The Post

You can’t get on the internet these days without a political controversy smacking you right in the face.  You also can’t help but notice the timing of this historical thriller directed by Steven Spielberg. Using the past’s political agenda to reaffirm the resistance we are facing today.   The Post takes place in the deep thrones of the Vietnam War, the “Pentagon Papers” are leaked:  a classified study of revealing a government cover up relating to the war.  Kay Graham (Meryl Steep) is the owner and largest shareholder of the Washington Post newspaper. Taking on a position she never foresaw herself ever doing after the untimely death of her husband.  And, finally having to make one of the toughest decision of her entire life, both personally and professionally.  To not only bringing down the government, but some very close personal friends in the process.  It takes her Editor-In-Chief, Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) to convince her the importance of the news and the role journalists must play to deliver the news and protect the governed and not the government.   

 

When you hear the high caliber names such as Hanks, Streep, Speilberg, you can almost guarantee a top notch film with unbelievable emphasis on character development. They definitely did not disappoint!  The Post works as a history lesson. Not only does it portray the events that took place with such thorough details, it exemplifies the relationship between not only a journalist and their source, but also the personal struggle between the editor, the owner of the newspaper, their friends who hold major positions within the government, and the moral obligation to at least get the truth out to the public.   

 

The set design, the costume design, the characters’ mannerisms are flawless.  Even the way social interaction was demonstrated between men and women.  Women’s role is in the home, cooking, cleaning, and entertaining. Something so simple as the use of a rotary phone played such a nostalgic role.  I can’t say enough about the wonderful acting skills of both Streep and Hanks.  I suspect one or both with be receiving some serious accolades during awards season.  Streep and Hanks both shine throughout the entire film.   They both did a great job at relaying the emotions and the turmoil these characters faced.   

 

Many lines throughout the movie–“if we don’t hold them accountable, than who will?”–ring true to a lot of the issues affecting us today.   

 

4.5 out of 5 stars