Watch Bradley Manning Had Secrets

Bradley Manning Had Secrets is a 2012 British docudrama film directed by Adam Butcher. The film follows the story of Bradley Manning, the former US Army soldier who was convicted of leaking confidential information to WikiLeaks. The film starts with Bradley Manning, played by Angus Dunican, arriving in Baghdad in 2009 as an intelligence analyst in the United States Army. It depicts his disillusionment with the war effort in Iraq, as he witnesses the civilian casualties and widespread corruption among military officials.

Bradley Manning's growing discontent is further aggravated when he discovers a vast amount of classified information that he believes the public should know about. He begins to download and transmit this information to Julian Assange's WikiLeaks organization, via secure channels on the internet. The film portrays the challenges Manning faced in sharing the information with WikiLeaks, while maintaining secrecy and avoiding detection by his superiors.

As the film progresses, it explores the consequences of Manning's actions, including his arrest, imprisonment, and trial under the Espionage Act. The filmmakers also delve into the public debate surrounding Manning's case, with interviews from several well-known figures, including Glenn Greenwald and Daniel Ellsberg.

The film captures the emotional turmoil faced by Manning, who struggled to deal with the consequences of his actions, while also seeking to make a difference in the world. The filmmakers depict him as a complex figure who acted out of a sense of duty and responsibility, rather than malice or personal gain.

Angus Dunican delivers a compelling performance as Bradley Manning, capturing the soldier's vulnerability and determination. The supporting cast, which includes Danny Mahoney as Julian Assange, also delivers strong performances.

Overall, Bradley Manning Had Secrets offers a thought-provoking and well-crafted portrayal of one of the most significant whistleblowers in recent history. The film succeeds in illuminating the complexities of Manning's case, while also exploring broader questions around the role of transparency in government and the responsibilities of individuals to speak out against injustice.