The
Post 3.7***
“The
Post” is a historical thriller starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. Directed by
Steven Spielberg, it presents a fascinating look back into an important moment
in the history of American journalism in the same tradition as “All the
President’s Men” and “Spotlight”.
In 1971, highly classified information regarding America's involvement in the Vietnam War spanning four Presidencies is leaked to the public via The New York Times and because of this, the Times is enjoined from further revelations and faces serious criminal charges.
In 1971, highly classified information regarding America's involvement in the Vietnam War spanning four Presidencies is leaked to the public via The New York Times and because of this, the Times is enjoined from further revelations and faces serious criminal charges.
(
The information was that the government and four Presidents had
been secretly promoting the war even though they knew or were told by Sec. of
Defense Robert McNamara that the war could not be won. Thousands went to their
deaths because not one of the Presidents wanted to be the first to lose a war.) The Washington Post, led by their new
publisher Kay Graham (Meryl Streep), decides to take on the matter, and along
with her chief editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks), fight a momentous battle against
the US government over freedom of the Press.
Topical and intriguing, The Post's subject matter feels just as relevant today as it did decades ago. We are shown the disturbing loopholes of America's First Amendment used by our government and what information the government may be hiding from the general public, even to this day. Meryl Streep gives another memorable and convincing performance as Kay Graham, America's first female newspaper publisher, who is required to make snap decisions about the potential future of her company. Tom Hanks also gives terrific performance as the wily Bradlee.
Topical and intriguing, The Post's subject matter feels just as relevant today as it did decades ago. We are shown the disturbing loopholes of America's First Amendment used by our government and what information the government may be hiding from the general public, even to this day. Meryl Streep gives another memorable and convincing performance as Kay Graham, America's first female newspaper publisher, who is required to make snap decisions about the potential future of her company. Tom Hanks also gives terrific performance as the wily Bradlee.
