played over a cheesy Christmas song, was the most inspired ending to a movie that I've seen in years. Wonderful all around!