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'Set in 1973 in and around the world of the "Circus," as the SIS is repeatedly referred to, the film builds a palpable sense of distrust, paranoia, and ethical uncertainty. That uncertainty is the result of the realization expressed by several characters that there is very little difference between the West and the Soviets, and that therefore there is no essential tie linking one agent to a particular side. George Smiley (a first-rate Gary Oldman), a former SIS agent called out of forced retirement by a government minister to out a mole in the upper echelons of his former organization, Tinker Tailor treats the business of spywork not as a constant James Bond-style orgy of glory-seeking, but a painstaking process of gruntwork.' Slant Magazine

MA15+ | Strong violence