Product ReviewsTinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (DVD, 2011)

Surprising but, overall, an excellent production

This is a must see for John le Carré fans. Even if you saw the BBC production and even if Alec Guinness simply IS George Smiley for you, this film is important viewing. Gary Oldman is just as cerebral, just as objective as Guinness but he gives us a different slant on Smiley; he is even closer to looking like John Bingham, who was le Carré's model for the character.

There are some deviations from the strict le Carré plot: the shooting of Jim Prideaux in Budapest, rather than at the hunting lodge outside Brno; the presence of Karla at the scene; the portrayal of Peter Guillam as homosexual. Some of these develop hidden themes from the book; others elaborate on points that le Carré has made in interviews. The result is a daring interpretation of le Carré's most challenging Smiley story.

There are some elements that are grating for lovers of the BBC series: the depiction of Connie Sachs as a crude, sex-obsessed harpy; Colin Firth is not as inherently wicked as Ian Richardson as Haydon; Jerry Westerby effectively shrinks as a character. Nonetheless, if one can set personal preferences aside, this is a valid interpretation that belongs in the le Carré canon.Read full review...

The Best Espionage Film In Ages

The casting makes this movie. From Gary Oldman on, the casting was inspired. The acting is understated. The plot is complex, but with narration woven into the structure of the movie, the viewer is treated to a taut, suspenseful classic of a spy movie.Read full review...

Did not come together in a single viewing

I've been a Le Carre fan for years and have the DVD collection of the BBC presentation of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I missed the movie when it had its short run, so I needed a DVD copy. I'll need a few more viewings to put this version into a comprehensible whole. The TV version was easier to follow. A good excuse to reread the book, review the TV version and then have at the movie again.

Nice to be able to get a lightly used DVD copy at a very reasonable price.Read full review...

very good

it is a good spy movie

great movie!

Glad I read the book first, though. :)

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Great spy movie!

Terrific movie! Great story and acting! Very enjoyable!

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Best spy movie ever

Great movie so true to life

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Great value for LeCarre fans

Shipped quickly, new in original box...great memories and Alec Guinness is a terrific Smiley

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Excellent although slow-moving

Excellent, good actors, very well done. Slow-moving, but still holds interest

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Smiley's People

Very good version of this story

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