The Fifth Estate
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Confusing WikiLeaks docudrama mostly avoids iffy content.
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What's the Story?
THE FIFTH ESTATE takes on WikiLeaks from its launch, as remembered by Daniel Berg whose split from Julian Assange, the whistleblower-founder, was explosive and complete. Though initially the website was devoted to exposing corruption and criminality (early subjects detailed in the film are Swiss bank Julius Baer, the Kenyan government, and the Icelandic financial crisis), the body of the film thrusts WikiLeaks' Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch) into a battle with the United States over the release of a massive number of classified documents. Throughout the conflict, WikiLeaks' associate Berg (Daniel Bruhl) struggles to stay in a committed relationship with his girlfriend, to maintain his own sense of right and wrong, and to deal with Assange's increasingly maniacal egotism. When it becomes clear that the leaks will endanger operatives throughout the world, the stakes get higher and Berg, along with government officials and some members of the mainstream media, must take drastic steps.
Is It Any Good?
Admittedly, clarity is difficult when so much of the story depends upon on-screen computer data, hacking, and issues that cannot be immediately classified as black or white. Unfortunately, the filmmakers, led by director Bill Condon, have opted for a complex storytelling style, including rapid-fire editing, harsh angles, multiple split-screen sequences, visual metaphors, and other techniques that are designed to speed up and intensify audience reaction.
The result? Rather than simplify what is already a complex tale with crucial issues at its core, the film will probably turn off audiences with side stories designed to extrude emotion, but which just add to the haphazard narrative. Also, the movie will have little appeal for kids, even older ones, unless they are well-versed and interested in these true events. Alex Gibney's documentary We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks offers a better and clearer look at Julian Assange and his operation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss the differences between docudramas and documentaries. How much truth do you think can be compromised in either type of film in order to make a movie entertaining or persuasive?
The source material is Daniel Berg's book "Inside WikiLeaks..." Why is important to know the origins of the film's point-of-view?
Find out more about the actual events depicted in this movie. What resources are available to you?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 18, 2013
- On DVD or streaming: January 28, 2014
- Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Bruhl, David Thewlis
- Director: Bill Condon
- Studio: DreamWorks
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: History
- Run time: 128 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language and some violence
- Last updated: April 9, 2023
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