Award-Winning Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy Spy Thriller Arrives on BBC

Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy’s acclaimed British spy thriller Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is now available to watch on the BBC.

The 2011 film is based on John le Carré’s 1974 novel of the same name and is frequently regarded by critics as one of the finest modern adaptations of the spy genre. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian described it as a “masterpiece” and “the magnum opus” of Le Carré adaptations.

The film went on to win three BAFTA awards, including Outstanding British Film, and received three Oscar nominations. Viewers can now stream Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy on BBC iPlayer for the next month.

Oldman takes on the role of intelligence officer George Smiley, previously portrayed by Alec Guinness in the BBC’s 1979 television adaptation. John le Carré created Smiley as a deliberate contrast to James Bond, rejecting the glamorous and unrealistic image associated with the famous spy. Rather than standing out through his appearance, Smiley is an understated figure whose real strength lies in his intelligence and ability to outwit others.

Smiley works for ‘The Circus’, a British overseas intelligence agency, but is pushed into retirement after a meeting with an informant in Budapest turns into a deadly trap.

Tom Hardy plays Ricki Tarr, a field agent who uncovers evidence that a Soviet mole has infiltrated the Circus leadership. Smiley is then drawn into a dangerous mission to identify the double agent and reclaim his reputation.

The cast also features Colin Firth, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciarán Hinds, David Dencik and Kathy Burke.

Directed by Tomas Alfredson, the film received widespread critical acclaim following its premiere at the 68th Venice International Film Festival.

Donald Clarke of The Irish Times described it as “a brooding, brilliant reworking of John le Carré’s classic tale of spies who never came in from the cold”, while Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times called it “deliciously, thrillingly, brilliantly complex”.

Jina Jay’s work as casting director also drew considerable praise. Sukhdev Sandhu of The Telegraph wrote: “Somebody should give Jina Jay, the casting director of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, an award.” He went on to describe the film as having “the best acting ensemble of any film in recent times”, adding, “with apologies to fans of The Expendables.”

Keith Uhlich of Time Out New York placed Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy fourth on his list of the best films of 2011, praising it as “a visually stunning adaptation with a stellar cast.”

At the 2012 Oscars, the film received nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score. Gary Oldman was also nominated for Best Actor, but lost the award to Jean Dujardin for The Artist.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.

Source: Various