In this movie we see Burgess as a student at the elite Eton college, which set the stage for his later life; It is interesting to note that his Communist beliefs and homosexuality were apparently well known (both of which appear to have been personal causes) , but that they did not seem to affect his advancement in the British foreign service; As a youth I remember the story of his unmasking as a spy; He was much vilified; I don't recall that his homosexuality being an issue -- but of course it wouldn't have been since homosexuality didn't exist in my world of Western New York of the 1950s; "This is a film of great subtlety and beauty, well acted, and underpinned by a haunting soundtrack;" A must see, especially for those in the gay community who wants to examine our roots through film.
See NYT review in links for a somewhat negative review, and CinemaQueer for a more positive assessment.