John le Carre’s cold war spy drama isn’t one of those suave super secret agent films. Le Carre penned his best selling novel, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” about the brilliant and unassuming master spies that were the real intelligence gatherers during the 60’s.
The story was the subject of a BBC mini series but now it’s given the big screen treatment with Gary Oldman and Colin Firth in the lead roles.
It seems a mole, who has buried himself deep with in the British Secret Service, has been selling information and it’s up to retired agent George Smiley to find out who he is.
“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” is a meticulously well-crafted slow-paced espionage thriller and doesn’t need to rely on gizmos, fast cars or tuxedos. The film is all about the “slow build” and paces itself accordingly.
I am not sure if most audiences will appreciate the subtle performances by Oldman and Firth, but if you like a good old fashioned “pot boiler,” this film is for you.
It gets a B and is rated R.
