Steinesongo Too many fans seem to be blown away

Laikals The greatest movie ever made..!

Colibel Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation

Tweekums In the opening scenes of this seven part adaption of John Le Carré's story opens with the news that Magnus Pym, one of Britain's most respected spies has gone missing. The series then shows us Magnus's life up to this point. It is clear that his father Rick, a conman, has been a major influence on him from his early days as he involves Magnus in his schemes and tells him that one should be prepared to do anything for those you care for. Rick sends his son to a private school then to university in Switzerland. It is here that he meets Czech refugee Axel; the two become the best of friends but soon Axel is arrested by the authorities and deported. Time passes and Magnus joins the security services, the then meets Axel, who is now working for Czech intelligence, again and so begins a life time of deception. Magnus quickly becomes one of the agency's most important men and he is ultimately posted to the United States; here the Americans start to suspect him but his bosses are convinced that Magnus is one of the best; certainly not a traitor.Anybody who watched the recent Le Carré adaptation 'The Night Manager' and expects more of the same may be disappointed; this isn't about action or even about the scheming of spies, instead it is a character study of one man and how events turned him into a traitor. The usual clichéd motives of blackmail, ideology and money are eschewed in favour of a friendship forged in one's youth and the influence of his father. The story unfolds in a way that keeps Magnus a sympathetic character despite his treason. Peter Egan does a great job as Magnus Pym and is ably supported by Rüdiger Weigang as Axel; the scenes between the two are a delight. The rest of the cast are impressive too. The story unfolds at a steady pace but is never boring and the tension raises as the series approaches its inevitably tragic conclusion. Overall I recommend this to anybody who enjoys a good drama but doesn't demand lots of action.

Oneillmike I have just watched the whole 6 episodes on DVD. The acting throughout is excellent - no question. There was not quite enough action for me I must say. No real suspense as such, just plenty of first class character development. Nothing like Tinker Tailor in terms of "whodunnit". If you like a good story slowly and carefully told then this is for you. Peter Egan as the lead Magnus Pym is excellent.The film portrayed the life of a traitor. A man who should have been a loyal member of the British Intelligence Service but who was so damaged psychologically by his unhappy childhood that deception became his way of life in all things. As a child he adored his father but his father was exposed time & time again as a crook and a con man. Pym betrayed not for ideology or money but because he needed to deceive those closest to him (wife, son, mentor). Pym is fatally damaged by his father's influence - it has eaten his moral fibre away. He has no real love or loyalty in him.Heavy psychological stuff and not many light moments in the 6 hour series. Very well done though.

vicboyd001 This is without doubt my favourite Le Carre novel and it is transformed to the silver screen with all the love and care one could wish for. I read a review on this site that seems to find the characters loathsome but I believe this misses the point. All Le Carre stories are essentially love stories and this is no exception. It is an accurate reflection of the period in which it is set. Betrayal is the key by everybody for the good of nobody. Pym upbringing is so close to my own that I find it chilling watching. Peter Egan is in his finest role and the late lamented Ray McAnally is unbelievably good. Even the smallest roles played by such as Andy de la Tour, Tim Healy and Jack Ellis are spot on. This cast is a Theatre Impresario's Dream. The Story should not be spoiled by ill informed description but suffice it to say it relates to a young mans slow but inexorable destruction and descent into espionage and treason. All my sympathies lie with Magnus Pym and his sole (non sexual) love for Poppy (Rüdiger Weigang-as wonderful as always. His only true friendship but also by definition another in the long line of betrayals. OUTSTANDING! Rent it, buy it. love it.

amber-26 This is an extremely long movie, which means you may become very bored before it becomes interesting, but its length provides opportunity for its characters to find permanent attachment in your sympathies. If you are moved by the guilt of the loathsome you will find it particularly heart-wrenching, because it is a story that finds its heroes among the evil and the weak. If you can love a monster you'll cry for Magnus Pym, the spy who betrays everyone - notably his country, his friends and family - a man who has also been manipulated and moulded since childhood by those same people.There isn't one truly likeable character in the entire story, not one loyal, 'moral' personality to sympathise with. But watching the whole thing without the help of a tissue would be quite remarkable.I really enjoyed it in the end. Well worth it for people who like inciteful movies about baser human character.