Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
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Movie Reviews of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Movie Review: TV's Finest Mini-Series
Summary: 5 Stars
Le Carre's classic of cold war espionage and betrayal is brilliantly realized in this BBC production. The cast featuring Sir Alec Guinness, Ian Richardson and Ian Bannen is nothing short of a miracle. Shot on film to provide a look and feel appropriate to the gravitas and intrigue of the plot, this series rises far above the banalities customary in made-for-TV drama.
This is storytelling out of another era, and not likely to appeal to those accustomed to the quick-cut, action-packed, short attention span pablum spewed out by the studios these days. Tinker Tailor takes its time to build the tension to its climax and actually makes you think.
The interview with Le Carre on the DVD set is interesting. I wish they had also included his interview done for the original 1979 PBS airing with Robert MacNeil. I have the original interview on tape and it's illuminating to see how Le Carre's regard of his own work has evolved over the decades.
Movie Review: An Immensely Enjoyable Intelligent Thriller
Summary: 5 Stars
Turning a Le Carre novel into spell-binding entertainment, whether on the big screen or, as here, on BBC TV, is no sure thing - even for Le Carre's great works. Director John Irvin and Alec Guinness (the latter in the role of poor cuckolded George Smiley) pulled it off with smashing success.
This 1979 mini-series is well worth buying. It tells the tale of the search for a mole high up in British intelligence. This story is based, of course, on the real-life British mole, H.A.R. 'Kim' Philby. The movie beautifully portrays the upper class snobbishness that ruled (probably still does) British intelligence. George Smiley will not be put off the trail as he steadily pursues his prey. Take your time watching this one - and be prepared to use the rewind button - the story is not spoon fed to the viewer.
An immensely enjoyable few hours for anyone who enjoys an intelligent thriller. Highly recommended.
Movie Review: Simply The Best
Summary: 5 Stars
Since one of the reviewers of this dvd was not very happy with the picture quality I was hesitant to order the two disc set
from the U.K.,but I took a chance anyway.I am happy to report that it is a relatively decent copy.
If I had ordered the three disc digitally remastered set from Canada,it would have cost $ 60.00 cdn.Considering the exchange rate,the U.K two disc cost me $ 30.00 cdn. A heck of a deal,I would say !!!
I plan to order Smiley's people from the U.K also as in Canada,it also costs $ 60.00 cdn.
So if your a Canadian like me,don't be afraid to order the two disc U.K version.
P.S. I am able to play any region 2 / pal disc because I own a
Phillips dvp642 dvd player.Some how this really cheap $89.00cdn.
dvd player converts pal movies so that they can be played on an ntsc tv and it removes any region codes.
Movie Review: Fascinating
Summary: 5 Stars
The aging head of the British Secret Intelligence Service ("the Circus") has discovered that the Soviets have a very highly-placed mole within his organization. However, before he can discover who the mole is, he dies of natural causes, taking the secret of the mole's existence with him. However, when the mole is again suspected, the government has no one to turn to, except for the retired spymaster, George Smiley (played by Alec Guinness). Trusting no one inside the Circus, Smiley must discover who the mole is, and plug the leak.I remember all the talk when this miniseries came out in 1979, and now I get to see it again! This is a fascinating story, a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as Smiley tracks his mole. I enjoyed this miniseries (on 3 DVDs) as much now, as I did then, and do not hesitate to recommend it to you.
Movie Review: A Remarkable Achievement
Summary: 5 Stars
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is a remarkable achievement that reminds us that "made for TV" can, in some cases, stand proudly beside the very finest feature films. Director John Irving takes every advantage of the extended time that a mini-series allows to carefully unravel an enthralling plot dripping with atmosphere. Alec Guiness plays the world-weary but brilliant spy George Smiley with such genius that it is difficult not to stand up and applaud at the end of every scene. Guiness' performance is the shining jewel in a film that gets just about everything right. From Geoffrey Burgon's perfectly matched score to Arthur Hopcraft's spot-on adaptation, this is how you do a mini-series. Even a quarter-century later, Tinker sets the standard.