Friday, February 15, 2013

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy


Ah, the difference between an American and British spy film.  I first saw Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy the day before seeing Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, and the differences couldn't be starker.  The latter is a typical American spy thriller- lots of action, and that's about it- all fluff.  The former, however, is the opposite- almost no action; instead, a very cerebral film.  It doesn't spoon feed you, like many American films- you have to engage with the movie, and infer things based on hints.  The hero, George Smiley, is introspective and contemplative- he spends a good chunk of the movie in deep thought, trying to determine the identity of the mole who has infiltrated "the Circus," or British Intelligence.  The acting is superb- this movie is the first I've seen in a long time where I felt like I was watching masters of the trade.  Overall, it's not for everyone, but it is worthwhile.

Rating: A-

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