The Falklands Play (2002): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2002, The Falklands Play is a drama, war and tv movie film directed by Michael Samuels, running about 90 minutes.

What it’s about. The Falklands Play is a dramatic account of the political events leading up to, and including, the 1982 Falklands War. The play was written by Ian Curteis, an experienced writer who had started his television career in drama, but had increasingly come to specialise in dramatic reconstructions of history. It was originally commissioned by the BBC in 1983, for production and broadcast in 1986, but was subsequently shelved by Controller of BBC One Michael Grade due to its alleged pro-Margaret Thatcher stance and jingoistic tone. This prompted a press furore over media bias and censorship.The play was not staged until 2002, when it was broadcast in separate adaptations on BBC Television and Radio.

Who’s in it. The Falklands Play stars Patricia Hodge as Rt. Hon Margaret Thatcher (Prime Minister), John Standing as Rt Hon William Whitelaw CH MC MP (Home Secretary), Michael Cochrane as Rt Hon Nicholas Ridley MP (Financial Secretary to the Treasury) and James Fox as Rt Hon Peter, 6th Baron Carrington KCMG MC (Foreign Secretary), among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.5/10, The Falklands Play has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Falklands Play page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Falklands Play tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.