The Fifth Estate

A review by HieiYYH2

Disclaimer:  I am by no means condoning or praising the actions of the founders of Wiki-leaks I am simply reviewing a movie based on their story.  Now forward and Allons-y (It's french for Let's Go)

"A secret organization that fears information.  Historically not awesome."  Tony Stark from The Avengers.

The Fifth Estate a movie based on the raise and fall of the infamous information site named Wiki-leaks.  A site that mirrors a much more widely used and sited website called Wikipedia (though the credibility of information on Wikipedia is questionable at best.).  The movie shows us possibly a more monstrous underbelly of the world.  The premise of the movie while based on true events, dramatizes the lengths too which governments and organizations will go to silence those who would make public knowledge the dirty skeletons in their closets.  This albeit extreme case scenarios for a movie leaves open the door to some haunting questions.

1. How can you trust what you read or hear?

2. Is your sources credible?

3. What are those in power hiding that they would silence those who would call attention to them?

4. In a world where truth is distorted based upon the tellers beliefs and understanding.  How than do we know what is truth and what is heresy?

The flow of information has DRASTICALLY changed in the last thirty years.  It has gone from what we are told on TV and Newspapers.  To being able to find information on anything at just a few key strokes.  Information both public and private spread faster than you could ever possibly imagine my humble readers.

But.... As we delve deeper into this.... remember this my friends.

The truth of a matter is lost depending on who you speak to and who has the more convincing information.

The Fifth Estate opens with the downfall of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.  Moments after his speech to the world about the biggest leak of information in history.  It shows you Julian being driven off in a private car with one of his followers in the backseat.  And than as the car scene fades out we cut to two years earlier in Berlin.  

The story starts off with Wiki-leaks meager begins with an auditorium speech to a miniscule sized group at best.  Julian speaks to the crowd while his partner Daniel Berg looks on as Julian lures in a few of the listeners into his web.  "One Convert at a time."  Julian says as he and Berg exit the conference hall. At this point in the movie we are slowly being introduced to the magnetic charisma that is Julian.  He has information and knows how to use it to both intrigue and mystify you.  He shows time and again his ability to pull people to his side.  It is truly amazing to behold.

The Story also delves into the progression of Wiki-leaks from minor site to major pain the rear for many governments and companies.  Going even to the embarrassing story of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin using her personal emails for what should have been on her government email.  Amongst many other stories.  As the story progresses it begins to show the darker side of this ripping back of the veil of secrets spun before our eyes by our governments and the companies in which we buy our products and place our money in.

"Give a man a mask and he will give you the truth." Oscar Wilde

It is in the crescendo of the story in which the real reason to which Wiki-leaks was ultimately torn asunder.  The incident involving a blank CD labeled only with the words Lady Gaga.  An item so unobtrusive was used to leak the biggest information leak in history and turned the world of Berg and Assange upside down and turned them on each other.

For the technical side of this review I have nothing but the utmost praise.  The script is well paced, the dialog between the characters is believable even the parts with Assange's psychobabble.  The music is fitting but doesn't over power or underplay the mood of the scene.  The characters themselves are believable and you feel for them.  You have a star studded cast with Benedict Cumberbatch as the lead role of Julian Assange it is a joy to watch.  The cast also leaves you both sympathizing and thinking on what will become of them as they go down their path.  When a movie can move you to question and think and not talk down to you like you are below the intelligence of the movie.  You know you have found a great film to watch.

I give this movie a 5 out of 5.  I highly recommend you go out and rent or buy or stream this movie.  Enjoy.

I thank you so much for reading and I look forward to bringing you my next piece