Tuesday 1 August 2023

Review of The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

Introduction Review The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

The Fifth Estate movie poster

The Fifth Estate is a 2013 film that attempts to tell the story of the founding of Wikileaks and its rise to notoriety from the perspective of its founder and controversial figure, Julian Assange. This film was directed by Bill Condon, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Assange and Daniel Bruhl as his colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg.

The movie's plot explored how Wikileaks became a game-changer in the world of journalism by exposing secrets of governments and corporations that were kept away from the public eye for many years. However, it also delves into the paradox of Assange's character, as he tries to provide the public with unfettered access to information while being fiercely protective of his own privacy.

While The Fifth Estate provided an intriguing look at the inner workings of Wikileaks, and at the heart of the debate about privacy and transparency, the film failed to deliver a comprehensive and unbiased portrait of Assange and his motivations. It received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, with some claiming that it overly-demonized Assange, while others thought it was too forgiving.

Overall, The Fifth Estate is an interesting and thought-provoking film that raises relevant questions about freedom of information, transparency, and journalism in the digital era. However, given its own biases, It is important to view the film with a critical eye.

Plot Summary Review The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

The Fifth Estate Movie Poster

The Fifth Estate is a 2013 movie based on the true story of Julian Assange and the rise of WikiLeaks. The movie portrays the journey of Julian Assange and Daniel Domscheit-Berg, who collectively created and aimed to expose the corrupt practices of powerful institutions such as governments, banks, and corporations.

The story begins with Domscheit-Berg joining Assange to create an online platform that allows whistle-blower to share classified information. The website becomes an instant hit, and the popularity of the website skyrockets, leading them to release thousands of sensitive governmental documents which create a whirlwind of controversies. The story follows their journey as they face legal charges, death threats and confront the issue of ethical dilemmas which arise as they become more popular and influential.

The Fifth Estate enthralls its viewers by delivering an in-depth account of how WikiLeaks works and the price its members pay for exposing classified information. The movie is thrilling and compelling, thanks to the exceptional performances from Benedict Cumberbatch as Julian Assange and Daniel Brühl as Daniel Domscheit-Berg.

In conclusion, the movie The Fifth Estate is a remarkable depiction of the true story of Julian Assange and demonstrates that even in the digital age, there are serious challenges that society faces when it comes to transparency and accountability. The movie leaves its viewers with a sense of fascination and leaves them questioning the boundaries of journalism and the power of the media.

Characters and their Backgrounds Review The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

Characters and their backgrounds Review The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

The Fifth Estate (2013) is a thrilling movie that brings the world of journalism and whistleblowing to light. The movie is based on the real-life events that led to the creation of WikiLeaks by Julian Assange and his friend Daniel Domscheit-Berg. The movie presents various characters with their different backgrounds, motivations, and perspectives.

The main character, Julian Assange, is portrayed as an enigma, a mysterious figure who hides most of his life from the public. His character is multifaceted, sometimes charming and confident, other times paranoid and ruthless. Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Assange is spot-on, capturing his mannerisms and speech pattern with impressive accuracy.

Daniel Domscheit-Berg, played by Daniel Brühl, is the co-founder of WikiLeaks, who later clashes with Assange over ideological differences. His background as a former hacker and computer programmer adds depth to his character, as he remains conflicted about betraying Assange while also being convinced that their actions are for the greater good.

The movie also introduces other characters, such as the Guardian journalists and the US government officials, who have different motivations and perspectives on whistleblowing and the role of the press in society. They all contribute to the movie's overall message about the power of information, its impact on politics and public opinion.

In conclusion, The Fifth Estate effectively portrays the complex characters in the world of journalism and whistleblowing. The movie gives viewers a glimpse into the backgrounds and motivations of key figures involved in the WikiLeaks scandal. The film also raises important questions about the role of the press, morality, and transparency in our increasingly digital world.

Setting and Location Review of The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

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Image of a camera and clapperboard

The Fifth Estate (2013) is a thrilling movie based on the story of Julian Assange and his website WikiLeaks. The movie was shot in various locations, including Belgium, Iceland, and Germany. The setting and location play a significant role in creating the ambience and mood for the movie.

The movie commences with scenes shot in Iceland, where the Julian Assange character meets with the Daniel Domscheit-Berg character, and their relationship takes off. The Icelandic scenery adds to the overall aura of the opening act by its breathtaking views. In contrast, later parts of the movie were shot in Germany, which replicates the gritty and realistic offices of WikiLeaks.

The movie also features a sequence of scenes in Belgium that highlights the emotional turmoil Julian Assange is facing while operating WikiLeaks. Belgium sequences are shot in a way that emotions and the storyline blend seamlessly leaving an overall impact on the viewer.

The movie features a blend of urban and countryside scenes that complement each other perfectly and sets up a balanced base for the storyline. The movie's locations, combined with cinematography, add a sense of realism, and the audience feels as if they're right there in the middle of a significant turning point.

In conclusion, the setting and locations in The Fifth Estate effectively capture the film's essence and amplify its tone and mood. The different locations around Europe helped reveal the different personalities and situations that the characters were in throughout their real-life journey. The movie's overall impact is greatly influenced by its settings and locations.

Cinematography and Visual Effects Review: The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

The Fifth Estate

The Fifth Estate is a 2013 movie based on the real-life story of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. The movie aims to portray the inner workings of the organization and its impact on global politics. The cinematography and visual effects used in the movie play a significant role in successfully communicating the intense themes and political issues of the story.

The movie's cinematography is slick and intelligent, capturing the complex story by utilizing a variety of camera styles. The movie starts with conventional camera work, but it progresses with a rapid pace and steep angles as the plot becomes more thrilling. The movie uses a lot of close-up shots, which highlight the tension between the characters and enhance the storytelling. The camera work is sharp and engaging, which makes it easy to get lost in the story.

The visual effects used in the movie are commendable. The film blends real-life footage with recreated scenes seamlessly. The digital animation used to portray online activity is convincing, and the hacking sequences are visually captivating. The special effects are realistic, and they complement the movie's dark mood seamlessly.

In summary, the cinematography and visual effects of The Fifth Estate help to elevate the movie into a thrilling drama. The camera work and visual effects create a sense of tension and unease that helps to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. Overall, it is a well-crafted movie with a gripping story and impressive cinematic elements.

Sound and Music Review: The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

The Fifth Estate Movie Review

The Sound

The Fifth Estate is a movie that emphasizes dialogue, but the sound design is still an integral part of the film. The sound effects are minimal, but when present, they add impact to the scene. For example, in scenes that involve computer hacking, the sound of the keystrokes and mouse clicks create tension and emphasize the high stakes involved in the story.

The movie's score is also noteworthy, composed by Carter Burwell. Burwell, who has scored many movies before, does a great job of creating a mood that fits the story's themes. The music is low-key and moody, emphasizing the darker elements of the film.

The Music

The Fifth Estate makes great use of music, especially in the opening sequence. The music is fast-paced and largely electronic, which fits the movie's tech-heavy subject matter. The soundtrack also includes popular songs by artists such as Weezer and Amon Tobin.

One standout musical moment occurs near the film's climax when Radiohead's "All I Need" plays during a montage of news footage. The song's haunting melody and Thom Yorke's distinctive vocals create an emotional impact that fits the intensity of the scene.

The Overall Effect

Overall, the sound and music in The Fifth Estate are well-done and add to the movie's cinematic experience. While not as bombastic as some other movies, the sound and music complement the story being told and enhance the audience's engagement with the characters and plot.

In conclusion, The Fifth Estate is a prime example of how important sound and music can be in a movie. From the subtle sound effects to the carefully curated soundtrack, the movie's audio elements are integral to the story being told on screen.

Themes and Messages Conveyed by The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

Themes and Messages Conveyed by The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

The Fifth Estate is a 2013 biographical thriller film that portrays the story of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. The movie reflects on themes of privacy, surveillance, online media, and activism. With an excellent cast and direction, the film delves deeper into the moral dilemma of a person who is determined to expose hidden truths and facts that governments and corporations wish to keep secret.

The movie explicitly conveys the message of the power of transparency and how it can bring about change. The film illustrates how a whistleblower can make an impact by revealing classified documents that can lead to the exposure of corruption and immoral activities. The Fifth Estate also raises the question of government transparency and the line between national security and individual privacy.

Another significant theme in The Fifth Estate is the morality of journalism in the context of the internet and social media. The movie explores how the digital era has affected the traditional media industry and created a new form of digital journalism. The story raises ethical questions about the information disseminated through digital media platforms and the motives behind them.

Lastly, The Fifth Estate conveys the message of how the use of technology can change the world and create significant social changes. The movie reflects the power of technology to bring people together and mobilize them for a cause through digital activism, which was demonstrated during the Arab Spring. The story of Julian Assange highlights the importance of technology in activism and how it can be used for both personal interest and social change.

In conclusion, The Fifth Estate is a thought-provoking movie that raises several ethical and social questions. The film is a fascinating portrayal of the story of Julian Assange and his contributions to shaping the digital era. The movie highlights the themes of transparency, freedom of information, and the power of technology to bring about change.

Critical Reception and Reviews Review The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

poster of The Fifth Estate movie

The Fifth Estate is a 2013 movie based on the true story of WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange. The movie received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised the movie for its portrayal of the controversial organization and the impact it had on the world, while others criticized it for its inaccuracies and biased perspective.

Critics praised the performances of the lead actors, Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Brühl. Cumberbatch was praised for his portrayal of Assange, but some criticized his performance for being too one-dimensional. Brühl, on the other hand, was praised for his portrayal of Daniel Domscheit-Berg, Assange's former colleague. The chemistry between these two actors was also praised by critics as one of the movie's strengths.

However, some critics criticized the movie for taking a biased perspective on WikiLeaks and Julian Assange. They argued that the movie portrayed Assange in a negative light and failed to represent the organization's goals accurately. Some also criticized the movie for its inaccuracies, claiming that it made WikiLeaks appear more significant in the U.S. government's decision to withdraw troops from Iraq than it actually was.

Despite its mixed reception, The Fifth Estate remains a compelling drama that explores the impact of technology on journalism and the power of information. It offers an engaging retelling of one of the most significant moments in recent history, and while it may not be entirely accurate, it certainly sparks important conversations about the role of journalism in a modern, digital age.

Box Office Performance and Awards Won Review: The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

Box Office Performance and Awards Won Review: The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

The Fifth Estate is a 2013 biographical thriller film which is based on the real-life events of WikiLeaks. The film depicts founder Julian Assange and his team fighting against the corrupt government and media to expose classified information to the public. However, the movie failed to perform well at the box office, earning only $8.5 million against a budget of $28 million.

Despite the lukewarm response at the box office, The Fifth Estate managed to win nominations for various awards. Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance as Julian Assange received praise and earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the Golden Globe Awards. The movie also won nominations for Best Original Score and Best Editing at the Satellite Awards.

The film’s screenplay was written by Josh Singer and directed by Bill Condon. The filmmakers had to rely on several sources, including the book “Inside WikiLeaks, to create an accurate depiction of the events. Though the movie received mixed reviews from critics, the performances and the storyline were widely appreciated.

In conclusion, The Fifth Estate may not have been a commercial success, but it was a thought-provoking film that highlighted the importance of free speech and the role of the media in exposing the truth. Despite only receiving nominations for awards, the performances and screenplay were well-received. It's a film worth watching, especially for those interested in the subject matter of WikiLeaks and free speech.

Conclusion Review The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie

The Fifth Estate Movie

The movie The Fifth Estate revolves around the story of Julian Assange and his creation of WikiLeaks. It highlights the rise of the whistleblower website and the eventual controversies that led to Assange's arrest for allegations of sexual assault and harassment. The movie delivers strong performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Bruhl, who played the roles of Assange and his colleague, Daniel Domscheit-Berg, respectively.

Overall, the movie was a compelling and informative drama that captures the roller coaster ride of Assange and his team's journey. The cast was top-notch, and the story was well-executed, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

However, the movie received mixed reviews and criticisms from various sources. It was accused of glorifying Julian Assange's actions, presenting him in a sympathetic light, and ultimately failing to portray the full consequences of WikiLeaks's revelations. Some also noted the dramatizations and factual errors throughout the movie.

In conclusion, The Fifth Estate is a gripping drama that provides insight into the complex world of whistleblowers, journalism, and government secrets. While it may not be entirely accurate or unbiased, it is a movie worth watching for anyone interested in the subject matter.

The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie Review

The Fifth Estate is a thriller movie that is based on the controversial website WikiLeaks and its creator Julian Assange. The movie offers a fascinating insight into the world of cyberspace and provides an interesting look at the dynamics between secrecy, free speech, and journalism.

The plot of the movie revolves around the partnership between Julian Assange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, and Daniel Domscheit-Berg, portrayed by Daniel Brühl, as they sought to create a platform for whistleblowers to expose confidential information that the public has a right to know. The partnership soon turns sour as their views on the role of journalism and the use of confidential information become increasingly at odds with each other.

The performances in the movie are excellent, especially from Cumberbatch who captures the eccentricity and aloofness of Assange perfectly. The cinematography is also exceptional, with thrilling camera angles and immersive scenes that transport you into the high-tension drama of the story.

Overall, The Fifth Estate is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in the interplay between media, politics, and technology. The movie raises important questions about the role of journalism in the digital age and the tension between the right to know and the need for secrecy in government and corporate affairs.

If you haven't watched The Fifth Estate already, I highly recommend it. It's an engaging and thought-provoking movie that will leave you questioning the ethics of journalism and the impact of technology on our lives.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review, and I hope to see you here again soon. Please feel free to share this review with your friends and family.

Until next time!

Review The Fifth Estate (2013) Movie