Inspired by the true story, Joan Stanley (Judi Dench/Sophie Cookson), is a widow living in the suburbs when, the British Secret Service (MI5) arrests her for giving classified scientific information to the Soviet Union in her younger years. As it turns out, Joan, becomes one of the most influential spies in history. During her interrogation, Joan relives the dramatic events that shaped her life and her beliefs.
So I’m usually intrigued by movies based/inspired by true stories. This one was no different. Throw in the most amazing Dame Judi Dench and call me excited!!!
Unfortunately the movie wasn’t as exciting as I was about it. Although the story was interesting, most stories like this are or they wouldn’t have tried to make it a movie, but it was just really slow for my tastes. Because of that I had a very hard time getting emotionally involved with it. Besides being a British history lesson, the best this about it was actually Sophie Cookson as the the young Joan Stanley. Even though she’s been in a few movies, I don’t recall her in them, but here she was actually very good. This just happens to be one of those films where a good performance cannot save the rest of the film.
If you would like to check it out for yourself, Red Joan is playing exclusively this weekend at the Harkins Shea 14.