Red Joan

[McG]

I really enjoyed this film and thought the acting and story were good. I liked the smooth transition from past to present . . .I sometimes get irritated by a story going back and forward but thought this was so we'll done. Judi Dench was great as the "old lady who lives next door" and Sophie Cooper was very good as the young Joan . . .and wearing the most fabulous outfits.
I know it was based on a true story but I have yet to check out the real story. I'd happily watch again.
Marks 8/10

[prettyxcool]

Interestingly, I learnt, from an intro by the producer, David Parfitt, at a BAFTA members' screening, that it was based on a book of the same name, which was inspired by the real life story of Melita Norwood.

So Red Joan is actually based on a book inspired by a true story
(Perhaps, the film suffered from adaptation from book to script).

Anyway, always wondered what the differences are between a true story, based on a true story or inspired by a true story
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-diffe ... -in-movies

So now we know!

[stuartboy]

But why not Red Melita?
I mean it's a bit like having the Michael Jackson story and calling it "The Bert Jackson Story".

[prettyxcool]

But why not Red Melita?
I mean it's a bit like having the Michael Jackson story and calling it "The Bert Jackson Story".

I think when it's an inspiration, you don't need to use real names

Inspired from a true story' is the adaptation of a story in spinning a new tale altogether. Characters are usually have different names. The setting, progression and scene can sometimes be share little similarities with a true story. The gist however may be the same. Only certain aspects of the plot would be drawn from real stories. This term is also used when stories are partially copied and duplicated from a real incident. Dramatisation and manipulation of facts is seen heavily as it is a new story.

[tonethestone]

This sadly sucks, reviews have been poor and can see why. Quite liked the trailer so went in with hopes, but it’s so dull. It’s crazy how poor this film is with the talent involved.
1.5/5

[helenecolin]

Went to see it yesterday, I quite liked the story, though I must agree with some of you that it would have been better as a TV movie or short series. The acting was good enough, but I didn't feel the Cold War atmosphere the main character was so prompt to talk about every time she was questioned by her son about her actions. "You don't know what it was like at the time" was her go-to answer, and while I 100% understand how she may have felt, and how it's true that younger generations can't understand how it was like, I would have hoped that the film would have tried to portray it at least... or perhaps I just failed to feel it?

[nosila50]

I enjoyed this film, although agree it would have worked better on the small screen. That said it was interesting to see this story as I had no knowledge of this before seeing the film.

Saw it in a packed Edinburgh and although few seats left when we arrived, we were fortunate to get the last two in the upper level and deluxe seats at that. 7/10