The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

Outstanding spy thriller spotlights Burton in one of his finest performances, matched by an impeccably chosen supporting cast who are all equally wonderful. The cinematography is also star in of itself; beautiful photography and imagery elevate the potentially bleak and sordid material into tragic melancholy; a beautiful sadness to be sure.

Richard Burton and his cold war pals never got me fully convinced in this noir meets ooh-the-bloody-politicians-don't-care-about-me-so-i'll-start-drinking story where the backstabbings are piled on top of each other like broilers in factory farm cages.

A film that works primarily because of its excellent atmosphere and great performances, because even though the plot left me a bit lost for a while, I was still able to get a lot of enjoyment out of this. Definitely one to watch again. And again.

Impeccable and uncommonly realistic spy thriller.

A brooding and atmospheric spy drama, bolstered by moody, well-composed camerawork and strong performances from the solid cast. Might require some patience and attention, but it will be rewarded.

Martin Ritt's 1965 film of John le Carré's novel is one espionage movie that neither springs at us full-on with advanced hand-to-hand combat or exploding propane tanks nor stealthily moves in on us like a ninja. Rather, it forms an envelope of grief, paranoia, and anger that sharpens each rest in the action and choice made by the actors, leaving viewers hanging on every word of the occasionally enigmatic, occasionally vivid dialogue.

"Self-consciously dour where the James Bond movies were insouciantly callous." - Fernando F. Croce

A clever and often surprising spy story that constantly kept me glued to the screen. Killer ending too.

Meaty but somehow unsatisfying

An intellectual spy thriller (well, a slow-burning one) that is a riddle wrapped inside an enigma. The "trial" scene was my favorite part, even though I have doubts that it would ever unfold the way it does. Burton is great in his role; the others are fair. It feels like the spiritual ancestor of the amoral and nihilistic 1970s trend of movies.

A subdued film where the attention is given to characters and slow development of a complex plot, and these are tightly entwined. Masterfully handled by the director, and Richard Burton is exceptional.

Although I'm not sure how much spoilers matter for a nearly 60 year old film, it's still best to see this one not knowing how it will play out. This really wonderful adaptation of John le Carré's equally wonderful book is one of the grayest films ever made ... both visually and morally. It's a spy thriller shot like a kitchen sink drama by American director Martin Ritt.

Excellent. But I didn't understand why East Germans operated a secret trial in front of a foreigner/traitor/western "witness".

James Bond'un aksiyonsuz versiyonu. Berlin Duvarı zamanlarında, Rusya, İngiltere, ABD ve Doğu Almanya arasındaki ajanları bulma üzerine çekilmiş 1 film. Aşırı ağır ve oyuncuların performanslarına dayalı 1 film. Sinematografiye bayıldım. Fakat diyaloglarda çok boğuluyor. Bu da filmi yarıda bırakmak için 1 sebep. Richard Burton cazibeli. Filmin sonunda, Berlin duvarında hazin son. Akşam yemeğinde içki içmedim. Ben de içkimle akşam yemeği yemedim.

An alcoholic Burton gives no fucks as he wanders about Cold War Europe's bullshit politics. It's hard not to sympathize after the End of History. Gets way too anti-Communist at the end. The portrayal of espionage as a lifetime commitment, however, to be commended.

A proper spy story with a towering performance from Burton.

Even though the second half was impressive (starting from the trial scene), the built-up was too slow

Left me a bit cold. Burton is class but the way it compresses such a convoluted plot into a relatively short space of time makes it feel pretty uninvolving.

Quite good.

Burton's very good and it's well written. A tad slow, but more believable than your average spy thriller. Good stuff.

Decent spy thriller set during the Cold War.

cracking espionage film. Top marks for Richard Burton

#TeamFiedler

still great period piece.

Standard spy film that's elevated by good acting and fantastic cinematography.

A highly recommended spy movie with a convoluted but entirely believable plot, great directing from the underrated Martin Ritt, and a great cast headed by the exquisite Richard Burton.

A yawner, which is surprising considering the material they had to work with.

Score based on distant memory.