We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks

We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks is a riveting documentary that provides a detailed look into one of the most significant events in the history of the internet era. Directed by Alex Gibney and released in 2013, the film explores the rise of WikiLeaks, an online organization dedicated to exposing government secrets and corporate corruption.

The documentary begins with the story of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks who was a hacker and a freedom of information activist before starting the organization. The film details his early life in Australia and how he became interested in hacking and the world of technology. The viewers then see how Assange, with the help of a close-knit group of volunteers, started WikiLeaks as an online platform for whistleblowers to anonymously leak sensitive information.

The film then moves on to one of the most explosive events in WikiLeaks history - the release of an unedited video footage of a US military helicopter attack in Iraq in 2007. The footage showed US soldiers killing civilians, including two Reuters journalists. Assange's decision to publish the footage sparked international outrage and put WikiLeaks in the global spotlight.

The documentary doesn't just focus on Assange but also on the people who leaked information to the organization. The most prominent whistleblower was Private Bradley Manning, now Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with hundreds of thousands of classified US military documents. The documentary sheds light on the motivations behind Manning's actions, highlighting the mismanagement, corruption, and human rights abuses of the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks also delves into the aftermath of the release of Manning's documents. The US government's response was swift, and Manning was arrested and charged with espionage. Assange, on the other hand, took shelter in the Ecuadorian embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he was wanted for questioning regarding a sexual assault accusation. The documentary highlights the legal and political battles that took place after the publication of the leaked documents and how it led to international investigations, cyber-attacks, and charges against both Manning and Assange.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the documentary is the presence of Adrian Lamo, a former hacker who was responsible for turning Manning in to the authorities. The film provides an in-depth interview with Lamo, detailing his motivations and the events that led to Manning's arrest.

The documentary also introduces viewers to John 'FuzzFace' McMahon, a former CIA agent who played a key role in the capture of the FBI's most wanted spy, Robert Hanssen. As an expert in counterintelligence and cyber warfare, McMahon provides insight into how organizations like WikiLeaks can pose a threat to national security and how intelligence agencies deal with the threat.

Throughout the film, Gibney uses a collection of news footage, interviews, and animated graphics to provide a comprehensive overview of the rise of WikiLeaks and its impact on global politics. The documentary does an excellent job of providing context and explanations of complex issues, making it accessible to a general audience.

In conclusion, We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks is a thought-provoking documentary that provides a comprehensive look into one of the most significant international events of the 21st century. The film explores the motivations of whistleblowers and freedom of information activists, the challenges of maintaining privacy and security in the digital age, and the complexities of international politics. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in technology, politics, and social justice.