170 reviews
Well worth watching.
I didn't believe my ears when I heard that ITV were going to make this into a six part series, my hopes weren't high, hence why I'm so late to The Party. I'm always happy to eat humble pie, I was very wrong not to watch this, it's a cracking series.
It's of course very hard not to make comparisons between this and the film, both are very different beasts, let's just deal with this on its own merits.
The six part format allows the story to really develop, and whilst a few liberties are taken, the essence is there.
It's fast paced, it's dramatic, it's well acted, it looks divine. I think the cinematography is the best element, if like me you love shows from the 60's and 70's, you'll love how it looks, the camera angles and shots, the cars and fashions, it's decadent.
Prepare for car chases, brain washing, shootouts, it was like stepping back in time.
Acting, very strong, Cole and Boynton are great, and both play it as though from the time, really impressed with Tom Hollander and Ashley Thomas, excellent also.
On this basis, please ITV get some more novels adapted.
Very good 8/10.
It's of course very hard not to make comparisons between this and the film, both are very different beasts, let's just deal with this on its own merits.
The six part format allows the story to really develop, and whilst a few liberties are taken, the essence is there.
It's fast paced, it's dramatic, it's well acted, it looks divine. I think the cinematography is the best element, if like me you love shows from the 60's and 70's, you'll love how it looks, the camera angles and shots, the cars and fashions, it's decadent.
Prepare for car chases, brain washing, shootouts, it was like stepping back in time.
Acting, very strong, Cole and Boynton are great, and both play it as though from the time, really impressed with Tom Hollander and Ashley Thomas, excellent also.
On this basis, please ITV get some more novels adapted.
Very good 8/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Jun 21, 2022
- Permalink
Turned out to be a high quality drama in all departments
New six part TV adaptation of Len Deighton's classic spy thriller with the protagonist spy Harry Palmer played so memorably by Michael Caine in the 1965 film.
I liked it, excellent period detailing, a snappy soundtrack, a strong ensemble cast throughout, so stylish and a script as sharp as Harry Palmer's suits. Production values were high and it was really well directed.
Joe Cole vs. Michael Caine - well who was ever going to top Caine? But he put up a good fight and played it well in his own understated way - Lucy Boynton was a revelation and Tom Hollander also excelled. All round a winner and the ending was satisfying and very neatly done.
Congrats to all involved, can see a few Bafta's heading its way..
I liked it, excellent period detailing, a snappy soundtrack, a strong ensemble cast throughout, so stylish and a script as sharp as Harry Palmer's suits. Production values were high and it was really well directed.
Joe Cole vs. Michael Caine - well who was ever going to top Caine? But he put up a good fight and played it well in his own understated way - Lucy Boynton was a revelation and Tom Hollander also excelled. All round a winner and the ending was satisfying and very neatly done.
Congrats to all involved, can see a few Bafta's heading its way..
- JRB-NorthernSoul
- Mar 5, 2022
- Permalink
Excellent
I have just seen episode two and this is getting better and better. Hard not to compare to the original, but the leads all do a good job. A slow burner, yes, and not for anyone who lives at a fast pace. But an evolving story, believable characters and on gripping plot. Sit down, bin your phone and watch this.
Overly negative reviews here
I think the reviews here are overly negative.
Sure, we all like to stand up for old movies with actors like Michael Cain and proudly announce how superior that is to anything that's new. This is also the people that think vinyl is superior due to the warmer sound....
I thought this show was pretty entertaining. Sure, it has its flaws - it struggles to find its place in comedy, drama and thriller - but does it have to be one thing?
And sure the angled camera shots gets REALLY old already half-way through episode one - but, I just felt that it added to the whole 'cartoonish' take on the story. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It has some fun with the source material.
I for one rather enjoyed the ride.
Sure, we all like to stand up for old movies with actors like Michael Cain and proudly announce how superior that is to anything that's new. This is also the people that think vinyl is superior due to the warmer sound....
I thought this show was pretty entertaining. Sure, it has its flaws - it struggles to find its place in comedy, drama and thriller - but does it have to be one thing?
And sure the angled camera shots gets REALLY old already half-way through episode one - but, I just felt that it added to the whole 'cartoonish' take on the story. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It has some fun with the source material.
I for one rather enjoyed the ride.
- degrees-33365
- Mar 8, 2022
- Permalink
Excellent spy thriller
While some may be overly critical of this show by comparing it to the classic 1965 movie, I think this show can stand on its own. I loved the "vintage" cinematic look they achieved. They could have done something atrocious as many remakes do, of "re-imagining" to the modern era (and they certainly could have--the cold war is back). As this show sets out to be a very different animal than the earlier classic, there's no need to compare.
The story moves quickly and smoothly, though it meanders a bit in the middle episodes to establish a second arc. But very little is wasted; no unnecessary side arcs, no eyerolling overtures to politically correctness or woke agenda. It stays laser-focused on telling the story.
The acting is very good if not excellent. Cole doesn't fit the stereotype British agent, but he makes it work, though he deadpans most scenes. Boynton is well cast as a beautiful but cold and bitter agent who warms up to Palmer in a believable way, and really carries the show. Hollander gives an excellent performance, as well, as a pragmatic veteran spook who finds himself trapped by his past.
I'm not sure if they will fabricate a second series, but this first one can stand alone very nicely.
The story moves quickly and smoothly, though it meanders a bit in the middle episodes to establish a second arc. But very little is wasted; no unnecessary side arcs, no eyerolling overtures to politically correctness or woke agenda. It stays laser-focused on telling the story.
The acting is very good if not excellent. Cole doesn't fit the stereotype British agent, but he makes it work, though he deadpans most scenes. Boynton is well cast as a beautiful but cold and bitter agent who warms up to Palmer in a believable way, and really carries the show. Hollander gives an excellent performance, as well, as a pragmatic veteran spook who finds himself trapped by his past.
I'm not sure if they will fabricate a second series, but this first one can stand alone very nicely.
- yooniverse
- Mar 9, 2022
- Permalink
A solid Spy Drama
I enjoyed every episode, 1960's spy drama done right with great camera, lighting and sound work. The sort of thing the BBC used to make before the agenda driven drivel they roll out nowadays. Good on you ITV.
- kurtisbeacroft
- Mar 7, 2022
- Permalink
Period Spy Drama
I see a few detractors, but for me, The Ipcress File mini-series remake was a great period spy drama.
This kind of show is a sum of its parts proposition. As a spy drama the story can't be too straight forward, it must deliver intrigue, conceal its feints, and deliver twists and turns.
I liked the original movie, but this mini-series earned its way too, and delivered. The period elements were also extremely well observed, from the ambience of early 60s cities and sets, through to the quality of lighting and filming that evoked a 60s spy romp and a little of the classic uncompromising and unsentimental quality of spy action and intrigue.
Each of the leads had moments to take centre stage and for the story to revolve around their role, something that for the most part worked well, with perhaps just a couple of lapses of awareness as to the possibilities of interpretation of what had transpired or was transpiring - but that is a criticism of script and not acting.
If you like a classic spy yarn, The Ipcress File shouldn't disappoint.
This kind of show is a sum of its parts proposition. As a spy drama the story can't be too straight forward, it must deliver intrigue, conceal its feints, and deliver twists and turns.
I liked the original movie, but this mini-series earned its way too, and delivered. The period elements were also extremely well observed, from the ambience of early 60s cities and sets, through to the quality of lighting and filming that evoked a 60s spy romp and a little of the classic uncompromising and unsentimental quality of spy action and intrigue.
Each of the leads had moments to take centre stage and for the story to revolve around their role, something that for the most part worked well, with perhaps just a couple of lapses of awareness as to the possibilities of interpretation of what had transpired or was transpiring - but that is a criticism of script and not acting.
If you like a classic spy yarn, The Ipcress File shouldn't disappoint.
Bloody Good Show!
- Cornlogger
- Jun 29, 2022
- Permalink
Classic Cold War series - ignore the imdb haters that cannot see past the film
I have binged this like I haven't for ages. Imdb gives very mixed reviews and compares it to the film a lot. The film is a classic but hasn't really held up to time.
This doesn't take away from the film and the plot is as solid as ever.
I really like the cast and the main leads are stellar.
The female leads are what stand out for me however as the focus isn't solely on Palmer, but subtly he takes a second to Jean's character who doesn't put a foot wrong and Lucy Boynton is both talented and stunning.
If you like classic drama done well watch this.
This doesn't take away from the film and the plot is as solid as ever.
I really like the cast and the main leads are stellar.
The female leads are what stand out for me however as the focus isn't solely on Palmer, but subtly he takes a second to Jean's character who doesn't put a foot wrong and Lucy Boynton is both talented and stunning.
If you like classic drama done well watch this.
- HarbingerUK
- Mar 18, 2022
- Permalink
sympathy for the writer
A writer writes. A novel. When it comes to his novel, the characters, the flow, the exposition, he is God. It is his universe. A film studio buys the rights. A 2 hour movie is made compressing the story and exposition. It is a hit. A star is launched. It is iconic. Time passes. Looking for content, a production company redoes the novel as a miniseries. It has to maintain the vibe in an extended time format and fight the stereotyping of the main character for those who remember. Given the above, this is a competent effort. The two main stars are excellent. Boynton in particular seems more at home in the 60s than those of us who are actually from the 60s. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))
- A_Different_Drummer
- Mar 26, 2022
- Permalink
Such a brilliant homage, ignore the haters.
Brilliantly shot, Cole is superb as Harry, the references to the original movie, one of my favourite all time movies, are fantastic. It looks amazing, the scenery, the clothes, it's all just so beautifully done. A great take on Deighton's character, great soundtrack and a wonderful tribute to the original director. I can't understand the haters, is it political? There are shades of modern politics, particularly the far-right Christian fundamentalist American, sounds familiar right? But maybe I'm reading too much into it. Bottom line, this is definitely the best show I've seen this year. Joe Cole is just incredible. All the nonsense about wooden acting is utter rubbish. Give it a chance, it's well worth it.
- barryjames-mc
- Mar 22, 2022
- Permalink
Palmers Green.
I've seen the Michael Caine movie a few times, but not for a while and had only a vague recollection as to what its actually about. My thoughts are that there was much in this new ITV adaptation that I didn't recognise at all - though cursory research suggests that this is because a number of subplots and other stories were added to increase the running time.
In the 1960's, a British scientist is kidnapped by Eastern Bloc forces for his expertise in Nuclear weapon technology. Major Dalby (Tom Hollander) recruits a disgraced but resourceful former solider, Harry Palmer (Joe Cole) to utilise his contacts in East Berlin to retrieve the target. The relatively simple recovery operation quickly expands as Palmer and his partner Jean Courtney (Lucy Boynton) try to discover who, from their allies and their opponents, they can actually trust.
I thought that this version of the story was fine. I liked the 60's recreation and I liked how that same aesthetic was used for the show - in the credits sequence, for example. I liked the performances. It's quite a mannered performance from all involved, stiff upper lips of the sort of class of people involved in international espionage. I've seen other people be critical of Joe Cole, but I think this suits his natural cadence and accent more than say "Gangs of London" does.
I occasionally found the story a little difficult to stick with, I'm still confused as to the actual motivations of Paul Maddox, played by Ashley Thomas. Though it's not a particularly confusing plot, just that there is a lot of double and triple crosses to stick with as the story plays out. Pacing wise I could have done without some aspects of the Bikini Atoll section of the story, though I understand that it was required to get Palmer into a vulnerable location.
I didn't love it unconditionally; it meanders a bit too much for my taste, but it was no chore to get through.
In the 1960's, a British scientist is kidnapped by Eastern Bloc forces for his expertise in Nuclear weapon technology. Major Dalby (Tom Hollander) recruits a disgraced but resourceful former solider, Harry Palmer (Joe Cole) to utilise his contacts in East Berlin to retrieve the target. The relatively simple recovery operation quickly expands as Palmer and his partner Jean Courtney (Lucy Boynton) try to discover who, from their allies and their opponents, they can actually trust.
I thought that this version of the story was fine. I liked the 60's recreation and I liked how that same aesthetic was used for the show - in the credits sequence, for example. I liked the performances. It's quite a mannered performance from all involved, stiff upper lips of the sort of class of people involved in international espionage. I've seen other people be critical of Joe Cole, but I think this suits his natural cadence and accent more than say "Gangs of London" does.
I occasionally found the story a little difficult to stick with, I'm still confused as to the actual motivations of Paul Maddox, played by Ashley Thomas. Though it's not a particularly confusing plot, just that there is a lot of double and triple crosses to stick with as the story plays out. Pacing wise I could have done without some aspects of the Bikini Atoll section of the story, though I understand that it was required to get Palmer into a vulnerable location.
I didn't love it unconditionally; it meanders a bit too much for my taste, but it was no chore to get through.
- southdavid
- Apr 11, 2022
- Permalink
Watch the film
Any resemblance to the Michael Caine film is purely coincidental. Promised much but delivered little. Such a shame as I was looking forward to seeing this interpretation a lost opportunity with a quality cast.
- aniffwebb-12-347363
- Apr 10, 2022
- Permalink
Still Love Michael Caine
Having finished The Ipcress File 2022 Episode 1, I just had to watch my copy of Michael Caine's 1965 The Ipcress File and we know who's is the best but I stress, like the many remakes of Heaven Can Wait, I like Warren Beatty's 1978 because that's my generation as Robert Montgomery's 1941 original "Here Comes Mr Jordan" was my grandparent's favorite. If you have never seen Michael Caine cutting his teeth in The Ipcress File 1965, only a year after his first real lead in "Zulu" 1964, watch it! That said and repeated, Stop complaining about remakes! The only way to keep a good story alive is to retell it. Let people decide to research and find prior versions. I will be watching each episode of The Ipcress File 2022 because it is a good story!
- johnwwwatson
- Mar 23, 2022
- Permalink
Excellent Remake
ITV have done a good job on Len Deighton's cold war thriller. Lots of fun period detail: beehives, Ford Zodiacs, Routemasters, Sten guns, etc and we even get Michael Caine's glasses for good measure. Joe Cole is a very decent Harry Palmer, and the whole thing is held together by the always watchable Tom Hollander as Dalby. Enjoyable!
- howard-shenton
- Mar 25, 2022
- Permalink
The 60s like 60s TV
I'm not sure about this, and have some scruples about the acting, but for those who have some memories of The Avengers, The Champions and other stylised programmes, then it makes sense. There is also homage to the original film. Lucy Boynton captures the look and spirit of how young women such as Jean Shrimpton and Julie Christie were seen. The camera angles and direction are also straight out of the 60s. This may all be intentional, if not it's a happy accident.
- tim-137-552735
- Apr 4, 2022
- Permalink
Don't compare!
You can't compare this to an excellent movie made in the 60s.
This is of its time and more faithful to book and the casting is not as bad as some of the other reviews would make you think.
Watch it and make your own mind up! Don't let the detractors brainwash you!
That's a job for the Ipcress file.
This is of its time and more faithful to book and the casting is not as bad as some of the other reviews would make you think.
Watch it and make your own mind up! Don't let the detractors brainwash you!
That's a job for the Ipcress file.
- marco-tremble
- Mar 7, 2022
- Permalink
Hmmmmmmmm. It could have been better.
This was a little bit of a let down for me. I haven't seen the movie or read the book so totally blind to this one.
The production values are strong and the performances are good, I couldn't help but feel that Joe Cole was miscast as Harry Palmer, he seemed to be wandering through it with charm and focus but no real charisma. Similar from Lucy Boynton who played nearly every scene the same way.
The direction, the score and the other casting is on point. My major quibble is 6 episodes?? This felt massively stretched, after episodes three and four it felt like padding and the pace slowed to a crawl. A more structured and exciting drama could have been achieved over four episodes.
It's good. Just not great.
The production values are strong and the performances are good, I couldn't help but feel that Joe Cole was miscast as Harry Palmer, he seemed to be wandering through it with charm and focus but no real charisma. Similar from Lucy Boynton who played nearly every scene the same way.
The direction, the score and the other casting is on point. My major quibble is 6 episodes?? This felt massively stretched, after episodes three and four it felt like padding and the pace slowed to a crawl. A more structured and exciting drama could have been achieved over four episodes.
It's good. Just not great.
The Ipcress File Reopened
- ShadeGrenade
- Mar 8, 2022
- Permalink
Enjoyable classic style
The Ipcress File is quite enjoyable. In a classic style of way. One way is the fact is that it doesn't have the necessary action, booms and bangs that current movies have. More cerebral and dialogue driven. Multiple homages to the original movie and Michael Caine. Yet there are moments that "drag" on a tad too much.
The style of shooting of the "Dutch tilt" is effective and relevant for particular suspense moments. Unfortunately it is over used, and not necessarily required in literally 90% of the show.
Acting from the main cast is realistic and well portrayed for the relevant time / era.
Always enjoyable to see Tom Hollander excel as usual.
The style of shooting of the "Dutch tilt" is effective and relevant for particular suspense moments. Unfortunately it is over used, and not necessarily required in literally 90% of the show.
Acting from the main cast is realistic and well portrayed for the relevant time / era.
Always enjoyable to see Tom Hollander excel as usual.
Fail to understand the dislike
Have watched the original film several time & read the book. This TV series is excellent and takes a whole new dimension with the characters. Well worth watching. The acting is extremely good. Have to say ITV have done a good job with this one.
- andrewpeel
- Mar 21, 2022
- Permalink
A great remake
I've really enjoyed this. Unlike most people I never thought Michael Caine was right for the part but that's just me. I think Joe Cole is excellent as are the rest of the cast. The period is captured very well apart from the one mistake that is so common in most modern series portraying this era. In the 50s/60s nobody drank out of a bottle especially in bars, pubs or nightclubs. This is a peculiarly modern phenomena. Even drinking out of a can was thought very common.
Plodding
Well cast, well shot, plenty of immaculate period detail.
But tedious.
It is hard to care about much that happens.
They're is little chemistry between the characters.
And a complete lack of wit and pizzazz.
But tedious.
It is hard to care about much that happens.
They're is little chemistry between the characters.
And a complete lack of wit and pizzazz.
- markahancock
- Apr 4, 2022
- Permalink
Better than expected.
- davidhiggins-89756
- Jul 4, 2022
- Permalink