Based on world-shaking true events, OFFICIAL SECRETS tells the gripping story of Katharine Gun (Keira Knightley), a British intelligence specialist whose job involves routine handling of classified information. One day in 2003, in the lead up to the Iraq War, Gun receives a memo from the NSA with a shocking directive: the United States is enlisting Britain’s help in collecting compromising information on United Nations Security Council members in order to blackmail them into voting in favor of an invasion of Iraq. Unable to stand by and watch the world be rushed into an illegal war, Gun makes the gut-wrenching decision to defy her government and leak the memo to the press. So begins an explosive chain of events that will ignite an international firestorm, expose a vast political conspiracy, and put Gun and her family directly in harm’s way.
The Good
There is a surprising parade of stars through this move with Keira Knightly brilliantly playing the lead role. Ralph Fiennes, Rhys Ifans, Matt Smith, Matthew Goode and others make great appearance in this film at very critical points. This is a film that gets to the point fast...but lets the tension build throughout the story. There is sincere attention to details and most importantly...facts.
The Bad
There is not a lot of action in this film..so if you are looking for Mission Impossible...then this may not be your kind of film. The only other "bad" I can think of is that no one seems to know about this film...so the marketing has either been "bad' or may have been restricted...due to it's content.
The Recommendation
This is an important film. It may be British made with mostly British stars, but it's core story is directed by U.S. actions. This is a film that should be shown in World History Classes. It shows how the U.S. imperialistic actions can affect other countries, including drawing an entire nation into what was later realized as an "illegal war". Whether you agree with the politics in this film or not..the facts are irrefutable.
"Official Secrets" is now playing at Reading Cinemas and the Angelika Theater