Based on a real World War 2 intelligence strategy employed by the British, Operation Mincemeat is a war drama directed by John Madden. It had its premiere at the 2021 British Film Festival in Australia before getting a wide real in the UK and United States in 2022.

As the British forces prepare to invade Sicily, Winston Churchill (Simon Russell Beale) is convinced by Naval intelligence officer Ewen Montagu (Colin Firth) and MI5 Agent Charles Cholmondeley (Matthew Macfadyen) to do “Operation: Mincemeat” which would trick Hitler’s forces into the attack would come from elsewhere. Under the critical eye of Admiral John Godfrey (Jason Isaacs), they put their plan into action. They assemble Director of the Admiralty Secretarial Unit Hester Leggett (Penelope Wilton), clerk Jean Leslie (Kelly Macdonald), and Lt. Commander Ian Fleming (Johnny Flynn) to help with the plot. The plan is to dump a dead body that appears drown off the coast of Spain with the hope that the neutral country will turn over the documents to the Third Reich. As tensions rise, the group works around the clock to ensure the success of the mission.

While the movie contains some dramatizations including a subplot that was largely fictitious, the film tried to portray the events accurately, even down to certain meetings that the group had to prepare for the operation.

As a feature film, I thought everyone did a good job. It was well-acted and everyone took their parts very seriously. While his role was smaller, I always enjoy Jason Isaacs in a movie. He is sharp and talented, plus he can deliver an insult better than most actors playing someone in authority.

The only thing I did not care for was the final act when they are waiting to see if the Third Reich took the bait. That part of the movie did drag on for a little bit. I think they could have trimmed some stuff in that part to make flow a bit better, but it did not impede the climax.

This is a smaller thing, but I thought it was cool. James Bond author Ian Fleming was part of the role and his character, played by Flynn, narrated some parts of the film. I thought that was a nice touch, especially when they reference his fiction writing later on.

Bottom line, Operation Mincemeat is a well-acted war drama that tells the story of one of the greatest gambles ever taken by the British during World War 2. It is a fascinating tale that will keep you hooked.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Foul language, Brief war violence, Some sexual themes

FAVORITE QUOTE: The crucial thing is that he must be real. As real as you or I.

Check out the trailer below:

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