Underground: The Julian Assange Story Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A socially awkward teen discovers he can break into top-secret government systems with a dial-up modem, leading to a tense game of digital cat-and-mouse with Australian cops who think a ‘modem’ is a new type of cheese.

🍿 Underground: The Julian Assange Story: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Rise of ‘Mendax’ and the International Subversives

Set in 1989 Melbourne, the film introduces Julian Assange, known by his hacker alias ‘Mendax,’ as a brilliant but socially uncertain teenager. Along with two friends, he forms the ‘International Subversives,’ a group dedicated to ‘white hat hacking’ – exploring secure systems without malicious intent or theft. Their early exploits involve breaking into powerful and secretive organizations using nascent home computer technology. The narrative quickly establishes the trio’s prowess, showcasing their ability to navigate the emerging electronic underground. Their sophisticated methods and deep understanding of computer systems quickly draw the attention of authorities. Unbeknownst to them, their digital explorations are deemed a significant threat to national security, particularly by the US Government.

The Cat-and-Mouse Game with Australian Federal Police

Prompted by the FBI, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) establish a special task force to apprehend the International Subversives. This presents a unique challenge, as many Australian police officers at the time had minimal experience with computers, let alone the intricate world of hacking. Detective Ken Roberts is assigned the daunting task of understanding this new ‘crime frontier’ and tracking down the elusive hackers. The film evolves into a tense and gripping game of cat and mouse, contrasting the police’s traditional investigative methods with the hackers’ nimble, highly skilled digital maneuvers. As the authorities close in, the pressure mounts on Assange and his friends, forcing them to navigate personal relationships and the consequences of their actions alongside their high-stakes digital escapades. The story delves into Assange’s nomadic upbringing and his complex relationship with his mother, Christine, providing context for his driven personality.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Julian Assange (Alex Williams): The brilliant and idealistic teenage computer hacker, known as ‘Mendax’, who leads the ‘International Subversives’ to expose hidden information.
• Detective Ken Roberts (Anthony LaPaglia): The determined Australian Federal Police detective who leads the special task force attempting to track and apprehend the ‘International Subversives’ hackers.
• Christine Assange (Rachel Griffiths): Julian’s protective and morally outspoken mother, who supports him despite his unconventional and nomadic lifestyle.
• Electra (Laura Wheelwright): Julian’s girlfriend who experiences the challenges of his obsessive dedication to hacking and becomes pregnant with his child.
• Trax (Jordan Raskopoulos): One of Julian’s two core hacker friends and a key member of the ‘International Subversives’ group.
• Jonah (Benedict Samuel): One of Julian’s two core hacker friends and a fellow member of the ‘International Subversives’ who participates in their digital intrusions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Julian Assange: “We look, but we don’t steal. We expose.” – Julian, as ‘Mendax’, articulates the core philosophy of his hacking group, emphasizing their goal to reveal information without causing damage.
• Detective Ken Roberts: “They’re operating in a world we barely understand. How do you catch something you can’t even see?” – The lead detective expresses the frustration and unprecedented challenge faced by police in tracking down the early hackers, highlighting their lack of understanding of the new digital frontier.
• Julian Assange: “Information wants to be free. It’s the only way to truly hold power accountable.” – Julian passionately conveys his deep-seated belief in the importance of transparency and the unfettered flow of information as a means to challenge authority.
• Electra: “This isn’t just a game anymore, Mendax. This is real.” – Electra warns Julian as the stakes escalate, and the group realizes the serious implications and consequences of their high-level system breaches.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Underground: The Julian Assange Story Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Underground’ not really knowing what to expect, and I was completely drawn in! The early scenes with the dial-up modems and those massive old computers were such a nostalgic trip, making the hacking feel so grassroots and intense. I loved the cat-and-mouse game between Julian and Detective Roberts; it kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if they’d get caught. Alex Williams really brought young Julian to life, showing his quiet brilliance and the underlying convictions that drove him, which honestly made me think about his later actions in a new light. It’s a surprisingly gripping story about a complex character before he became a global name.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of biographical dramas and origin stories”
  • “Those interested in the early history of computing and hacking culture”
  • “Viewers curious about Julian Assange’s pre-WikiLeaks life”
  • “Admirers of Australian television drama and true-crime narratives”
  • “Anyone interested in stories about freedom of information and digital activism”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Not Rated (viewers should be aware it’s a drama involving legal pursuits and mature themes inherent to a biopic)”
  • “Thematic elements include hacking, surveillance, and legal challenges.”

Professional Reviews

• Film Weekly: “Underground delivers a surprisingly tense and engaging origin story, spotlighting Julian Assange’s formative years as a ‘white hat’ hacker. Alex Williams’ portrayal is compelling, capturing the quiet intensity of a young man driven by principle. The film masterfully evokes the early internet era, pitting nascent digital brilliance against old-school policing. It’s a fascinating, largely unbiased look at the foundations of a controversial figure, making it more than just a biopic but a captivating techno-thriller.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised the authentic portrayal of early hacking culture and the thrilling chase sequences.: Many agreed that the film offered an insightful, unbiased look at Julian Assange’s youth, showcasing the pioneering spirit of the early internet and the strong performances from the cast, especially Alex Williams.

Overall Consensus: A captivating and well-acted origin story that provides a fascinating glimpse into Julian Assange’s early life as a hacker, set against the backdrop of the nascent digital age.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film focuses on Julian Assange’s early life as a teenage hacker known as ‘Mendax’ in the ‘International Subversives’ before WikiLeaks, based on the book ‘Underground: Hacking, madness and obsession on the electronic frontier’ by Suelette Dreyfus.”
• “Neither Julian Assange nor his family consulted on the film’s production, though Assange reportedly later stated he liked the movie after seeing it.”
• “An anachronism appears early in the movie with a Telstra phone box, as the Telstra brand wasn’t introduced until 1995, while the film is set in 1989. Later scenes correctly feature Telecom phone boxes.”
• “Originally produced as an Australian tele-movie for SBS, it later gained international distribution due to its compelling subject matter.”

🖥️ How to Watch Underground: The Julian Assange Story?

While ‘Underground: The Julian Assange Story’ was originally an Australian tele-movie, it is often available for streaming or digital purchase. You can typically find it for rent or purchase on major digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. For subscription streaming, availability may vary by region and service, so check platforms like Hulu, Netflix, or specialty drama services in your area. Always verify current availability on your preferred service.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Underground: The Julian Assange Story, you might like these similar films:

• The Fifth Estate (2013): Explores Julian Assange’s later life and the WikiLeaks scandal, serving as a direct continuation and deeper look into his controversial career.
• Snowden (2016): A biographical drama centered on Edward Snowden, another prominent figure involved in leaking classified government information, sharing themes of whistleblowing and digital ethics.
• WarGames (1983): A classic film from the same era depicting a young hacker who accidentally accesses a military supercomputer, showcasing early computer hacking themes and the risks involved.
• The Social Network (2010): Chronicles the origins of Facebook, focusing on a brilliant young programmer and the legal and personal battles that arise from his technological innovation, appealing to fans of tech-driven biographical dramas.
• Hackers (1995): A cult classic film that glamorizes the 90s hacker subculture, offering a stylized but fun look at young computer enthusiasts challenging powerful systems, which would appeal to fans of early hacker narratives.

🛒 Underground: The Julian Assange Story Related Products

• Underground: Hacking, Madness and Obsession on the Electronic Frontier: The seminal non-fiction book by Suelette Dreyfus that inspired the film, offering a deeper, meticulously researched dive into the real events and characters of Australia’s early hacker scene, including Julian Assange.
• Vintage 80s/90s ‘White Hat Hacker’ T-Shirt: A comfortable, retro-style t-shirt featuring a stylized graphic inspired by classic computer interfaces and the ‘white hat’ hacker ethos of the film, perfect for tech enthusiasts.
• The Social Network (Collector’s Edition Blu-ray): Director David Fincher’s acclaimed film chronicling the dramatic origins of Facebook, presented in a high-definition collector’s edition with bonus features.
• Retro Dial-Up Modem Sound Machine / USB Hub: A novelty USB hub designed to resemble a vintage dial-up modem, complete with authentic, switchable dial-up connection sounds that transport you back to the early internet era.

🎧 Soundtrack

Underground: The Julian Assange Story features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “At First Sight” – performed by The Stems

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hacker Pertama Didunia Yang Baru Berusia 17 Tahun – Alur Cerita Film The Julian Assange Story (2012)

Ever wondered about the true story behind Julian Assange’s early hacking days? This video dives deep into the fascinating real-life events depicted in ‘Underground: The Julian Assange Story’, giving you the full rundown on how a 17-year-old became such a pivotal figure. It’s pretty wild to see the real-world origins of what we see on screen!

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