Review of The Spy Who Came In from the Cold (1965) by Cli O — 08 Dec 2008
Definite slow-burn: a sparse and delicately nuanced tale of an average British spy in Cold War Europe. For fans of Bourne or Bond however this film walks at a turtle's pace and you might steer clear.
But if you're a sucker for spy cinema regardless then I implore you to check this one out. Very political and beautifully shot. Burton's haggard and disillusioned take will suck the romanticism right out of any grandiose notions that may have been fostered by the likes of Connery's 007.
There are no suave one-liners, no dashing damsels, no evil villians, no nice car, not even the trademark PPK. Just men doing their jobs. Soldiers fighting a war and the people caught between the lines that divide.
The film is heavy in the dialogue department and thick with the paper trails--all of which add to a complete sense of realism and immersion. By the end the film tackles its political demons well and the creeping build only makes the conclusion that much more satisfying.
Fans of intrigue and espionage will not be disappointed.
This review of The Spy Who Came In from the Cold (1965) was written by Cli O on 08 Dec 2008.
The Spy Who Came In from the Cold has generally received very positive reviews.
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