Lauren M. (laurenm) from ASHEVILLE, NC
Reviewed on 7/24/2012...
This is not only the finest adaptation of any of John Le Carre's novels, with Alec Guinness' portrayal of George Smiley the gold standard by which all other actors are measured, it is - quite simply - the best spy story ever written and brought to screen.
I do not know why the other reviewer found it so lacking. Perhaps he was expecting a James Bond cartoon-like series. If that is what you want, go to the multiplex and watch a silly summer movie.
These are the real lives of spies - middle-aged, tired and always, always looking over their shoulders in fear that their pasts will catch up with them. Le Carre's books are, as he says, about betrayal. Betrayal of one's country, one's tradecraft, one's lover, one's spouse.
I remember seeing this on PBS when it was first broadcast. It was brilliant then, and has lost none of its luster over the last 30-plus years. It is a book I reread almost every year. Le Carre's writing never fails to move me; his sentences stay with me always. And this production is still so vivid that I can picture every actor's smallest gesture.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is perfection.
Lauren M.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 2/3/2012...
The real James Bond.
Nothing glorified here. Overwhelming tedious details, double-talk, and relentless English weather. Watched all 5 and 1/2 hours of this with my father a couple weekends ago. His comment halfway through: "When is something going to happen!?"
Make yourself a pot of coffee :)
Alec Guinness was genius in this role...focused and deliberate.
Ahem...The reviewer above wrote about my review: "I do not know why the other reviewer found it so lacking."
Read my review again! I was making some real points about the real life of a real spy. And this production.
0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.