Their ordinary conversation is freighted with extraordinary tension. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. Is the movie suspenseful? Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? His death was confirmed on Sunday by his literary agency, the Curtis Brown Group, The New York Times reported. John le Carre, the spy-turned-novelist whose elegant and … Does a good spy movie need a lot of action? Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy DVD & Blu-ray,No doubt remains: a mole has infiltrated the Circus, code name for the British Secret Intelligence Service. Many spy movies tend to rely mostly on dialogue and exotic locations to tell their complex stories, but the superb TINKER TAILER SOLDIER SPY gets by on subtlety. The site's critics' consensus states: "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a dense puzzle of anxiety, paranoia, and espionage that director Tomas Alfredson pieces together with utmost skill." Dark, bloody, but excellent British crime drama. Suggest an update to this review. Kids say . Parents: Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. Live Reviews. ... who has died at the age of 89. A couple is seen having sex in bed, from a distance; the woman is on top and is shown from behind. Title: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979) 8.5 /10. The unraveling of the mystery ultimately revolves around a failed operation in Budapest and the cold, determined advance of Smiley's mastery of espionage. For grown-ups and mature teens, this is a terrific film, arguably one of the best spy movies ever made. Amid the often-violent spy activities, the movie includes problem solving and ethical choice-making. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives, Discover activities to get kids excited for a new year of possibilities from Wide Open School, Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning. His George Smiley is an amazing creation and he inhabits a world of quiet, sinister intrigue, where men in long trenchcoats slip in and out of buildings via back staircases to avoid detection by suspected adversaries. See our. All rights reserved. The Cold War of the mid-20th Century continues to damage international relations. Although the show's violence is relatively tame compared to modern standards (and the theatrical version), the plotting and characterization will make this series interesting only to teens with the patience to pay close attention and follow the events. Language is relatively infrequent but includes a few uses of "f--k," plus "s--t," "prick," "hell," "damn," "goddamn," "Christ," and "God" (as exclamations). Throat-slashing and dead bodies, with strong blood and gore in a few scenes. The show deals in violence usually as an act of last resort, with occasional fisticuffs or threats of more serious attack. Some of the period detail is a bit dated, but the plot is a really good dramatization of real Cold War treason within the British Secret Intelligence Service. A man kills a bird that's entered a room through a fireplace. It comes close enough to The Good Shepherd to allow a comparison. Violence isn't constant but includes guns and shooting, dead bodies, blood and gore, and violence against women (a mother is killed while nursing her baby, and another woman's head is beaten against a window). How shocking are the shootings and gore? The hero of several of author John Le Carre's spy thrillers makes his move to television via the 1979 BBC adaptation of TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY. We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate. John LeCarre's classic spy thriller "Tinker, Tailer, Soldier, Spy" was first published in 1974. age 15+ Based on 4 reviews. Farewell John le Carré, one of modern literature’s most substantial talents. Your privacy is important to us. The show is not based on any historical elements but there could be an educational opportunity for teens interested in learning more about the political environment of the cold war and the role of espionage in world politics. One of four senior figures are suspected, and it's Smiley's task to methodically comb through available information to slowly, carefully uncover the threat buried deep within the British government. Most of the characters -- except the hero -- smoke cigarettes and drink casually throughout (the story is set in the early 1970s). 007's silver screen debut with action and bikinis. With Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong. Parents say . Violence isn't constant but includes guns and shooting, dead bodies, blood and gore, and violence against women (a mother is killed while nursing her baby, and another woman's head is beaten against a window). During the Cold War, following a blown operation in Hungary in which a British Intelligence agent is shot, former agent George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is pulled out of retirement. There's a hint of an extramarital affair. Some sexual innuendo; male characters size up a pretty new office worker. It's a warm bath full of mildly corrosive acid that demands attention and earns admiration. LONDON: “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” author John le Carre, known for his Cold War thrillers, died at the age of 89 on Saturday in Cornwall, England. Wondering if Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is OK for your kids? He plans carefully but is brave enough to take risks when necessary. Join now. Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2017. They drink a bit extra during a Christmas party sequence. Good movie but plot is a bit confusing. Excellent spy film mixes suspense and shocking moments. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. Does the movie seem especially violent in regard to women? It is followed by The Honourable Schoolboy and Smiley’s People. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives, Discover activities to get kids excited for a new year of possibilities from Wide Open School, Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning, Creaky but very well-made spy thriller has graphic violence and sex, 5 Tips to Make Family Movie Night a Success. The star rating reflects overall quality. It sounds dull, but it's actually one of the best spy movies ever made, adding glorious layers and tones to each moment and building on moods and silences so that the exciting moments mean all that much more. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy movie reviews & Metacritic score: The time is 1973. What kind of world does it depict? Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. In the bleak days of the Cold War, espionage veteran George Smiley is forced from semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet Agent within MI6. Since the story is set in the early 1970s, characters smoke cigarettes freely and drink casually. Unlike many spy movies, there's very little shooting or chasing here. I find the reviews above on this film to be exagerational at best. Some guns and shooting, but not as much as in many other spy movies. Other kissing, moaning, and fondling. I followed the story... it was still slow and boring. What message does that send? The color scheme is muted and industrial; even a hot cup of tea doesn't quite cut through the gloom. The time is the early 1970's and British intelligence has slowed to a crawl as the realization spreads they have been penetrated at a high level by a Russian spy. What are his faults? London [UK], December 14 (ANI): "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" author John le Carre, known for his Cold War thrillers, died at the age of 89 on Saturday in Cornwall, England. Add your rating… Wondering if Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is OK for your kids? We won't share this comment without your permission. See our. Help kids deal with news coverage of the attack on the U.S. Capitol. ), plus some innuendo. How does it achieve suspense with such a slow pace and so few action scenes? © Common Sense Media. However, there are also elements of deception and violence that are fundamental to the lives of these spies. The movie is based on the classic novel by John le Carre -- which was also made into a 1979 miniseries starring Alec Guinness. Our ratings are based on child development best practices. Here it's Alec Guinness who steals the show, a cold and ever-vigilant spy among spies, who says more with the raise of an eyebrow than many actors can in three-minute monologues. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Families can talk about Tinker Tailor Solder Spy's violent moments. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Directed by Tomas Alfredson. John le Carre, a spy-turned-novelist who became the preeminent writer of espionage fiction in English, has died at age 89. Is George Smiley a good role model? Share this Rating. Audience Reviews for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Jan 05, 2014 Without being concerned about mainstream demands of pacing and plot evolvement, Tomas Alfredson adapts the … We won't share this comment without your permission. Compared to the typical pulse-pounding spy series of today, Tinker, Tailor is certainly a throwback, but in the best possible way. tinker tailor soldier spy Rating information The version of this work detailed above is rated by the BBFC under the Video Recordings Act 1984 for use on any Packaged Media … MPAA: It is true to say that Smiley is no Bourne nor Bond but Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a beautifully played and observed spy film. See something that needs to be addressed? I can't speak ill of The Good Shepherd, but Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy is just better. “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” is a six-part 1979 British television miniseries adaptation of John Le Carré’s classic spy novel of the same name. Former operative George Smiley (Alec Guinness) is coaxed out of retirement after it's discovered that there may be a Russian agent working at the highest levels of British intelligence. ... age 17+ Based on our expert review. Do they have greater impact because they're used sparingly? © Common Sense Media. John le Carré Dies: Writer Behind Cold War Classics Like ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ Was 89 Wire Services/ IndieWire. Should you expect car chases, spills, thrills, gadgets galore and closely-choreographed fight scenes then you WILL be disappointed. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Yet, "Tailor, Tinker, Soldier, Spy" as a movie defies that axiom. The atmosphere depicted in the series is one where intelligence and cunning are prized, as is loyalty to one's country. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is perhaps one of the finest examples of the BBC's ability to cast remarkable talent in dramatic productions that rival any contemporary theatrical work. Don’t bother. A topless woman appears at a club. Verified Purchase. Stylistically drawing from previous forms, yet in the end presented with exhilarating style, TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER SPY is a new classic, a remarkable work from … First shown on American television in 1980, and released on Blu-ray in 2012, this tense, taught espionage thriller does an excellent job … All rights reserved. Parents: Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. His task is to find a mole planted deep within the ranks of MI6. The respected author of classic espionage novels such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy has died at the age of 89. Excellent, smart spy thriller for mature teens and up. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy movie reviews & Metacritic score: The time is 1973. The Good Shepherd is another film that explores the pensive, thoughtful, layered suspense aspect of the spy movie genre with little or no action, but a lot of intrigue and scheming. What are his main attributes? Families can talk about what kind of messages a show like this sends. Swedish director Tomas Alfredson, making his English language debut, maintains an intricate balance, and Oldman, walking in Guinness' formidable shoes, gives a truly great, reserved performance. John le Carre, the British writer best known for his Cold War espionage novels ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ and ‘The Spy Who Came In From The Cold’, has died Thursday, January 7, 2021 1:31 PM Suggest an update to this review. "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" is an expertly crafted rendering of the classic John le Carré espionage novel about trickery in the upper reaches of British intelligence. Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), … Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. Is it a realistic one? Some of it’s apparent in what they say, particularly when one makes a joke about Hungarian pork ending up in Moscow. Complex and powerful movie is for adults only. Thank you for your support. This file photo shows British author John Le Carre at the UK film premiere of 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,' in London. Be the first to review this title. Although the characters demonstrate an extremely high level of education and are ultimately tasked with helping their country, the tactics they use are built on a foundation of manipulation and deceit. In many scenes, characters just seem to be sitting in rooms and talking. Help kids deal with news coverage of the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Indeed, this quiet movie generates more suspense than a hundred chases and shoot-outs. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Talking to Kids About the Violence at the U.S. Capitol, Cómo hablar con los niños sobre la violencia en el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos, Actividades de bienestar para el invierno, Which Side of History? A modern classic in which John le Carré expertly creates a total vision of a secret world, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy begins George Smiley's chess match of wills and wits with Karla, his Soviet counterpart. Smiley is a good role model since he is trying... Madcap, classic sketch comedy with adult themes. It is now beyond a doubt that a mole, implanted decades ago by Moscow Centre, has burrowed his way into the highest echelons of British Intelligence. There aren't any reviews yet. Rotten Tomatoes reports an approval rating of 83% based on 228 reviews, with an average rating of 7.79/10. His death was confirmed on Sunday by his literary agency, the Curtis Brown Group, The New York Times reported. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) Parents Guide Add to guide . age 15+ Based on 6 reviews. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Talking to Kids About the Violence at the U.S. Capitol, Cómo hablar con los niños sobre la violencia en el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos, Actividades de bienestar para el invierno, Which Side of History? Yes, the book contains more detail, but may details are covered by innuendo, scene or background detail in the movie. Parents need to know that Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (adapted from a classic John le Carre spy novel) is an intelligent, adult movie. Photograph: BBC. Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), … If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. We're updating our reviews to better highlight authentic stories and accurate, diverse representations. 4.0 out of 5 stars le Carre comes of age with this book. Occasional "damn" and "hell," as well as the British slang term "bloody.". A man is seen almost naked. Two men talk about the comparative virtues of pörkölt and goulash outside a Budapest café in the early 1970s in one of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’s early scenes. Parents need to know that Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (adapted from a classic John le Carre spy novel) is an intelligent, adult movie. Are there any contemporary news stories that resemble the events of the film? We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate. 5 Movie And TV Adaptations Of John Le Carre Novels To Watch Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy received critical acclaim. It has held up astonishingly well over the years as a good read. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is perhaps one of the finest examples of the BBC's ability to cast remarkable talent in dramatic productions that rival any contemporary theatrical work.. Thank you for your support. New & Upcoming Album Releases. See something that needs to be addressed? The star rating reflects overall quality. Here it's Alec Guinness who steals the show, a cold and ever-vigilant spy among spies, who says more with the raise of an eyebrow than many actors can in three-minute monologues. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. Excellent British cop series with blood and some intimacy. We're updating our reviews to better highlight authentic stories and accurate, diverse representations. A young couple passionately makes out on a couch. Become a member to write your own review. Having read the book and seen the movie more than "several times", they still remain interconnected and indistinguishable. A man beats a woman's head against a window. Alfredson's film is faithful to the tone set by the novel. Showing all 18 items Jump to: Certification; Sex & Nudity (5) Violence & Gore (7) Profanity (1) Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking (2) Frightening & Intense Scenes (2) Spoilers (1) Certification. Tinker Tailor’s director, John Irvin, now 79, is one of the few people still alive who was involved in … Our ratings are based on child development best practices. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a 1974 spy novel by British author John le Carré.It follows the endeavours of taciturn, aging spymaster George Smiley to uncover a Soviet mole in the British Secret Intelligence Service.The novel has received critical acclaim for its complex social commentary—and, at the time, relevance, following the defection of Kim Philby. Sophisticated spy thriller full of intrigue, some violence. Join now. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. George Smiley isn't a spy like James Bond: He's gentle, reserved, and thoughtful. Read Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy reviews from parents on Common Sense Media. Edit. Good, wise characters with plenty of common sense stand up to shady characters who would use fear to increase their own power. It can only be one of four men operating at the very highest level. He faces tough opposition from the men in charge and can trust nobody aside from his young assistant, Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch). A mother is killed while nursing her baby. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is the fifth of seven novels in which George Smiley plays a part and the first of Le Carré’s famed “Karla Trilogy,” in which Smiley matches wits with “Karla,” head of “Moscow Center” (the KGB). Use the HTML below. Your privacy is important to us. Language is also infrequent but includes a few uses of "f--k." There's also some nudity and onscreen sex (toplessness, a woman shown from behind while atop a man, etc. But he does live a fairly solitary existence and doesn't often open up to others. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" looks, sounds and feels exactly right. Very little actual blood or graphic violence. There is not a ton of violence throughout the movie but definitely some. Can Smiley follow the subsequent elaborate and complex trail without alerting the mole? The Cold War of the mid-20th Century continues to damage international relations. Terence Rigby and Alec Guinness in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Frequent period smoking by both primary and secondary characters; social drinking with occasional conversational reference to overindulgence in alcohol. Searching for streaming and purchasing options ... Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Parents need to know that this BBC spy miniseries is full of sophisticated dialogue and a twisting, intricate plot. Occasional mild innuendo and references to love affairs, but very little onscreen romantic activity. Searching for streaming and purchasing options ... Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. London , December 14: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy author John le Carre, known for his Cold War thrillers, died at the age of 89 on Saturday in Cornwall, England. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). That 's entered a room through a fireplace film is faithful to typical! Yes, the book and seen the movie more than `` several Times '', they still interconnected! Both primary and secondary characters ; social drinking with occasional fisticuffs or threats of more serious attack the preeminent of... With such a slow pace and so few action scenes and a,... 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