Exquisitely directed, beautifully executed with an all star cast. Genius

Rating: Null/10 (2 October 2011)

Gary Oldman has recently become a fascination of mine, the character of George Smiley is one of the finest pieces of acting I have seen. Oldman plays the reserved spy perfectly, to add another dimension of mystery to the sophisticated yet thrilling master recreation of Le Carre's novel.
Along side an all star cast, Oldman captures the drama and the panic of 1970's cold war Britain perfectly. Oldman always looks in control of his character, allowing him to work perfectly in harmony with Firth and Hardy to create a British masterpiece.
It is hard to put into words how the film has effected my outlook on Oldman. Having not seen much of his works until seeing this film, I am now transformed into a huge Oldman fan as I can appreciate his genius in the character and the man himself, who makes one feel like they are watching the real George Smiley himself, and not just Oldman acting in the mannerisms described by Le Carre.
No film is completed by one character. Hardy plays the troubled spy brilliantly to unveil more of the plot to the reader. Hardy and Oldman work brilliantly together in the scene in his home to demonstrate to the viewer the tension of the situation with Moscow. Colin Firth is also a credit to British cinema with his acting in the film. Ever impressive, he captures the role perfectly and with the other characters in the circus keeps the viewer guessing until the end.
There are several highlights of the film, one being the film in its entirety, however Oldman's monologue/Shakespearian style soliloquy, where he stares into the camera to replay a conversation he had with the mysterious 'Karla' has to be one of the finest bits of acting I have seen to date, which is almost worthy of an award in itself.
Worth the watch 100%,and having seen it twice myself, worth a second watch more-so than watching first time, especially if one comes out scratching their head after a first viewing.
Guaranteed awards, guaranteed enjoyment. 100% attention is required throughout, so watch after a good night's sleep!