The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies (2025)

The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies (2025) poster

Based on testimony by Ethel’s brother, David Greenglass, the Rosenbergs are arrested by the FBI. The couple is accused of passing secret information about the atomic bomb to the USSR. Though the Rosenbergs maintain their innocence from the start, the media and public opinion seem to have condemned them from day one. The trial does nothing to change this and ends in a death sentence. On Friday June 19, 1953, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed in the electric chair. Julius first, then Ethel. 30 years later, the truth finally comes out. Declassified FBI archives reveal that Ethel was not guilty of being a spy; she was merely married to one. Julius did indeed commit espionage for the Soviet Union, though primarily as a recruiter, nothing at all like the fictional James Bond. This documentary, made entirely of archival footage and animated illustrations, offers a tale of espionage as well as a complex family tragedy.

Director: Julia Bracher
Genre: Documentary, History
Runtime: 52 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Alexis Bruneel
Editing: Franck Zahler
Production: ZED, Siècle Productions
Country: France
Language: English, Français
Original Language: fr

Keywords

death penalty, espionage, atomic bomb, death sentence, antisemitism, nuclear weapons, red scare

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies about?
Based on testimony by Ethel’s brother, David Greenglass, the Rosenbergs are arrested by the FBI. The couple is accused of passing secret information about the atomic bomb to the USSR. Though the Rosenbergs maintain their innocence from the start, the media and public opinion seem to have condemned them from day one. The trial does nothing to change this and ends in a death sentence. On Friday June 19, 1953, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed in the electric chair. Julius first, then Ethel. 30 years later, the truth finally comes out. Declassified FBI archives reveal that Ethel was not guilty of being a spy; she was merely married to one. Julius did indeed commit espionage for the Soviet Union, though primarily as a recruiter, nothing at all like the fictional James Bond. This documentary, made entirely of archival footage and animated illustrations, offers a tale of espionage as well as a complex family tragedy.
Who directed The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies?
The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies was directed by Julia Bracher.
Who stars in The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies?
The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies stars Ethel Rosenberg, Julius Rosenberg.
How long is The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies?
The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies has a runtime of 52m (52 minutes).
What genre is The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies?
The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies is a Documentary, History film.
Where was The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies produced?
The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies was produced in France.