Milk
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Movie Reviews of Milk
Movie Review: Awesome . . .Just Awesome AND Inspiring!
Summary: 5 Stars
Some people were born to make a difference in this world - Harvey Milk was one of them. He, unfortunately, may have not lived long enough to see the revolution he started, but in can be certain that his name (along with the mayor who was also a martyr for the cause) will be written in stone for years to come. I notice some people (or rather "person") were complaing about Sean Pean's acting and that he didn't deserve the Oscar. Like most people, I think that's far from the truth. Sean Pean has a gift of totally immersing himself into character - a talent that a lot of actors/actresses fail at (I'm not going to name names . . .). Penn was excellent as Sam in "I am Sam" and even better as Jimmy Markum in Mystic River (one of my favourite movies of ALL time!). It's nice to see someone getting credit rather than stereotypical actors such as *cough*BradPitt*cough* and such . . . There needs to be diversity . .Change . .And not only does Harvey Milk reveal change, so does Sean Pean. Let people be free to choose . . .to speak . . .to think . .etc. And forever and ever let freedom ring! W00t!
P.S. I also enjoyed Emile Hirsch's and James Franco's roles . . .They too are stars on the rise! And Josh Brolin was pretty good too . .Boy, did he ever creep the heck out of me as Dan White!
Movie Review: An important and moving film
Summary: 5 Stars
This magnificent film follows the public career and private life of Harvey Milk, America's first openly gay elected official, from his decision to change his life at the age of 40 through his rise to national prominence until his assassination less than ten years later. Through all of this, Gus Van Sant's film remains warm and intimate so that we never lose sight that at the heart of this movement were real, feeling, fallible, uncertain, often frightened human beings who rose to the challenge of insisting on their humanity in the face of overwhelming condemnation and persecution. Much of the credit for this successful presentation goes to Sean Penn and the rest of the wonderful cast, notably including James Franco and Emile Hirch. Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black also deserves praise.
Like another recent film, "The Wrestler," much of its interest comes from the vivid depiction of its milieu, a world that will be very unfamiliar to most viewers--in this case, the evolution of San Francisco's Castro Street area into something like a gay Zion. This is a powerful and important film. If viewed with an open mind and open heart, one can hardly fail to be moved by our common humanity and saddened that so many are so cruel because they cannot recognize a kindred spirit.
Movie Review: This is a great movie - especially for teaching students
Summary: 5 Stars
I teach a health policy class and one of the things we learn about is political advocacy. Harvey Milk was a true grassroots political advocate! This movie shows this role far better than I could ever lecture on the topic. Also - students (college) like a variety of teaching methods so using this movie paired with a discussion about the role of a political advocate - the challenges, the triumphs, the techniques, etc is fabulous! The students like it - and I like it. I do put in a disclaimer re: the religious right bashing, gay bashing, and display of gay intimacy (which by the way is very tastefully done) so students are prepared and may choose to opt out or close their eye/ears during these scenes (so far no one has). These are adult students by the way. I lost my orginal copy - so am ordering this agian. {sigh} I know I'll find it as soon as the order goes through - doesn't that often happen?
But it - watch it with friends - have a lively discussion about political advocacy, the environmental factors that drove Mr. Milk to become so invovled, and the enviornmental factors that lead to is demise.
Unlike a previous poster - I liked the back and forth with the news footage and the movie - it gives credibility to the re-telling of Mr. Milk's legacy.
Movie Review: Is 'Slumdog Millionaire' really better than this movie?
Summary: 5 Stars
The academy awards committee thinks so, while many of us will disagree. This movie is a must watch, especially if you are a fan of Gus Van Sant's movies. His movies are always interesting and almost always gay-centric. I was curious about how he handles a real story. Well, the result is a brilliant and a very moving film. It will inspire you to see how such a big battle was won starting from nothing and, of course, will serve as a great lesson on tolerance.
Sean Penn is excellent in his characterization of Harvey Milk. Overall, the acting is great, but I must make a special mention of James Franco, who it seems is coming of age as an actor. The background score is perfect and greatly enhances the movie experience. Lastly, I must mention that it's somewhat fascinating to get a feel of how San Francisco was back in the seventies.
PS: If you liked this movie, don't miss some of the other movies made by Gus Van Sant, like Elephant: A Film By Gus Van Sant and My Own Private Idaho (Faber Reel Classics).
Movie Review: INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE, ACCURATE HISTORY
Summary: 5 Stars
Despite the ignorant one-star reviews given by a handful of homophobes and Mickey Rourke groupies, Sean Penn gives the performance of a lifetime as Harvey Milk. (Honestly, just because your favorite doesn't win the Oscar does not in any way detract from the accomplishment of the actor who did win. Grow up, Rourke fans.) Having lived in San Francisco during the events depicted (my boss at the time was David Goodstein, who is portrayed rather flatteringly in the film), I can attest to the astonishing accuracy of the production, everything from the costumes to hairstyles and even the look of apartments at the time. The way the director is able to seemlessly blend the drama with actual documentary footage is a testament to the remarkable realism he has achieved. It's an incredibly moving story of a genuine gay martyr. For the first time, I found myself forgetting that it was Sean Penn I was watching in a movie; he truly becomes Harvy Milk (which is every bit as challenging for an actor as portraying a white-trash wrestler). It's a film that everyone--especially the bigots--should be required to watch, and the homophobic tone of the detractors only proves my point.