A Cold War spy thriller that fans are calling the 'best spy film ever' is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The movie, based on John le Carré's best-selling novel, has been described as a 'masterpiece' and superior to both James Bond and Jason Bourne franchises.
A Star-Studded Cast
Directed by Tomas Alfredson, the 2011 film features an ensemble cast including Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Mark Strong, Stephen Graham, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The film holds an 84% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised for its complex storytelling, realism, and exceptional acting.
Plot Synopsis
Set in the 1970s, the story follows MI6 head Control (John Hurt) who dispatches an agent (Mark Strong) to meet a Hungarian general with knowledge of a Soviet spy within the organization. When the mission fails and the general dies, veteran agent George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is called out of retirement to uncover the mole.
Fan Reviews
Fans have taken to Rotten Tomatoes to share their thoughts. One called it 'the best spy movie ever', while another praised it as a 'slow but great masterpiece'. A reviewer noted: 'One of the most realistic Cold War spy-games movies I've seen. Great performances, great cinematography. Great all around.' Another added: 'Brilliant! A tight rendition of the much longer and more complex novel, not a wasted moment, not a wasted scene.'
Comparisons to James Bond and Jason Bourne are frequent. One fan wrote: 'Skip Bond and Bourne, Smiley all the way, baby!' Another commented: 'If you love the words of Le Carre you will appreciate it; if you expect Jason Bourne/James Bond-style fodder, you may be better giving it a miss.'
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
