One of the best spy thriller movies of the 21st century is on TV tonight’

Based on a classic novel, the film boasts an all-star cast.

Set in 1970s England, the film sees the head of MI6, Control (John Hurt), dispatch an agent (Mark Strong) to meet with a Hungarian general who knows the identity of a Soviet spy in the organisation's ranks.

The mission goes wrong, however, and the general dies before he can reveal the information.

As such, veteran agent George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is called back from forced retirement to ferret out the mole and stop the flow of vital British secrets to the Russians.

Also co-starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Firth, Kathy Burke, Stephen Graham, Toby Jones and Tom Hardy, the movie was directed by Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In).

Boasting a flawless cast, a compellingly dense and intricate plot and an atmosphere so chilly and sinister it practically seeps into viewers' bones, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is easily one of the best spy thrillers of the 21st century and perhaps ever.

The film is airing on TV tonight at 11.40 on BBC One. It's also currently streaming on Netflix.

Check out Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's trailer right here: