Defence of the Realm (1986)

Best movie of this year hands down!

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

Blistering performances.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

DEFENCE OF THE REALM is a solid and engaging little British conspiracy thriller with much in common with Hollywood cinema. Sure, it's lower budgeted than those kind of films, and certain key scenes (like a plane crash) are excised through lack of funds to shoot them which makes it feel a little choppy in places. But this variously reminded me of the likes of THE CONVERSATION, ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, and even the recent Oscar-winner SPOTLIGHT in its positing of dedicated journalists fighting against an oppressive and unseen foe.The film features Gabriel Byrne in his breakthrough role as a dedicated young journalist investigating a spy plot involving a government minister. The plot twists and turns throughout and I don't really want to say anything about it as that would spoil it. However, it's complex stuff and this is the kind of film that deserves, no, requires full attention, otherwise the viewer might be left feeling confused. There are fine suspense scenes, good twists, and lots of moments of creeping unease. The strong supporting cast includes roles for Robbie Coltrane, Denholm Elliott (particularly fine), Greta Scacchi, Fulton Mackay, Ian Bannen, and Bill Paterson.

*** This review may contain spoilers *** *Plot and ending analyzed*Defense of the Realm isn't too bad, I think it is an interesting film with a premise that is very obscure. If you can understand some of the low-audible dialogue and the heavy-handed British lingo, then it's a worthwhile film. Defense of the Realm has newspaper reporter Gabriel Byrne digging up muck in England, where a Member of Parliament gets thrashed and eventually dismissed for supposedly associating with a KGB agent. It's hard to follow at times and the ending is a big let-down because during the entirety of the film there was an enigmatic suspense that was really showing itself. Still, it does manage to bring enough closure to allow for the full critique of the American nuclear program abroad, which is staffed by lunatics. As a political thriller is should satisfy the basic audience.Also recommended: The Parallax View (1974) Three Days of the Condor (1975) The Conversation (1974) All the President's Men (1976) Telefon (1977)

With a mouthwatering cast (Gabriel Byrne, Denholm Elliott, Fulton Mackay, David Calder, Ian Bannen, Greta Sacchi, etc.) this film promises a lot and more or less delivers. Set in a newsroom against the backdrop of political scandal and cover-ups, 'Defence of the Realm' keeps you watching and keeps you guessing.It is a shame that the ending is a bit of a let-down, coming far too abruptly and leaving the viewer cheated of a really tight finale. But it is a minor grumble, and although this film is far from a classic there is much to recommend it. And incidentally, good use of music at the moments where a bit of tension is needed.

Thoroughly intelligent and chilling conspiracy thriller set in Thatcher's Britain and based on the rumoured just averted nuclear disaster in East Anglia in the 1950s. Almost film noirish in quality, London at night has never seemed so threatening, complemented by a brilliantly edgy musical score.The characterisation and acting are first rate especially by the supporting cast of Ian Bannen Fulton Mackay, Bill Paterson, Robbie Coltrane and above all Denholm Elliot as a washed out alcoholic veteran reporter who is on the brink of uncovering a shocking conspiracy. The portrayal of an old style newspaper office is probably one of the most authentic ever seen in movies. Definitely a film to savour.