The Ipcress File
The Ipcress File

The Ipcress File

1965
Movie
109 min
English

Sly and dry intelligence agent Harry Palmer is tasked with investigating British Intelligence security, and is soon enmeshed in a world of double-dealing, kidnap and murder when he finds a traitor operating at the heart of the secret service.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users88%
Director: Sidney J. FurieGenres: Spy, Thriller, Mystery

Plot Summary

A British secret agent, Harry Palmer, is tasked with rescuing a kidnapped scientist involved in mind control experiments. Palmer must navigate a dangerous world of espionage, double-crosses, and ruthless intelligence agencies to uncover the truth behind 'The Ipcress File'. His investigation takes him from London to Eastern Europe, facing shadowy figures and lethal traps.

Critical Reception

The Ipcress File was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its stylish visuals, gritty realism, and a departure from the more flamboyant James Bond films. Michael Caine's portrayal of the working-class spy Harry Palmer was widely praised, and the film is often cited as a landmark in the spy genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish direction and atmospheric cinematography.
  • Michael Caine's performance as the unglamorous spy Harry Palmer is a standout.
  • Offers a darker, more realistic take on the spy thriller genre.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's grounded approach to espionage, Michael Caine's relatable performance, and its suspenseful plot. Some found the narrative complex, but overall, it was seen as a sophisticated and well-crafted thriller.

Fun Fact

The distinctive thick-rimmed glasses worn by Michael Caine as Harry Palmer became an iconic fashion statement and were inspired by the glasses worn by Len Deighton, the author of the original novel.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Harry Palmer" (Michael Caine) has a reputation with his boss "Ross" (Guy Doleman) of being a bit of a pain in the neck. It comes as as source of great delight, then, when he gets to redeploy him into the department of "Dalby" (Nigel Green)...
JPV852

JPV852

Slow but still engaging British spy thriller that is almost completely carried by Michael Caine more so than the story. Still, well directed by Sidney J. Furie and now interested in checking out the other Harry Palmer films with Caine. **3....
Kenneth Axel Carlsson

Kenneth Axel Car...

A scientist disappears from a train, a man dies. Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) is one of many investigators on the case, looking for a man named Grantby. He follows a lead to a library where he gets the feeling that something big is at stake...