Synopsis

She risked everything to stop an unjust war. Her government called her a traitor. 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.

Critics Views

“Director Gavin Hood gives the proceedings a rousing electricity, and he’s aided by a cast which leans into the story’s urgency and continued relevance.” Screen International

“A model of professionalism and energy, Official Secrets moves along at a brisk clip. It’s paced like a police procedural, but it focuses not on an investigator but rather a moral exemplar who takes a principled stand in defiance of the price that has to be paid.” Los Angeles Times

“Hood (Eye in the Sky), his co-screenwriters Sara and Gregory Bernstein and a seasoned ensemble of Brit stage and screen pros deliver a straightforward, solidly old-fashioned slice of real-life espionage, journalistic and legal intrigue that gets the job done in engrossing, clear-eyed fashion even if it lacks much in the way of stylistic verve.” The Hollywood Reporter

“Official Secrets is a well-intentioned retelling of a daunting act of courage and as a vehicle for informing more people of who Katharine Gun is, it’s effective, carefully laying out the incremental stakes as well as her noble intentions. Credit for this however lies almost solely with Knightley.” The Guardian

Film Rating

IMDb
 Critics: 63%  Audience 73%

Rotten Tomatoes
Critics positive review 83%   Audience Liked It 89%

 Stockbridge Audience Score: 95%

Audience Comments
Terrifying!
A little slow to begin but once it got going it was compelling viewing Kiera Knightley’s portrayal of Katherine Gun was very convincing. Well worth watching.
Absolutely gripping
Well paced, constructed, enough drama.
Very much enjoyed.
Foul language, endemic in newspaper offices, is worthy of comment. I don’t find it adds to my enjoyment, rather reinforces my poor opinion of the newspaper industry. That’s why I don’t buy newspapers any more.
Exceeded expectations
Thoroughly absorbing. If you didn’t know it was a true story you would not believe it. Keira K excellent in the lead role.
A really good film highlighting significant issues
I thought it was a little slow to get going but when it did I was engrossed.
Brought it all back – such lies. Wonderful acting. Excellent script.
It was a very interesting film based on a true story. A very strong woman which is good to see in a film. Amazing that Great Britain might have put her in prison
An amazing film, very well produced
Thought provoking