This movie truly is one of my favourites. I saw it twice at the cinema because after I watched it for the first time, it wouldn't stop haunting me until I gave in and indulged myself once again.

It's one of those films that get to you by their mere beauty. The cast, the style, the pretty much forlorn, nostalgic and melancholy feel to it all, the soundtrack - I was spellbound.
Of course, as most people, I didn't understand the film right from the beginning. It really helps to watch it several times. And to read the book.

I didn't care much for Benedict as Peter Guillam though. Sure, I liked his performance, but I was much more interested in the incredibly sad story of Bill Haydon and Jim Prideaux (left me heartbroken).

A true masterpiece of a film - I really need to watch it again soon, haven't done so in much too long.

German Free TV premiere of TTSS on 10th July: http://www.derwesten.de/agenturmeldungen/teleschau/wer-ausser-den-russen-solls-gewesen-sein-id9467764.html

Strangely enough, I do not like spy movies or novels either. I remember trying to watch the old TV version of TTSS and I did not understand a word. And was terribly bored. Reading "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold" did not go any better. 

But with this film it was different. I am still not interested in Cold War spy stories but the excellent actors and the overall style of the film convinced me. To watch this ensemble at work is something very special. And I really loved Benedict's short scene where he sends away his boyfriend for the sake of his work and sits alone in the flat crying afterwards. 

I even understood the complicated story much better. I will surely watch it again. 

Last edited by SusiGo (June 21, 2014 10:32 am)

I can't say how many times I've watched this film already, because the atmosphere and the characters completely draw me in, every single time anew.
I like spy movies, but to me this isn't even just a spy movie. To me it's a movie about people in impossible situations and how they deal with it. People who have to lead a life that often leaves them alone and helpless and disaffected. Of course there is this complex spy story, but without those fascinating characters it would just be another spy movie.

Susi, I really recommend "The Spy Who Came in..." with Oskar Werner and Richard Burton, even if you didn't like the novel. Great atmosphere, great actors, just like TTSS.

Yes, SolarSystem, yes! I agree with you. The main thrust is not the 'mole' spy part but the destructive effect this has on individuals' lives. The betrayals. The distrust. The tragedy.

The film of The Spy Who Came in From the Cold that you mentioned is a real classic. Again, the individual tragedies.

I watched this movie today. And I will be honest (and apologize beforehand if I offend anyone) - that was the most boring movie I've ever seen in years. I'm not saying it was a BAD movie, not at all. Acting was superb quality all around, and I am sure the technical quality was outstanding as well. Production, design, music - all good, I reckon. And besides Gary and Ben, I loved to see Ciaran Hindes, John Hurt and Colin Firth. Love these guys.

But it didn't appeal to me in the slightest. I found absolutely nothing I could relate to, nothing that interested me. The time period was boring, the setting was dark, wet, grey and brown. The stillness of the movie was horrible. And I am not saying that because I'm a teenager with short attention span who requires explotions to be entertained. I find action movies equally boring, and my all-time favorite movie is Tokyo Story (Japanese movie from the 50s).

But this movie was really not for me, at all.

However, there were two things that stood out for me:

1. Ben's acting when he breaks up with his boyfriend broke my heart. It really did, it was actually physically painful. 
2. Gary Oldman has been my hero for years, and he never ever fails to deliver. This man is a true chameleon, and he impressed me to no end.

As a coincidence, though, I actually watched the theatre play The Turning Point with Ben playing G. Burgess earlier today. Heh, that was kinda cool.

Last edited by Vhanja (January 17, 2015 9:53 pm)

It's on YouTube.