A Proper Thriller

Rating: 10/10 (12 March 2012)

Over the years it is fair to say that whenever someone comes out with the words "spy" and "thriller" we instantly picture Sean Connery rescuing the damsel in distress and driving an Aston Martin into a bad guy. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is completely different! This movie does a superb job of keeping an audience gripped in a slow moving and very intelligent and well thought out story of double agents, conspiracy and the world of British Espionage. Based on the best selling novel by John Le'Carre who was indeed a former spy in the British Intelligence this movie brings home the realism of the work of the British Secret Service through the cold war period and I'm sure things remain similar today. Gary Oldman brings to life the character of George Smiley. Smiley is a veteran spy who is called out of semi-retirement by Control (John Hurt) to track down a mole who has managed to infiltrate "The Circus" and has remained there for years and is feeding secrets to the Russians and the other communists. Oldman simply shines as the calm veteran who has seen it all and just gets on with the job at hand in a calm and professional manor. The superbly crafted cast also feature Benedict Cumberpatch, John Hurt, Colin Firth, Mark Strong and Tom Hardy do a fantastic job of bringing home the drama and throughout the movie the audience will be gripped as Gary Oldman uncovers all of the information and we get to know each of the characters in turn and in detail allowing us to feel the tension of the story. As the film unfolds and plot grows ever deeper the audience will remain on the edge of their seats and want to see the outcome of every investigation into the members of "The Circus" and remain that way right up until the credits role following an epic conclusion which I will not divulge to those of you who are yet to see this movie. In conclusion I loved every minute of this film and I urge anyone who has not yet seen it to do so. trust me this is the new benchmark for spy thrillers everywhere and you will not be disappointed. Move over 007 and make way for Smiley!!!