You can’t expose the world’s secrets without exposing yourself|Oct. 11, 2013|United States | India | Belgium|128 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Thriller
Description: The Fifth Estate is a 2013 film that delves into the world of online activism and the rise of WikiLeaks. The story begins in 2010 with the release of the Afghan War Logs, then shifts back to 2007 when journalist Daniel Domscheit-Berg first encounters Australian journalist Julian Assange at the Chaos Communication Congress in Berlin. Daniel, drawn to online activism, connects with Assange, with whom he has been in email correspondence. Together, they work on WikiLeaks, a platform dedicated to exposing hidden information while safeguarding the anonymity of its sources.
Their first significant target is Julius Baer, a Swiss bank involved in illegal activities through its Cayman Islands branch. Despite legal challenges, including a lawsuit and temporary injunction, they ultimately regain control of the domain name and continue their mission. Over the next three years, they release notable leaks, including secrets about Scientology, Sarah Palin’s email account, and the membership list of the British National Party (BNP).
Initially, Daniel views WikiLeaks as a noble cause and Assange as a mentor. However, their relationship grows increasingly strained. Daniel loses his job, and the BNP leak, which exposed members’ addresses, causes personal and professional fallout for many, including Daniel himself. Flashbacks throughout the film hint at Assange’s troubled past and his involvement in a suspicious cult, suggesting that his obsession with WikiLeaks stems more from personal trauma than a desire to improve the world.
Daniel begins to question Assange’s integrity, suspecting that he may be more of a manipulator than a visionary. Assange’s inconsistencies, such as claims about WikiLeaks’ extensive team and varying explanations for his white hair, further erode Daniel’s trust. Most troublingly, Assange repeatedly emphasizes the importance of protecting sources, yet Daniel becomes unsure of his true motives.
The film explores the complexities of their partnership, the ethical dilemmas of their work, and the consequences of their actions, painting a thought-provoking picture of modern journalism and activism.
Cast director: Bill Condon
Cast actor: Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Brühl, Anthony Mackie, David Thewlis, Alicia Vikander, Dan Stevens, Stanley Tucci, Laura Linney, Carice van Houten, Peter Capaldi
Original name: The Fifth Estate