Watch Defense of The Realm

Defense of the Realm is a taut political thriller from 1985 that stars Gabriel Byrne, Greta Scacchi, and Denholm Elliott. The movie tells the story of a young journalist named Nick Mullen (Byrne) who stumbles across a potentially explosive news story that leads him down a rabbit hole of secrets and lies. Mullen's story begins innocently enough when he meets a beautiful woman named Nina Beckman (Scacchi) who is convinced that her husband is having an affair. As Mullen investigates the case, he discovers that the woman's husband is actually a Member of Parliament, and that he may be involved in something far more sinister than just a romantic indiscretion.

Mullen's investigations eventually lead him to the offices of the Minister of Defense, Sir George Jones (Elliott), where he uncovers evidence of a massive cover-up involving the highest levels of the British government. As Mullen's story develops, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the government, as they attempt to suppress his story in order to protect national security.

As the tension and suspense build, Mullen is forced to confront the fact that his own life is in danger, and that the people he thought he could trust may be part of a larger conspiracy. As Mullen races against time to get his story out to the public, he must also come to terms with the personal toll that his investigations have taken on his own life, and the lives of those around him.

The film is filled with excellent performances from a talented cast, including a young Gabriel Byrne who delivers a nuanced and compelling performance as the film's protagonist. Greta Scacchi is equally excellent as the troubled Nina, while Denholm Elliott brings a gravitas and depth to his role as the secretive Minister of Defense. The film also features strong supporting performances from Ian Bannen, Fulton Mackay, and Bill Paterson.

What makes Defense of the Realm such a compelling film is the way in which it takes a complex political situation and turns it into a gripping thriller. Director David Drury expertly ratchets up the tension as the story unfolds, and the screenplay by Martin Stellman paints a nuanced picture of a government that is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain its power and authority.

In addition to its taut storytelling and excellent performances, Defense of the Realm is also notable for its portrayal of the media in a pre-internet age. The film captures the sense of urgency and excitement that comes with breaking a major news story, and shows how media outlets can play a vital role in holding governments and institutions accountable.

Overall, Defense of the Realm is a highly entertaining and thought-provoking political thriller that still holds up over thirty years after its initial release. With its strong performances, tight pacing, and compelling insights into the inner workings of government and the media, it is a film that deserves to be seen by anyone who loves political thrillers or complex dramas.

Defense of The Realm is a 1985 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.