Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, set during the Cold War era, follows the quiet and methodical George Smiley, a retired British spy. He is rehired in secret by the government, which fears that a Soviet double agent has infiltrated the ranks of the MI6. Smiley’s mission is to uncover the mole’s identity, which leads him into a tangled web of espionage, deceit, and personal betrayals. The narrative, rich with intricate details and suspense, explores themes of loyalty, duplicity, and the moral ambiguity of espionage work.
Length: 2h 7m
Genre: Thriller, Drama, Mystery
This Title is: Atmospheric, Intricate, Suspenseful
“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” IS STREAMING ON Prime Video IN CANADA!
Trailer
Cast
- Gary Oldman as George Smiley
- Colin Firth as Bill Haydon
- Tom Hardy as Ricki Tarr
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R for violence, language, and some sexuality/nudity
Content warnings include violence and brief nudity.
Trivia
- The film is based on the 1974 novel of the same name by John le Carré.
- Gary Oldman’s portrayal of George Smiley earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
- The chess pieces seen throughout the movie symbolize the strategic moves in espionage.
Our Review
This adaptation of John le Carré’s novel is a masterclass in subdued storytelling and tension building. Gary Oldman’s understated performance as George Smiley brilliantly captures the essence of a spy who relies more on intellect than physical prowess. The film’s slow burn narrative, rich in detail and character depth, offers a refreshing departure from typical high-octane spy thrillers. Its meticulous attention to the period detail immerses the viewer in the era’s intrigue and paranoia. The supporting cast, including Colin Firth and Tom Hardy, deliver equally compelling performances, making this a must-watch for fans of sophisticated and thought-provoking cinema.
Critic Scores
Critic Scores aggregate ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. (Click on any score for a detailed review.)