the smartest spy movie you will encounter...

Rating: 10/10 (25 September 2011)

As a fan of the book, and having read it recently in anticipation for this forthcoming film, my expectations were high before sitting down to watch this version of John LeCarre's classic story. This film doesn't disappoint.
Gary Oldman takes the lead in this film with an outstanding performance as George Smiley, a retired English spy drawn back to work to find a Russian mole that has been hidden inside the Circus for years.
Tomas Alfredson does a superb job in directing this film, successfully encapsulating the mood, tone and look of both the book and the era. The story itself is complex and slow paced, therefore it will not be to everyone's taste, yet patience is rewarded if you can keep up with LeCarre's story as it unravels. My biggest question on one change in the film from the book was to make Peter Guillam's character a homosexual, a strange decision in my mind, and a bit unnecessary.
The cast is exceptional, and it is thrilling to see so many great actors on the screen together. Oldman's performance really steals the show, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Strong for me are the pick of the supporting cast.
Whilst this spy film is in stark contrast to that of action packed Bond and Bourne films, the strong characters and clever plot is what really makes this film special. For me there are two things that stops me from giving this film a 10 - firstly watching this film, at times, does feel like hard work. You have to watch this film when you are feeling awake and switched on. My second issue is that the finale is rather anti climatic. When the mole's identity is revealed you cannot help but think 'was that it?'.
Overall, I would say that this film is very special and is a definite 'must see' film, especially for the quality of acting on display, only make sure your brain is ready for a mental work out.