Ileana’s Movie Review: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Starring: Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Colin Firth, Ciaran Hinds, Tom Hardy

Summary: It’s the 1970’s and tensions with Russia are high all around the world. There is a rumor of a mole inside British Intelligence. The prime minister reaches out to retired spy George Smiley (Oldman) to investigate MI6 and see if the rumors are true. As Smiley starts digging into the lives of his former colleagues he discovers a web of deceit that spans throughout Europe.

The best way that I can describe this movie is as a “British” film and I don’t mean that in a negative way by any means. What I’m referring to is the style of production used in the movie. “British” films are elegant and demure and cast with A-list talent. The actors are soft-spoken and there’s usually little or no action. This film in particular has a jazzy score that sets a very relaxing mood. The story is told quite well, so much so that I couldn’t figure out who the mole was until the very end. However, with a running time of over two hours, it’s best not to watch this movie late at night for fear of falling asleep halfway through. I for one really enjoyed Gary Oldman’s performance, but if you’re hoping for a Bourne-like spy movie you should probably skip this one.

Trivia: John le Carré, author of the 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' novel, makes an appearance as a slightly drunken guest at the Christmas party.

Rated: R – For violence, some sexuality/nudity and language

Grade: B