Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy ****

"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" (with the commas) is a personal favorite of author John le Carré, a real life Cold War British Intelligence officer turned novelist. In this dense and suspenseful movie (without the commas) set in the '50s when East/West stakes were high, and spying was dangerous and brutal, the Secret Intelligence Service, the "Circus" in insider parlance, has been compromised by a mole. Master spy George Smiley comes out of semi-retirement to ferret out the turncoat.

In this rendition of the book the atmosphere of the time is wonderfully evoked, from dress and decor, to procedures, to the communications ecosystem of the era. Clearly but sparely written, the screenplay keeps track of numerous threads and mysteries as Smiley, coolly played by Gary Oldman in an award-caliber performance, delves into the lives of the suspects and sets his trap. His possible quarry are played by a seasoned and exceptional cast, including Colin Firth, Toby Jones, and Ciaran Hinds, along with standouts Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch. I daresay a second viewing would be rewarding, but once is enough if you remain alert.