DVD Review: Official Secrets

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What would you do for your country?

Katharine Gun works for GCHQ and leaks a top secret NSA memo exposing a joint US-UK illegal spying operation against members of the UN Security Council. The memo proposed blackmailing smaller, undecided member states into voting for war. It finds its way to reporter Martin Bright (Matt Smith) of the Observer and is published for all to see. Katharine turns herself in and is charged with breaking the Official Secrets act.

Too many people slept on this movie. This is a solid drama with an outstanding cast. I've had it on my "Must See" list all year but the reviews I did read were all mediocre at best. Sure, it might not be as exciting as other journalism/whistle blower films but Official Secrets never gives you a moment to feel bored. 

Keira Knightley is wonderful is wonderful as Katharine. I love seeing her in more modern roles since so many things she does are period pieces. I think this is up there as one of her best performances. Smith, Matthew Goode, Conleth Hill, Indira Varma, Rhys Ifan, Ralph Fiennes, and Adam Bakri make up a stellar supporting cast. 

If there's one thing I wish I had more of, it's time with the Observer staff. Their scenes were my favorite but they disappear for quite a while in the middle of the film. I understand why, it's not needed, but the actors were such a joy to watch together I wouldn't have minded if there were more of them.

If you enjoy these types of movies, please don't miss this one.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B+

Memorable Quote: "I'm not sorry I did it, I'm sorry that I failed." - Katharine (Keira Knightley)

Comments

  1. thevoid99December 7, 2019 at 3:09 PM

    I heard about this film as I'm interested in seeing it as I think Keira Knightley is underrated depending on the film she's doing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 8, 2019 at 1:14 PM

      She really is. I think because she does so many period films that people forget that she can actually give good performances because they expect "more of the same" even though the "same" is usually pretty damn good.

      Delete
  2. The Wiggles (@TheWiggles)December 8, 2019 at 1:35 AM

    We're off to the next venue in Newcastle. #PartyTimeBigShow

    ReplyDelete
  3. Emma Watkins (@Emma_Wiggle)December 8, 2019 at 1:40 AM

    Gave Carson a hi 5.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lachy Gillespie (@Lachy_Wiggle)December 8, 2019 at 1:43 AM

    Carson and I shook hands. Deserves the purple skivvy too :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Simon Pryce (@Simon_Wiggle)December 8, 2019 at 1:45 AM

    Fantastic review.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anthony Field (@Anthony_Wiggle)December 8, 2019 at 1:48 AM

    We love the beautiful Christmas card Carson made us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Carson Maitland - SmithDecember 8, 2019 at 1:50 AM

    Had a bowtiful afternoon yesterday 💜

    ReplyDelete
  8. s.December 8, 2019 at 5:51 AM

    Yeah I wish we saw more of the newspaper staff too! Shame Knightley will be totally overlooked in the Awards season :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 8, 2019 at 1:13 PM

      I know. I's ridiculous that shit like Joker gets attention when films like this don't.

      Delete

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