A masterpiece of plot, screenplay and general acting

Rating: 9/10 (19 August 2012)

I admit, along with other people, that if you simply want to be entertained - and nothing else, this probably isn't the film for you. It took me two or three attempts before I fully understood the plot. However, that is exactly what I watch Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy for - to experience the complexities and the scale of the plot itself. If it was not so complicated, then the very idea and point of the film would be defeated. A war of espionage would never be simple and straight forward. A highly intelligent story is combined with a simply marvellous choice of actors. Gary Oldman and John Hurt are outstanding. I dislike the reviews that many people submit - stating that it has completely destroyed the original. It was never designed to be the original in a film context - it was designed to present the story in a new light.
Another admirable aspect of this film is the authenticity - that feeling of Britain in the 1970s - having lost an empire - trying to find a place in the world. It has been achieved with great attention to detail. My only problem at all with this film is that maybe some actors could have been "described" with greater effect - ie, Mendel. He appears for the majority of the film but the audience never hears any relationship between him and Smiley.
In short:-
Movie-making: Masterful Visual Effects: None (not necessary)