Reviews of Charlie Wilson's War

War and Peace...

Posted : 11 months, 1 week ago on 3 December 2008 08:53 (A review of Charlie Wilson's War)

''A boy is given a horse on his 14th birthday. Everyone in the village says, 'Oh how wonderful.' But a Zen master who lives in the village says, 'We shall see.' The boy falls off the horse and breaks his foot. Everyone in the village says, 'Oh how awful.' The Zen master says, 'We shall see.' The village is thrown into war and all the young men have to go to war. But, because of the broken foot, the boy stays behind. Everyone says, 'Oh, how wonderful.' The Zen master says, 'We shall see.' ''



A drama based on a true story of Texas congressman Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.

Tom Hanks as Charlie Wilson the woman loving, scotch drinking congressman. Tom Hanks infuses his character with life and fortitude.

Philip Seymour Hoffman as Gust Avrakotos the CIA man, as soon as he first appears in the film he boosts the acting and interest in the movie with his sheer ferocity and anger. Class acting from Hoffman as usual.

Julia Roberts as Joanne Herring had a limited screen-time but added some diversity and richness when in her few scenes.

The story was interesting and the politics flawless. The afghan's given RPG's to shoot down Communist civilian killing Choppers.

The emotional part for me was the camps and injuries of civilians in Afghan, and when Charlie visits, it opens his eyes to the suffering of a nation.

Some interesting points made. Although the ending was abit sudden, the shooting of the helicopters down while the Russians talk about relationships was too long and the audience's attention dwindles. These true stories seem to be churned out at a considerable rate these days.

A formidable tale to be told with depth, politics, tongue in cheek humour but slightly ultralistic in its American glorifying slightly right-wing propaganda.

A film to watch about one man's fight for justice and the crushing of human suffering.

Pending full review...

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Pleasant Footnote on History

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 28 July 2008 07:25 (A review of Charlie Wilson's War)

This very watchable film is the true(ish) story of one unusual congressman in the early 1980's, who has the luxury of not having to play the politics so many representatives must. He has never had to ask favors of others, and has secured so many favors, that when he finds something he is passionate about he's able to call in all those chips. And his passion has accidentally become the situation in the Soviets invasion of Afghanistan, and the plight of the Afghani people. Tom Hanks is able to pull off the likable, devilish Congressman and is surrounded by a great cast. The movie adds nothing new to the world of movies, but the plot is interesting, humorous and the ending is not completely mundane (as we all know Afghanistan has not become Paradise). I wouldn't go out of my way to see this movie, but if you cross paths with this movie it'll keep you entertained for a couple of hours, without lowering your I.Q. any.

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A fun watch

Posted : 1 year, 9 months ago on 20 January 2008 09:21 (A review of Charlie Wilson's War)

I was highly entertained by the tongue-in-cheek satirical feel of this films plot, and it's references to 1980's culture. Hanks and Roberts didn't bring anything special to the production, but a supporting role.

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