"Cambridge Spies" (2003) TV mini-series

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

9 May 2003 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | History

Plot Keywords:

Dancing | Double Agent | Mirror | Decanter | Water Fountain

Awards:

1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Tom Hollander	...	Guy Burgess (4 episodes, 2003)
Toby Stephens	...	Kim Philby (4 episodes, 2003)
Rupert Penry-Jones	...	Donald Maclean (4 episodes, 2003)
Samuel West	...	Anthony Blunt (4 episodes, 2003)
Stuart Laing	...	Jack Hewit (3 episodes, 2003)
Darrell D'Silva	...	Henry (2 episodes, 2003)
Anna-Louise Plowman	...	Melinda Maclean (2 episodes, 2003)
Ronald Pickup	...	Colonel Winter (2 episodes, 2003)
Marcel Iures	...	Otto (2 episodes, 2003)
Angus Wright	...	Guy Liddell (2 episodes, 2003)
Patrick Kennedy	...	Julian Bell (2 episodes, 2003)
Colin Higgins	...	Porter (2 episodes, 2003)
John Light	...	James Angleton (2 episodes, 2003)
Imelda Staunton	...	The Queen (2 episodes, 2003)

Runtime:

235 min (4 parts)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Netherlands:12

Filming Locations:

Barcelona, Cataluña, Spain

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Goofs:

Audio/visual unsynchronized: In the very first scene, in the chapel, the choirs lips do not match what they are singing.

Quotes:

Anthony Blunt: Even when you're silent the noise is remarkable.
Guy Burgess: Noise?
Anthony Blunt: The noise of your heart pumping away on your sleeve. The cacophony of your gawp.
Guy Burgess: Does it show that much?

Movie Connections:

Version of Philby, Burgess and Maclean (1977) (TV)

Amazing

The BBC has once again shown that they can still create top quality drama. While there may be some historical issues with the script, one has to admire the fact that the characters are portrayed accurately and convincingly. Having just seen the last of the four-part series, I can comment that for entertainment value it is top notch.

Sure, some may argue the historical facts are inaccurate, or that the light spun upon the situation is somewhat different to how it was at the time, but much information about the infamous Cambridge spies is uncertain at best - in particular Kim Philby (Toby Stephens) is somewhat a mystery even today. Do not be fooled into thinking that this series is a documentary, it isn't. However, you will be forgiven for thinking that you are watching the actual events, with the locations, pieces and acting all first class.

Watch it with an open mind, as if it is fictional. You will be greatly rewarded, excited and even humoured at how four masterminds underplayed the archaic MI6 for their principals. I'd certainly recommend it.

Overall: 9/10 - Losing the ultimate 1 mark for seeming rushed in parts and sometimes making it hard to understand the relationships between the very complex characters - particularly at the start of the series.