Defense of the Realm (1985) Reviews

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This fast-paced thriller examines the amorality of a nation's secret services and the responsibility of journalistic investigations in an era of nuclear tensions and bureaucratic deceit. The film examines an unspooling series of events occurring after a near crash of a nuclear bomber at an American Air Force base in the English countryside. When Dennis Markham (Ian Bannen), a well-respected member of Parliament, is reported by a London paper to have been seen leaving a woman's home, and the woman is found to also be familiar with a dignitary from East Germany, his loyalty to his country is questioned, and he is forced to resign. The author of the newspaper exposé, Nick Mullen (Gabriel Byrne), continues his investigation with his colleague Vernon Bayliss (Denholm Elliott). But when Vernon dies from a mysterious heart attack, Mullen suspects something deeper at work and finds evidence of a complex web of deceit concerning a secret Air Force base. With the help of Vernon's secretary, Nina Beckman (Greta Scacchi), Nick fights the dark forces in order to bring the truth to light. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Starring:: Gabriel Byrne, Greta Scacchi, (more)

Director(s):: David Drury

Theatrical MPAA Rating:: PG

Format(s):: DVD
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Average Ratings

(3 member reviews)

Member Reviews

	Robert D.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

A farfetched story with too many complications...it's hard to believe that this reporter would have been murdered by his own government because he uncovered a royal airforce guffaw! especially when that guffaw never actually happened but almost did!!! A bit disappointing especially with such noted actors as Gabe Byrne and Denholm Elliott. 21/2 stars!

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	William P.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful

The review says - fast-paced thriller examines the amorality of a nation's secret services. Fast paced is the opposite of the term I'd use to describe the film. It is slow and tedious. It had way too much talk and too little character and plot development. I had trouble staying awake. Part of problem is that unethical government agency cover up has been extremely over worked and I get sick of being preached to. While I believe government hides information from the public, I can't really believe the government will kill a half dozen people to avoid what would be a fairly minor political problem. It is like watching a recent Steven Seagal movie without the action and more moralizing. If you want to see the same theme well handled, rent Enemy of the State with Will Smith.

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	ROBIN H.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful

This movie is a complicated thriller that sucks you right in the plot. It is a thinking person's movie. I really enjoyed the intrigue, the slow uncovering of the facts, and the way the facts fit together to uncover the truth.

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