The Fifth Estate

The Fifth Estate

Year: 2013

Runtime: 128 min

Language: English

Directors: Bill Condon, R.J. Cutler

BiographyDramaThrillerDocumentary

In this gripping biographical thriller, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his trusted colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg revolutionize transparency by providing an anonymous platform for whistleblowers to expose government secrets and corporate corruption. As their impact grows, so does the danger, culminating in a high-stakes showdown over access to historic U.S. intelligence files.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Fifth Estate (2013)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Fifth Estate (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2007-2010

The events unfold between 2007 and 2010, a period characterized by rapid developments in technology and information sharing. This era saw the rise of online activism, alongside significant political events, including the initial leaks from WikiLeaks which challenged traditional media narratives.

Location

Berlin, Ecuadorian embassy in London

The story prominently features Berlin, known for its vibrant history and culture, where pivotal meetings between key characters occur at the Chaos Communication Congress. The film also concludes in an Ecuadorian embassy in London, a place synonymous with political asylum and secrecy, highlighting the stakes involved in Assange's situation.

🏙️ City 🏛️ Embassy

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:00

Main Characters – The Fifth Estate (2013)
Meet the key characters of The Fifth Estate (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Brühl)

Daniel is portrayed as a passionate and idealistic journalist whose collaboration with Assange initially fills him with purpose. However, as the story unfolds, he grapples with moral dilemmas and growing disillusionment towards Assange's methods and motivations.

📰 Journalist 🤔 Idealist ⚖️ Ethical Dilemma

Julian Assange

Assange is depicted as a controversial yet magnetic figure whose charismatic approach masks a complex and troubled past. His unwavering belief in the importance of transparency often puts him at odds with Daniel as he prioritizes ambition over ethical concerns.

💼 Activist 🎭 Charismatic 🔒 Secretive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:00

Major Themes – The Fifth Estate (2013)
Explore the central themes of The Fifth Estate (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Trust and Betrayal

The film explores the dynamics of trust, particularly between Assange and Domscheit-Berg. As their relationship deteriorates, the themes of betrayal and moral conflict intensify, reflecting the complexities of loyalty when ideals clash with personal ethics.

💻 Digital Activism

At its core, the movie examines the implications of digital activism, showcasing how platforms like WikiLeaks can empower whistleblowers but also create potential dangers for innocent parties. It raises questions about the balance between transparency and the protection of individuals' identities.

⚖️ Ethics

A significant theme is the ethical responsibility tied to leaking information. The narrative pits the promise of revealing the truth against the ethical duty to protect those implicated, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by activists in a digital age.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:00

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