Written by Alexander Cary of Homeland fame, and also starring Damian Lewis of Homeland fame alongside Australia's own Guy Pearce, A Spy Amongst Friends tells the story of disgraced British double agent Kim Philly (Pearce) - by all accounts, one of the biggest intelligence coups of the Cold War, on either side - and his friendship with Nicholas Elliott (Brody, who is brilliant) and the defection of Philby to Russia. Elliott is being debriefed by British officials in the aftermath of that defection. This is one of those shows, similar to the early seasons of Homeland, where you need to pay very close attention to everything going on. A slow burn series, but a very good one.
71 Reviews
Quality spy drama but not for small minds
davidmvesty19 December 2022
I have to say I was initially sceptical given some of the bad reviews until I saw a pattern, most of the negative reviewers hadn't bother to finish it so I persevered and I'm glad I did. This show offers something that's missing from so many TV shows out there - an intelligent story told by actors with real talent. Sure the story jumps back and forth but if you actually pay attention and give it time the rewards are there. All are on fine form especially Damien Lewis who is superb.
If you like intelligent well crafted TV dramas that offer a twisty tale for grown up this might just be for you.
If you like intelligent well crafted TV dramas that offer a twisty tale for grown up this might just be for you.
Intelligent but muted
paul2001sw-117 August 2023
In the 1950s, John Le Carre (as he wasn't yet known) had to leave his job in the British secret service following the defection of the Kim Philby. Le Carre adopted his pen name and took up a new career as a writer of spy thrillers; and most directly fictionalised the Philby story in his most famous novel, 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy'. This was adapted into a brilliant, talky television drama, featuring many of the outstanding British actors of the 1970s. It was more recently made into a film; but in a very different style. 'A Spy Among Friends' is new, less fictionalised account of Philby's defection, but it's far more like the 1970s version of Le Carre's work than the later film. Guy Pearce, Damian Lewis and Anna Maxwell Martin, among others, sit around talking. I should absoultely love it, given how much I adore its spritual predecessor, and it is good; but it's a little bit too clever, and it can be hard to follow all the subtle twists of plot. The Australian Pearce in particular is very good (and convincingly English) as Philby, but it's a muted affair.
Pretty good, but four episodes would have been better.
Sleepin_Dragon7 August 2023
1963, British MI6 Agent Nicholas Elliott is placed in an impossible situation, when he's forced to consider the possibility that his friend Kim Philby, a fellow agent, has detected to The KGB, and spent 25 years working as a double agent.
This was a little hit and miss for me, it's a famous, real life story of a cold war espionage, I was hoping for some excitement, but Part from episode five, it was quite a slow moving affair, it's definitely dialogue heavy.
It's interesting, the story itself is absorbing, but I fear the pacing may be off putting for quite a few viewers.
I'm really surprised that Irvine Welsh's Crime was given an obscure transmission slot, and that this was given a primetime Sunday evening slot on ITV after being shown on Britbox, Crime in my opinion is by far the superior show.
In terms of production values, it is visually incredible, the period detail, cars and sets are faultless, you even have the atmosphere, which takes you straight back to 1963.
I feel they could easily have told this story over four episodes, that would have done a great deal to increase the causal pacing I expect.
Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce are outstanding, the acting is beyond question, the pair truly delivered.
Mrs Thomas, I couldn't make my mind up how I felt about her character, not part of the original book, her presence felt awkward, as though she was there simply to balance things out, she mentions her humble background several times, and as for that accent, it slipped quite a few times.
6/10.
This was a little hit and miss for me, it's a famous, real life story of a cold war espionage, I was hoping for some excitement, but Part from episode five, it was quite a slow moving affair, it's definitely dialogue heavy.
It's interesting, the story itself is absorbing, but I fear the pacing may be off putting for quite a few viewers.
I'm really surprised that Irvine Welsh's Crime was given an obscure transmission slot, and that this was given a primetime Sunday evening slot on ITV after being shown on Britbox, Crime in my opinion is by far the superior show.
In terms of production values, it is visually incredible, the period detail, cars and sets are faultless, you even have the atmosphere, which takes you straight back to 1963.
I feel they could easily have told this story over four episodes, that would have done a great deal to increase the causal pacing I expect.
Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce are outstanding, the acting is beyond question, the pair truly delivered.
Mrs Thomas, I couldn't make my mind up how I felt about her character, not part of the original book, her presence felt awkward, as though she was there simply to balance things out, she mentions her humble background several times, and as for that accent, it slipped quite a few times.
6/10.
Solid, rewarding espionage thriller in the Tinker Tailor style
i-a-jones20 December 2022
This must-see addition to the Cold War spy genre leans heavily on the visual and stylistic tropes established by the definitive 1979 BBC dramatisation of John Le Carre's 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy'.
The lighting, settings, dialogue and pacing all pay homage to this classic series.
The production is absolutely sumptuous, with no expense spared. Beautiful photography, set decoration, locations and a legion of telephone boxes, pillar boxes and handily placed furniture vans (together with a cavalcade of vintage vehicles, archive footage and outstanding CGI matte shots) transform modern-day London and Bucharest into the Europe of the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
The narrative is often difficult to follow. Some streamlining and signposting of the plot would help. I watched all six episodes back-to-back and, at times, it felt like I was reassembling the shredded CIA files after the Fall of Saigon. One dark, wintery street, full of shuffling brown shapes, looks much like any other.
But the acting is top-notch. BAFTA-worthy performances from Anna Maxwell Martin, Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce, and the story really rewards those who stick with it. Plaudits for the original score too.
Heartily recommended, though, for multiple viewings, I'd opt for Alec Guinness every time.
The lighting, settings, dialogue and pacing all pay homage to this classic series.
The production is absolutely sumptuous, with no expense spared. Beautiful photography, set decoration, locations and a legion of telephone boxes, pillar boxes and handily placed furniture vans (together with a cavalcade of vintage vehicles, archive footage and outstanding CGI matte shots) transform modern-day London and Bucharest into the Europe of the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
The narrative is often difficult to follow. Some streamlining and signposting of the plot would help. I watched all six episodes back-to-back and, at times, it felt like I was reassembling the shredded CIA files after the Fall of Saigon. One dark, wintery street, full of shuffling brown shapes, looks much like any other.
But the acting is top-notch. BAFTA-worthy performances from Anna Maxwell Martin, Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce, and the story really rewards those who stick with it. Plaudits for the original score too.
Heartily recommended, though, for multiple viewings, I'd opt for Alec Guinness every time.
Part fact, part fiction, but mostly enjoyable
MartynGryphon9 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It's a story that has been filmed many times before in one way or another. The defection of the British spies Kim Philby, Donald McClean and Guy Burgess to the Russians in the 1950's and 60's. Some depictions have shown these people in a sympathetic light and others, quite rightly, have shown up them to be the traitors they were, with their naive university politics and their ultimate betrayal being responsible for the deaths of so many people and the plots tended to focus on their lives and events leading to up to their escape to the Soviet Union.
A Spy Among Friends takes an alternative and lesser seen route of what happened AFTER Philby 'ran' and the trail of misery and suspicion that he left behind him.
For the most part, ASAF is a character driven piece that is heavy on dialogue and low on action which as a viewing experience makes the five and half hour total run time seem like thirty. However this should not deter you from watching the series as it is very well made and well written.
The plot focuses on intelligence officer Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis), Kim Philby's best friend who immediately falls under suspicion of collaboration after Philby's deception and escape to the Soviet Union given that he was one of the last people to see him in Beirut. Anna Maxwell Martin plays Lily Thomas, a cynical and (very fictional), MI5 debriefer whose desire for the truth sees her get embroiled in a web of intrigue that MI5 debriefers seldom get to experience that will ultimately reveal that the KGB infiltration of British intelligence was not limited to Philby, Burgess and McClean but goes to the very top of the establishment and knowing who to trust becomes soon becomes very difficult indeed.
Guy Pearce gives and amazing performance as Philby and his scenes are a mixture of flashbacks to his wartime and pre-wartime life in England and Austria, his friendship with Elliott and their final meetings in Beirut. This is then juxtaposed to his current situation of coming to terms with his new life in the Soviet Union and the realisation that Soviet Russia was not exactly the utopia he thought it was and that Soviet intelligence had no intention of utilising his talents any further.
Thankfully, the writers stop short of making Philby out to be a character you should feel sorry for and it's very much a case of 'you bought the ticket, now take the ride'. In truth, Philby was indeed a despicable human being who went to his grave never once regretting the betrayal of his country or the countless deaths brought about by his actions.
I enjoyed ASAF, but as I mentioned earlier, it's very dialogue heavy and you really need to stay on your toes at times to keep up and the stellar performances of Lewis, Pearce and Martin make for a good viewing experience.
Recommended!
A Spy Among Friends takes an alternative and lesser seen route of what happened AFTER Philby 'ran' and the trail of misery and suspicion that he left behind him.
For the most part, ASAF is a character driven piece that is heavy on dialogue and low on action which as a viewing experience makes the five and half hour total run time seem like thirty. However this should not deter you from watching the series as it is very well made and well written.
The plot focuses on intelligence officer Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis), Kim Philby's best friend who immediately falls under suspicion of collaboration after Philby's deception and escape to the Soviet Union given that he was one of the last people to see him in Beirut. Anna Maxwell Martin plays Lily Thomas, a cynical and (very fictional), MI5 debriefer whose desire for the truth sees her get embroiled in a web of intrigue that MI5 debriefers seldom get to experience that will ultimately reveal that the KGB infiltration of British intelligence was not limited to Philby, Burgess and McClean but goes to the very top of the establishment and knowing who to trust becomes soon becomes very difficult indeed.
Guy Pearce gives and amazing performance as Philby and his scenes are a mixture of flashbacks to his wartime and pre-wartime life in England and Austria, his friendship with Elliott and their final meetings in Beirut. This is then juxtaposed to his current situation of coming to terms with his new life in the Soviet Union and the realisation that Soviet Russia was not exactly the utopia he thought it was and that Soviet intelligence had no intention of utilising his talents any further.
Thankfully, the writers stop short of making Philby out to be a character you should feel sorry for and it's very much a case of 'you bought the ticket, now take the ride'. In truth, Philby was indeed a despicable human being who went to his grave never once regretting the betrayal of his country or the countless deaths brought about by his actions.
I enjoyed ASAF, but as I mentioned earlier, it's very dialogue heavy and you really need to stay on your toes at times to keep up and the stellar performances of Lewis, Pearce and Martin make for a good viewing experience.
Recommended!
What's worse, betraying friend or country?
rich-mac13 December 2022
Based upon the real life events of the Russian infiltration of the British security services from around the rise of Nazi Germany through to the early 1960s when the infiltration was exposed and 'agents' fled Britain.
This is not an action spy drama, it's a drama based upon intrigue and strategic thrust and parry - as such it's very successful and weaves a gripping tale. Just what exactly is going on? Whom can we trust? Is this opportunism or another move in the long game, or both...?
The three leads, Lewis, Martin & Pearce each offer nuanced performances that between them create and carry the bulk of the show's dramatic tension - and they each do a fine job of conveying a sense of the 'times they lived in' - times overshadowed by the cold war, memories of fascism and an horrendous world war, and of a looming new world struggling to shake off these attachments and mires of the old world.
The unfolding of the story is a little complicated, with frequent time shifts, which clarify and re-clarify understanding - so this is not a casual viewing show. It demands the audience pay full attention and think about and consider what they're witnessing. It all adds up to a very satisfying experience if you're prepared to invest the time - but mostly, you'll simply get sucked into the story and crave resolution.
On the production side, the world created is a very convincing one depicting, primarily, London in the 60s.
Superb!
This is not an action spy drama, it's a drama based upon intrigue and strategic thrust and parry - as such it's very successful and weaves a gripping tale. Just what exactly is going on? Whom can we trust? Is this opportunism or another move in the long game, or both...?
The three leads, Lewis, Martin & Pearce each offer nuanced performances that between them create and carry the bulk of the show's dramatic tension - and they each do a fine job of conveying a sense of the 'times they lived in' - times overshadowed by the cold war, memories of fascism and an horrendous world war, and of a looming new world struggling to shake off these attachments and mires of the old world.
The unfolding of the story is a little complicated, with frequent time shifts, which clarify and re-clarify understanding - so this is not a casual viewing show. It demands the audience pay full attention and think about and consider what they're witnessing. It all adds up to a very satisfying experience if you're prepared to invest the time - but mostly, you'll simply get sucked into the story and crave resolution.
On the production side, the world created is a very convincing one depicting, primarily, London in the 60s.
Superb!
Classic true life spy drama that demands patient viewing
JRB-NorthernSoul21 December 2022
One of the first commissions for new UK Streamer ITVX this six part drama has quality written all over it. The production values are high and there is a premium cast led by Damian Lewis, Anna Maxwell Martin and Guy Pearce.
Its a fascinating story that focuses on Philby and how MI5 played their hand once they conclusively worked out that he had been a long term Soviet agent.
For me the strength of it was in the production and the acting. I think some will find a bit slow moving and dull as the setup involves lot of scenes of interrogation and relatively little action seen in occasional flashbacks. Its more 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' than Mission Impossible' which is fine unless you're expecting the latter.
Quibles, as usual it was photographed way too darkly, it was sometimes hard to see the actors at all. Anna Maxwell is a great actress but if the story demanded a strong female character from Durham couldn't we have had an actress authentically from the area? The shifts in time were also hard to follow and over-used.
But for fans of the genre its definitely one to savour and enjoy.
Its a fascinating story that focuses on Philby and how MI5 played their hand once they conclusively worked out that he had been a long term Soviet agent.
For me the strength of it was in the production and the acting. I think some will find a bit slow moving and dull as the setup involves lot of scenes of interrogation and relatively little action seen in occasional flashbacks. Its more 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' than Mission Impossible' which is fine unless you're expecting the latter.
Quibles, as usual it was photographed way too darkly, it was sometimes hard to see the actors at all. Anna Maxwell is a great actress but if the story demanded a strong female character from Durham couldn't we have had an actress authentically from the area? The shifts in time were also hard to follow and over-used.
But for fans of the genre its definitely one to savour and enjoy.
A human look into the slick, pathological liar
Cinephilos14 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Kim Philby may argue vehemently that he's not a traitor. But that does not deny the fact that he was a liar and a cheater. He lied to his family, friends, vocation, and country, and he was very good at it. Some may argue that the very profession of espionage compels you to lie. But you have to be honest to someone sometime. Philby was honest to no one at no time, except to his KGB cutout.
The story does not do a convincing job explaining why Philby became a communist. His experience in Vienna at the hand of the Nazis is not enough. It doesn't explain why he continued to work for the Soviet Union after the Nazis were defeated.
Instead of trying to find his reason for betraying his country from the war-time experience, Elliot's explanation is persuasive: Philby thrives in being a spy. So he had to spy, not only on his enemies, but also on his friends.
The Establishment code of ethics of protecting its own is laughable. They don't really seem to be the privileged upper class of England in the first place. Just because you went to private schools and Oxbridge doesn't make you part of the Establishment. These spoiled men took themselves too seriously. Later Joh LeCarre pointed to such people as those responsible for the demise of the British Empire.
Nonetheless, A Spy Among Friends is a true espionage thriller that only the British can make. True espionage work is conducted this way. Americans, on the other hand, throw money around and make a lot of noise. The greatest damage done to the British intelligence by Philby's betrayal was probably losing their credibility to the Americans. Americans were sloppy in filtering out the moles among their British cousins.
Sending Philby to Russia was a sort of punishment for his life of crime. Living the rest of his life in Russia was comparable to serving a life sentence in a British or American penitentiary. It's probably worse because Philby can't trust the people who are supposed to be his comrades. The Soviet KGB wasn't going to trust him. There was enough ground of suspecting that Elliot had turned Philby as a triple agent. It was for that reason that Elliot took Philby out to the balcony to talk for a few minutes, knowing fully well that they were being observed.
The Cold War ended with the American victory. The KGB's espionage coups couldn't save communism. The state power, however potent it may be, cannot save a faulty social system. I hope the same principle will apply to China.
A Spy Among Friends, shown on Prime Video, is one of the best espionage thrillers in a long time. This is the way true espionage is done -- both internationally and domestically. American-made spy movies focus on foreign operations, making spies look like tourists. But ASAF shows that spying work takes place in the drawing rooms in Kensington and in the corridors of Whitehall.
Overall, a great thriller and I recommend it enthusiastically to anyone desiring to watch true espionage thrillers.
The story does not do a convincing job explaining why Philby became a communist. His experience in Vienna at the hand of the Nazis is not enough. It doesn't explain why he continued to work for the Soviet Union after the Nazis were defeated.
Instead of trying to find his reason for betraying his country from the war-time experience, Elliot's explanation is persuasive: Philby thrives in being a spy. So he had to spy, not only on his enemies, but also on his friends.
The Establishment code of ethics of protecting its own is laughable. They don't really seem to be the privileged upper class of England in the first place. Just because you went to private schools and Oxbridge doesn't make you part of the Establishment. These spoiled men took themselves too seriously. Later Joh LeCarre pointed to such people as those responsible for the demise of the British Empire.
Nonetheless, A Spy Among Friends is a true espionage thriller that only the British can make. True espionage work is conducted this way. Americans, on the other hand, throw money around and make a lot of noise. The greatest damage done to the British intelligence by Philby's betrayal was probably losing their credibility to the Americans. Americans were sloppy in filtering out the moles among their British cousins.
Sending Philby to Russia was a sort of punishment for his life of crime. Living the rest of his life in Russia was comparable to serving a life sentence in a British or American penitentiary. It's probably worse because Philby can't trust the people who are supposed to be his comrades. The Soviet KGB wasn't going to trust him. There was enough ground of suspecting that Elliot had turned Philby as a triple agent. It was for that reason that Elliot took Philby out to the balcony to talk for a few minutes, knowing fully well that they were being observed.
The Cold War ended with the American victory. The KGB's espionage coups couldn't save communism. The state power, however potent it may be, cannot save a faulty social system. I hope the same principle will apply to China.
A Spy Among Friends, shown on Prime Video, is one of the best espionage thrillers in a long time. This is the way true espionage is done -- both internationally and domestically. American-made spy movies focus on foreign operations, making spies look like tourists. But ASAF shows that spying work takes place in the drawing rooms in Kensington and in the corridors of Whitehall.
Overall, a great thriller and I recommend it enthusiastically to anyone desiring to watch true espionage thrillers.
Great Performances. But Not Easy to Follow
levybob6 September 2023
'A Spy Among Friends' is hard work. So hard, in fact, that even having watched it to its conclusion I'm not absolutely certain of what was going on throughout its six episodes. And the reason for this is two-fold:
1. The story concerns spies and counter-spies and. For all I know,. Counter-counter-spies, and that itself makes for a difficult road. But, 2. Making matters more difficult (by far) is that the series goes back and forth and back again and forth again between time periods so that we can never grow comfortable with what's going on in the 'current' story-line. The series plays with us in this regard. A 1963 character walks into a room and in the next instant we see the same character in 1945 entering an altogether different room. And while we're trying to make sense of all this, the story moves to another time or place entirely.
Damien Lewis as one of the film's leads is excellent. There is about him an effete upper-crust quality that at times gives way to a very humane and caring side. Guy Pearce as 'The Spy' has a less complex role, but he carries it off nicely. We do not experience the battles within his mind as well as we might; his duplicity is, after all, the reason for this story (based on a true UK spy Kim Philby who in fact spied FOR the Soviets. Anna Maxwell Martin as a government interrogator (MI5) is absolutely wonderful. If there's a hero in this series, it is she.
In short, hard work. At times fatiguing. But worth giving it a try.
But if while watching it you begin to hope that the following episodes will be 'more clear', you can forget about sticking with it.
They won't.
1. The story concerns spies and counter-spies and. For all I know,. Counter-counter-spies, and that itself makes for a difficult road. But, 2. Making matters more difficult (by far) is that the series goes back and forth and back again and forth again between time periods so that we can never grow comfortable with what's going on in the 'current' story-line. The series plays with us in this regard. A 1963 character walks into a room and in the next instant we see the same character in 1945 entering an altogether different room. And while we're trying to make sense of all this, the story moves to another time or place entirely.
Damien Lewis as one of the film's leads is excellent. There is about him an effete upper-crust quality that at times gives way to a very humane and caring side. Guy Pearce as 'The Spy' has a less complex role, but he carries it off nicely. We do not experience the battles within his mind as well as we might; his duplicity is, after all, the reason for this story (based on a true UK spy Kim Philby who in fact spied FOR the Soviets. Anna Maxwell Martin as a government interrogator (MI5) is absolutely wonderful. If there's a hero in this series, it is she.
In short, hard work. At times fatiguing. But worth giving it a try.
But if while watching it you begin to hope that the following episodes will be 'more clear', you can forget about sticking with it.
They won't.
For the discerning viewer
nigglejim3 January 2023
If you want a Mission Impossible style bang fest or a Bond style romp this isn't your thing. If you need a plot recap after every ad break you lack the concentration for this.
But if you want a drama that engages, immerses, and makes you think then this will do the job.
Some reviewers have said it's slow, drab, tedious, the constant changing between timelines is distracting and that Mrs Thomas is an anachronism.
I think they're missing the point.
This is only 20 years after WWII, 20 years after these events government offices looked little different. Anyone who was in the Civil Service during that period will know the details are accurate.
The tension and mistrust between CIA, the Security Service, and SIS that followed the war, Blake, Burgess, and McClean is abundantly clear and so to the extent this hampered both their efforts.
One must also remember that this was only 2 years after the Cuban Missile crisis and the suspicions of East about West and the efforts and paranoia of intelligence and counter intelligence operations is very apparent.
This drama is a mind game that reflects the way that Philby manipulated his friends and acquaintances over decades. The constant reviewing of events by those involved akin to the thoughts of a cuckolded husband as he tries to spot what he has missed. The sense of betrayal almost palpable.
The drabness, the politeness, the ordinariness in stark contrast to the fatal impact of Philby on those he betrayed.
Pearce is exceptional as the idealistic Philby and there is an almost physical change as the realisation of his decisions and the realism of living in the Soviet Bloc hit home.
If he had been born half a century earlier Lewis could have been Elliot in reality. I couldn't make up my mind if he was an exceptional actor, or not acting at all he was that convincing.
And as for Maxwell-Martin, yes, Mrs Thomas was made up. My interpretation was her character aptly contrasted with the old boys club of Philby and Elliot and was created for this purpose. If SIS and the Security Service had had more like Mrs Thomas to challenge the status quo then perhaps the Soviet moles might not have burrowed so far into the establishment.
So stick with it. I thought it well worth a few hours of my time.
But if you want a drama that engages, immerses, and makes you think then this will do the job.
Some reviewers have said it's slow, drab, tedious, the constant changing between timelines is distracting and that Mrs Thomas is an anachronism.
I think they're missing the point.
This is only 20 years after WWII, 20 years after these events government offices looked little different. Anyone who was in the Civil Service during that period will know the details are accurate.
The tension and mistrust between CIA, the Security Service, and SIS that followed the war, Blake, Burgess, and McClean is abundantly clear and so to the extent this hampered both their efforts.
One must also remember that this was only 2 years after the Cuban Missile crisis and the suspicions of East about West and the efforts and paranoia of intelligence and counter intelligence operations is very apparent.
This drama is a mind game that reflects the way that Philby manipulated his friends and acquaintances over decades. The constant reviewing of events by those involved akin to the thoughts of a cuckolded husband as he tries to spot what he has missed. The sense of betrayal almost palpable.
The drabness, the politeness, the ordinariness in stark contrast to the fatal impact of Philby on those he betrayed.
Pearce is exceptional as the idealistic Philby and there is an almost physical change as the realisation of his decisions and the realism of living in the Soviet Bloc hit home.
If he had been born half a century earlier Lewis could have been Elliot in reality. I couldn't make up my mind if he was an exceptional actor, or not acting at all he was that convincing.
And as for Maxwell-Martin, yes, Mrs Thomas was made up. My interpretation was her character aptly contrasted with the old boys club of Philby and Elliot and was created for this purpose. If SIS and the Security Service had had more like Mrs Thomas to challenge the status quo then perhaps the Soviet moles might not have burrowed so far into the establishment.
So stick with it. I thought it well worth a few hours of my time.
Generally Decent
GB6524 February 2023
Pretty much anything with Damien Lewis will get me interested as I think he's a fine actor but I didn't really enjoy his performance in this. I felt he was a bit wooden. Adrian Edmondson was very good but ironically, I thought Anna Maxwell Martin was right up there. Ironic, of course, because she played a completely fictional character which is completely unnecessary in a story of this kind. Ben McIntyre had written yet another fascinating book but for some inexplicable reason, The TV people have done this. Not inexplicable at all really, I'm sure we can all see why a fictional northern, woman married to a black man was added to the story.
Political correctness ruins a good story
jefferons9 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I was looking forward to this series. And then it started, a woman in 1963 interrogating? Also she is a commoner and married to a black doctor in 1963. Why make it up ,there was no purpose to rewrite history. Other good acting and good actors. But very dark film lighting. And boring at times, I drifted off day dreaming then suddenly coming back to the story. Not good. Disappointing. Why was the door stiff.seriously why? I can understand tv series cutting back on special effects,but not on dialogue surely. And why couldn't they have actually gone to Lebanon. Its a beautiful place and nice and sunny,would have been a nice contrast to the dark dreary Britain.
Ironic Friendship
kindredparadox13 December 2022
A cheerful music in different context will appear sad.
Somehow a contrast of a traitor to a country vs to a friend. Both intelligence officers, Elliott never knew that his best friend Philby is a spy, for more than 20 years.
For me, it's hard not to notice that both main actors, who excel being an antagonistic character could both act as Philby the double agent. Interestingly in this one, Damian Lewis became the lesser evil. But this difference can be notice that, they are suitable for each role in the last episode.
The thing is, if you are not the hard core fan of spy drama, it will be hard to enjoy A Spy Among Friends. Pay attention to Drama keyword, because it's very different with Spy Action one. I would not say you must pay close attention while watching A Spy Among Friends, because I don't think the Series is that hard to digest. I would not say also that the Series is highly rewarding, because much of them are subtle. Also with a subtle ending, giving some vibes, I just wish the process had been more magical atmosphere given somehow more often monotonous.
In the end it's almost a story that try to explore the friendship with unusual situation as the foundation for that relationship. Ah, the irony.
Somehow a contrast of a traitor to a country vs to a friend. Both intelligence officers, Elliott never knew that his best friend Philby is a spy, for more than 20 years.
For me, it's hard not to notice that both main actors, who excel being an antagonistic character could both act as Philby the double agent. Interestingly in this one, Damian Lewis became the lesser evil. But this difference can be notice that, they are suitable for each role in the last episode.
The thing is, if you are not the hard core fan of spy drama, it will be hard to enjoy A Spy Among Friends. Pay attention to Drama keyword, because it's very different with Spy Action one. I would not say you must pay close attention while watching A Spy Among Friends, because I don't think the Series is that hard to digest. I would not say also that the Series is highly rewarding, because much of them are subtle. Also with a subtle ending, giving some vibes, I just wish the process had been more magical atmosphere given somehow more often monotonous.
In the end it's almost a story that try to explore the friendship with unusual situation as the foundation for that relationship. Ah, the irony.
Excellent British Spy Drama
mha-8932712 December 2022
'A Spy Amongst Friends' is a demanding dramatic production. It insists its audience vest close attention in both the key actors, and the rather complex plotline.
Set in the sixties era of the early cold war, it is a classic British spy drama.
For me, supported by an exceptional supporting cast, it is Anna Maxwell Martin who stands out as a performer. Her character, Lily Thomas, is delightfully situated. In her role, she delivers. Her character is positioned as an antithetical antagonist to the misogynist MI5 organisational culture. In a male dominated social space, entrenched by upper class British intellectuals, and peers of the realm, stupidity falls at the feet of the old boys club.
Lily Thomas is literally the cat amongst the pigeons, tasked to evaluate and assess a senior MI6 (SIS) spymaster. Noncompliant with the male network of trust and innately insular existential social hierarchy, she (Lily), cuts through the masculine dogma and gender obfuscation.
This is a fictional drama which uses mostly real world player's involved in a time of near collapse of the British secret services. It is very well written. Actors et al deliver a collective continuum of stella performances. This is not an action movie, but for the attentive, vested viewer it is exciting, compelling and highly rewarding.
Set in the sixties era of the early cold war, it is a classic British spy drama.
For me, supported by an exceptional supporting cast, it is Anna Maxwell Martin who stands out as a performer. Her character, Lily Thomas, is delightfully situated. In her role, she delivers. Her character is positioned as an antithetical antagonist to the misogynist MI5 organisational culture. In a male dominated social space, entrenched by upper class British intellectuals, and peers of the realm, stupidity falls at the feet of the old boys club.
Lily Thomas is literally the cat amongst the pigeons, tasked to evaluate and assess a senior MI6 (SIS) spymaster. Noncompliant with the male network of trust and innately insular existential social hierarchy, she (Lily), cuts through the masculine dogma and gender obfuscation.
This is a fictional drama which uses mostly real world player's involved in a time of near collapse of the British secret services. It is very well written. Actors et al deliver a collective continuum of stella performances. This is not an action movie, but for the attentive, vested viewer it is exciting, compelling and highly rewarding.
Gave up after two episodes: Good Acting though from Lewis & Pearce
BurnhamTV26 March 2023
I thought I knew the history well but it's just too hard to follow. The scenes chop and change with dates and places as well as other characters popping up.
I'm not surprised ITV didn't launch this six parter on mainstream TV. It's a mess. The lighting in Episode 1 is beyond ridiculous and with the constant chopping and changing of scenes and timelines, the production doesn't make for relaxing viewing.
If ITV want to broadcast this on the network instead of ITVX, Post Production work will be needed with scene titles added. For example, 23 JANUARY 1963... Beirut, Lebanon.
I was really looking forward to this series and ITV have left me very disappointed.
I'm not surprised ITV didn't launch this six parter on mainstream TV. It's a mess. The lighting in Episode 1 is beyond ridiculous and with the constant chopping and changing of scenes and timelines, the production doesn't make for relaxing viewing.
If ITV want to broadcast this on the network instead of ITVX, Post Production work will be needed with scene titles added. For example, 23 JANUARY 1963... Beirut, Lebanon.
I was really looking forward to this series and ITV have left me very disappointed.
Classic, slow-burn story, worth every minute of your time.
majkelu12 March 2023
I was a bit pessimistic when I was starting this show, but since I got the flu and bonus time I gave it a try. My main concern was it will become somehow a soap opera centered about love affair between two male spies (as it happens i.e. On every show on Netflix 🙂, secondary concern was ex-Homeland 'agent Brody'...)
Instead we are getting a really intelligent and interesting story line that delivers till the end. Acting, pictures and spy story climate is top notch and helps to deliver realistic background for the whole story. Tense, 'smokey' interiors, witty dialogues and focus on small details that matter. Not many shows will keep you hooked up on a story like this one, if you enjoy that type of cinema you won't be disappointed.
Another " Historical " Series
dk77710 February 2023
Well, this seemed like it would be interesting, the cold war and an interesting cast.
The story is really interesting, but the writers ruined it with the unnecessary addition of characters who don't really contribute anything to the story, but are only there because the producers demand it.
The costumes are excellent, the cast isn't bad, it's not the actors' fault that the script is terrible. This could have been really great, but unfortunately this is just another series that the writers managed to ruin.
I watched almost two episodes and gave up, no point in wasting time on something that is the same as most "modern film production".
It's a shame, the cast is good, the costumes are excellent, but the script is just terrible and sometimes it feels like we're watching a show that takes place in the present day, only the people are dressed differently.
Today, we rarely see a historical series in which the characters really behave as if they came from that era. Some things are hilarious and simply ruin the impression of the whole story.
Another missed opportunity.
The story is really interesting, but the writers ruined it with the unnecessary addition of characters who don't really contribute anything to the story, but are only there because the producers demand it.
The costumes are excellent, the cast isn't bad, it's not the actors' fault that the script is terrible. This could have been really great, but unfortunately this is just another series that the writers managed to ruin.
I watched almost two episodes and gave up, no point in wasting time on something that is the same as most "modern film production".
It's a shame, the cast is good, the costumes are excellent, but the script is just terrible and sometimes it feels like we're watching a show that takes place in the present day, only the people are dressed differently.
Today, we rarely see a historical series in which the characters really behave as if they came from that era. Some things are hilarious and simply ruin the impression of the whole story.
Another missed opportunity.
Dark, confusing, revisionist.
matthewbyrne-961832 September 2023
As others have said, it's too dark. I was hitting my monitors brightness button, but it was already at max.
Constantly swapping eras never makes for easy following in a complex, dense spy thriller plot, and because of this it was difficult to feel any sense of trepidation or intrigue.
Olivia Coleman's apparent understudy, Anna Maxwell Martin, played an anachronistic and historically revisionist character that is an insult to those who suffered the class, race and gender discrimination of the times.
Everything else, including Damien Lewis, Guy Pearce, and the costumes and sets, kept me watching.
Constantly swapping eras never makes for easy following in a complex, dense spy thriller plot, and because of this it was difficult to feel any sense of trepidation or intrigue.
Olivia Coleman's apparent understudy, Anna Maxwell Martin, played an anachronistic and historically revisionist character that is an insult to those who suffered the class, race and gender discrimination of the times.
Everything else, including Damien Lewis, Guy Pearce, and the costumes and sets, kept me watching.
Well done!
odedfarant30 December 2022
"A Spy Among Friends" is a well-researched and engaging non-fiction that tells the story of Kim Philby, a high-ranking member of the British intelligence community who was revealed to be a Soviet spy in the 1960s. The storyline is rich in anecdotes and asides and provides a detailed look at the era and the people involved in the case. The show is able to balance Nick's admiration for Philby's wit, charm, and erudition with a clear-eyed view of his many betrayals, making it both entertaining and full of humanity. Overall, "A Spy Among Friends" is compelling and informative for anyone interested in espionage or the history of international relations.
Friendship, Intelligence, Loyalty...and Betrayal
mekjd29 May 2023
Nothing in this presentation discloses exactly what intelligence Kim Philby provided to Russia, nor are we particularly enlightened about what information he provided to the U. K. or to the U. S.
We are reminded that during early days Russia was an ally but we are never truly told what prompted Philby to stay on after the party was over.
There are allusions to just plain old liking socialism but we do not know why.
The grim paradox (irony for those who cannot give up this overused word) is that by virtue of Philby's treason he became a hero among British upper class spies. And the same could be said of the U. S., which, according to this tale, caused James Jesus Angleton to turn into a monster of paranoia, as if he could not have gotten there himself on his own.
A lot of the series is about supposed male friendship. Men sit next to each other, tell dirty jokes, dance in circles, get drunk as lords, feign rescue of each other, and call this friendship. There is, of course, the undercurrent of homoerotica, which in old-timey accounts would be understated in a way unknown to modern producers, a loss to be felt by the audience that does not appreciate being clobbered over the head.
Fine crew and performances but we never really know where this matter ends. Perhaps in the "Siberia" of Philby's own making. But all in all the viewer is left wanting...something. And because this is spycraft, the viewer cannot be sure what is wanted or its significance. Alas!
We are reminded that during early days Russia was an ally but we are never truly told what prompted Philby to stay on after the party was over.
There are allusions to just plain old liking socialism but we do not know why.
The grim paradox (irony for those who cannot give up this overused word) is that by virtue of Philby's treason he became a hero among British upper class spies. And the same could be said of the U. S., which, according to this tale, caused James Jesus Angleton to turn into a monster of paranoia, as if he could not have gotten there himself on his own.
A lot of the series is about supposed male friendship. Men sit next to each other, tell dirty jokes, dance in circles, get drunk as lords, feign rescue of each other, and call this friendship. There is, of course, the undercurrent of homoerotica, which in old-timey accounts would be understated in a way unknown to modern producers, a loss to be felt by the audience that does not appreciate being clobbered over the head.
Fine crew and performances but we never really know where this matter ends. Perhaps in the "Siberia" of Philby's own making. But all in all the viewer is left wanting...something. And because this is spycraft, the viewer cannot be sure what is wanted or its significance. Alas!
Excellent, intelligent spy thriller
jonwoodh10 December 2022
Based on the true story of a notorious British secret agent, watching A Spy Among Friends feels like a journey back in time to those classic '60s spy thrillers, with various plot threads that gradually weave into focus. Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce are excellent in their respective roles as conflicted old friends and Anna Maxwell Martin is superb as the sharp, dogged MI5 investigator trying to drill down to the truth. With locations including London, Beirut, Istanbul and Moscow, it takes a while to fathom what's going on. And it does a great job of exposing the smug superiority of the old boys' network that ruled MI6.
Started well, went nowhere
karenkaterina14 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed this for the first few episodes, despite the defects pointed out by other reviewers (poor lighting, confusing cutting), but in a couple of later episode (4, 6) almost nothing happens at all. The cutting backwards and forwards seems to be designed to make it all feel significant when there's not a lot going on. Also, as others have pointed out, you already have to know the basics of the Cambridge spy ring, or you won't have a clue what the whole thing is about anyway, because the series doesn't tell you.
On the other hand, Guy Pearce is excellent, and holds the attention every time he is on screen. His awkward interview after Guy Burgess' defection is particularly good. I would have liked to delve into his motivations more, especially given that he did not seem to like the reality of the Soviet Union at all, despite spying for the *ideal* of it for decades.
Damian Lewis is also quite good (not his best, though), as is the guy playing Angleton, but Mrs Thomas is nothing but a plot device with a dodgy accent. The 60s scene setting is very thorough, but I find it hard to believe that people (including women, apparently) would swear so much even in professional settings. Just modern window dressing to make it more 'gritty' I expect.
The main problem was that by the time they revealed the real reason Nicholas Elliot let Kim Philby go / Kim Philby escaped from Nicholas Elliot, I just didn't really care any more. I know they're spies, but could he not just have told Mrs Thomas this in the first interview and saved all the ridiculous running around? And why did Elliot sit on Blunt's name for so long? Did he suspect that Sir Roger was a spy (as Philby suggested)? Or did I miss something? Maybe I drifted off, or maybe it was simply to dark to see. Anyway, a disappointing morass that could have been much, much better.
On the other hand, Guy Pearce is excellent, and holds the attention every time he is on screen. His awkward interview after Guy Burgess' defection is particularly good. I would have liked to delve into his motivations more, especially given that he did not seem to like the reality of the Soviet Union at all, despite spying for the *ideal* of it for decades.
Damian Lewis is also quite good (not his best, though), as is the guy playing Angleton, but Mrs Thomas is nothing but a plot device with a dodgy accent. The 60s scene setting is very thorough, but I find it hard to believe that people (including women, apparently) would swear so much even in professional settings. Just modern window dressing to make it more 'gritty' I expect.
The main problem was that by the time they revealed the real reason Nicholas Elliot let Kim Philby go / Kim Philby escaped from Nicholas Elliot, I just didn't really care any more. I know they're spies, but could he not just have told Mrs Thomas this in the first interview and saved all the ridiculous running around? And why did Elliot sit on Blunt's name for so long? Did he suspect that Sir Roger was a spy (as Philby suggested)? Or did I miss something? Maybe I drifted off, or maybe it was simply to dark to see. Anyway, a disappointing morass that could have been much, much better.
Never, no, never
kristhebass1 July 2023
I was really looking forward to seeing this. All the ingredients are there, a true spy story, Damien Lewis, Guy Pearce and Adrian Edmondson. So what went wrong?
1. Well, as many others have stated, it's annoyingly so dark, sometimes I thought my TV had been turned off it was so dark. This is something I've noticed is happening in a lot of recent productions.
2. The unnecessary addition of Anna Maxwell Martin's character, not in the book. There would never have been a woman debriefing agents in the sixties let alone one who was married to a black man. We know why these two were crow-barred into it don't we? And why oh why was she made to attempt a, failed, Durham accent? I mean the character is fictitious so she could have just spoken in her real one. This alone spoils it for me.
The acting however is superb, especially Guy Pearce with Damien Lewis a close second but after 2 episodes I can't watch anymore.
1. Well, as many others have stated, it's annoyingly so dark, sometimes I thought my TV had been turned off it was so dark. This is something I've noticed is happening in a lot of recent productions.
2. The unnecessary addition of Anna Maxwell Martin's character, not in the book. There would never have been a woman debriefing agents in the sixties let alone one who was married to a black man. We know why these two were crow-barred into it don't we? And why oh why was she made to attempt a, failed, Durham accent? I mean the character is fictitious so she could have just spoken in her real one. This alone spoils it for me.
The acting however is superb, especially Guy Pearce with Damien Lewis a close second but after 2 episodes I can't watch anymore.
Intriguing
lakings978 July 2023
A Spy Among Friends is an MGM+ limited series based on true events between friends that were part of MI6. Set in 1963 England, Nicholas Elliott played by Damien Lewis who learns his best friend, partner, colleague Kim Philby who is played by Guy Pearce betrayed his country to provide the Russian Empire names of British spies for over 20 years. The chemistry between the gentlemen seemed more than just being friends maybe lovers. The storyline was intriguing much like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and less like Mission Impossible. Most of the characters were actual real life individuals except for Lily Thomas who was played by Anna Maxwell Martin. Director Nick Murphy put together a beautiful piece of time that was slow in the beginning and intriguing by the end. It was good mini series to watch once.
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