Defense of the Realm
1985 · Movie · PG · 96 min · ★ 6.5 · 95% critics
A hard-driving reporter chases what looks like a simple political scandal, only to uncover hints of foreign espionage and a dangerous incident tied to a military base. As questions of secrecy and accountability mount, the investigation pulls him deeper into a web of pressure, paranoia, and possible cover-ups at the highest levels.
Where to watch
Watch free on Tubi.
2 hours to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Original title
- Defence of the Realm
- Years
- 1985
- Release date
- 1986-05-09
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 96 min
- Max quality
- SD
- Critic score
- 95/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.5/10 (41 votes)
About
If you enjoy conspiracy-tinged political thrillers where a reporter digs into government secrecy and feels increasingly watched, this fits; Not for you if you want a simple plot or a neat, fully satisfying wrap-up like in The Whistle Blower.
Pros: tense, paranoid mood; strong ensemble acting; gripping investigative mystery | Cons: needs close attention; some dated elements; abrupt ending complaints
Themes
- kgb
- reporter
- death
- newspaper man
- member of parliament
Cast & crew
Gabriel Byrne
as Nicholas 'Nick' Mullen
Greta Scacchi
as Nina Beckman
Denholm Elliott
as Vernon Bayliss
Ian Bannen
as Dennis Markham
Fulton Mackay
as Victor Kingsbrook
Bill Paterson
as Jack Macleod
David Calder
as Harry Champion
- FT
Frederick Treves
as Arnold Reece
Robbie Coltrane
as Leo McAskey
Steven Woodcock
as Steven Dyce
Directed by David Drury