Although there are elements most of viewers know from James Bond movies, it is not a clone of them; it was just a mode or manner how spy films in Europe were directed and produced in the 1960ies and later on as well. Rude and drinking cops with poor "kinderstube" or questionable education started to appear in the U.S. films in the 1970ies.

At present, the issue of scientists changing sides or engaging them in creating armament, hacking systems, false objects etc. is still actual, most of it is done through money or promotion, but kidnapping or threats are still available in pariah countries. In the 1960ies, Albania had similar reputation than North-Korea today...

Recommendable to admirers of Michael Caine and/or thrillers without constant chases, bursts or awkward fooling. It is pleasant to recognise that the 2011 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy bears the same nice traditions.

Michael made three Harry Palmer films in the 1960s, starting with "The Ipcress File". Then, rather out of the blue, two more in the 1990s. It's a shame he didn't make more in the 60s and 70s as they were very good films--ones that left me far more satisfied than most of the James Bond movies--though I would not say that about the later films in the series. Why? Because even the most outlandish one of these films ("The Billion Dollar Brain") was far more realistic than Bond films. There were no gadgets, Palmer was smart but no superman and when a woman threw herself at him, he immediately suspected her motives. After all, he was just a guy who wore glasses and seemed anything but glamorous. Now I cannot comment about how closely this character and these plots were to the original Len Deighton novels (where Harry was NOT blackmailed into working for the service),as I've never read them, but the films are wonderfully entertaining.

In "The Ipcress File", Harry has apparently made a mess of his military career and instead of sending him to prison, the government has decided to make him a spy--as he IS resourceful...though also a bit disdainful of authority. However, his boss, the Colonel, has decided to reassign him to work for the Major. Why? Well, this becomes apparent late in the film.

It seems that Harry's assignment is to discover what is happening to so many important agents and scientists. Eventually, they find one of these missing folks--and his mind has been wiped clean! What happened? Who did this and how? Apparently the word 'Ipcress' is the key. I could easily say more but want you to just see it for yourself. As I mentioned above, the Palmer character seems real. Part of this is the writing and part of it is the nice characterization by Michael Caine. Regardless, the film has lots of originality and style. Well worth seeing.

THE IPCRESS FILE is one of the 'big' spy films of the 1960s, alongside Sean Connery's GOLDFINGER and Richard Burton's THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD. It sits somewhere between the two films in terms of tone, feeling very realistic and down to earth compared to Bond, yet still packing in the thrills particularly towards the climax. One of the best things about it is Sidney J. Furie's underrated direction, chock full of great scene set-ups and camera angles; as a result the photography looks fantastic and the film has a really polished feel.

Michael Caine is a natural choice for lead and makes the role his own, as he does so often in cinema. The mystery story is told at a leisurely pace but this gives the film a chance to build the atmosphere and I loved every minute of the set-up. The usual spy staples are present and correct including surveillance, tailing, fights, capture, torture, and double crosses, and the brain-washing plot although dated still packs a punch. The low key climax is particularly good and the efforts of the supporting cast to breathe life into their roles really pays off particularly in respect to Nigel Green and Gordon Jackson, both of whom are excellent.