The Little Drummer Girl

Everything is wrong about this rendition of the le Carré book, from the doughy-faced Charlie to the written adaptation. If you know the book or even the Diane Keaton movie version, this show will leave you wincing. From the wrong choice of actors to the insertion of PC angst, I hated every minute of it. Get the Keaton movie for a "truer," less ridiculous version of The Little Drummer Girl.

This series' pacing is wonderful, really appropriate for the subject matter, the tension is always there. Park Chan-wook delivers cinema even in the for TV format, the visual experience enthralls. The actors' work is solid through and through, to me the most astonishing thing is how the uncomfortable and the awkward in human daily interactions is incorporated here quite fearlessly. The very idea of acting is one of the topics here, as is naturallness, so it is immensely interesting from a meta point of view, as well. Why give it four stars? I really wish Hollywood would drop the ridiculous and frankly, quite offensive practice of having actors speak with "accented" English to indicate their provenance. Now, why woud an Israeli secret service agent in Germany speak accented English to a German? Very likely he would speak perfect German. This is not realism. In fact, the British actress would likely run into trouble in Germany, trying to speak German, so it woud be her sounding awkward, not the locals. The scene in the Palestinian refugee camp relfects this to a degree. This practice of using accented English as a substitute for directly speaking in foreign language, or using exaggerated accent to indicate place of origin is reinforcing the US cultural and political hegemony.

Florence Pugh walks away with this totally outstanding miniseries, directed with skill and great heart by Park Chan-wook (Oldboy). LeCarré’s novel is complex, finely balanced (it is humane toward both the Palestinians and the Israelis) and the series matches that complexity and humanity, while maintaining a pace that allows for both tension and wonderful character development. Pugh is remarkable, her performance reminding me of Theresa Russell at her best in Nicolas Roeg’s Bad Timing (1979: similar period). She doesn’t have a false moment, and her character’s deeply challenging shifts of alliance are compelling and provide true edge-of-your-seat moments. The whole cast is great, the art direction and editing are supreme, and Park’s direction is frequently inspired. An intimate scene between Pugh and Alexander Skarsgård becomes an hallucinatory moment of a mouth opening onto an eye, creating a sensuality rarely seen on television or in movies. Totally recommended. This is great work, all around.

THE BOOK WAS ONE OF LA CARRE'S BEST THIS SHOW IS TOO....acting so good its been cast perfectly.....I ve rewatched many episodes more than once,,,the Korean director has a unique eye.....a keeper one of the best adaptations of a great book....shows both sides ..heartbreakingly touching show.....

Don't like the production quality. I never liked the 70s to begin with, but at least they could have used modern film. It's like looking at East German TV. Yuk.

A true joy - acting, directing, writing, music, set design, casting, etc. Skarsgard is a revelation in the role of Gadi.

They kept the story in the 70's. It's not a action series but good drama. For most people with limited attention spans it would bore them. Nearly 6 hours long, but worth the time and like the book. It takes time for the intrigue to fall into play. Solid cast and it is not a Mission Impossible or James Bond auctioneer.. If you like your spy stories dramatic then you might enjoy it.

Generally not a fan of remakes, but had this on all day, AMC was offering a marathon when I turned on the TV and this was on. I decided after 5 episodes, it earned my attention and approval. Just ordered Season pass.

I don't usually write reviwes but this show is worthy of more reviwes on iTunes. This is a top notch show from the plot, writing, cinemtography and the high calibre acting from a great cast. I guess you could call this show a slow burn but its very interseting as you get to know characters. One of the best tv shows I've seen in awhile! If you like spy/thillers I highly recommend you check it out.

Finally another new series to watch that’s a great fit for the wife and I!