Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011)

I didn't find it impossible to follow either; neither did two of the other three people I watched it with (neither of whom had read the book - the third watches period romance almost exclusively).

I loved how understated everything was. It matched the tone of the book perfectly.

I had already seen the mini series before I watched it, but II thought they could have made things a little bit clearer. My friend said she was lost for a while but understood everything through most of the film.

Edit: Now if you already went through one version of story and watch an adaption half as faithful as this one, there would have to be something seriously wrong with either you or the adaption if you can't understand it. People who already know the plot are saying they think it might be hard for people who don't to follow it, not themselves.

edited 14th Jan '12 3:13:21 PM by C0mraid

Just saw this and I found it pleasantly challenging to follow—not terribly confusing, but requiring actual attention (for someone unfamiliar with the source material). The slow pace is deceptive; the cinematography and script are both very tight, refreshing compared to the sloppy action scenes you see so often.

Just watched it today. The atmosphere of the movie is superb in its ability to capture the paranoia, fear and intensity in the Cold War. I've only read The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, but I didn't have any problem following the movie (though knowing who Karla and Control were might have helped). The acting was uniformly superb, as well. I did get the impression that material had been lost in the adaptation, and wouldn't have minded a longer film, but it stands well as a story alone.

My sister, on the other hand, nearly fell asleep, so it certainly seems to be a polarising film.

I really don't know wether to see this film. It's still showing in my local cinemas, but only for the next week and even then at the dodgiest of times. I intended to see it early in it's run but I was put off by my friends reviews. The trailers looked so cool and I've built it up a lot in my mind, I just don't want to be disappointed.

You think it's worth catching on the big screen, or shall I wait for DVD?

Edit: Man, my spelling is atrocious tonight.

edited 27th Jan '12 7:57:10 PM by fiftiethcarp