The Post (2017)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  9 / 10

  The Post takes an important subject, uses a masterful director and casts two powerhouse actors to create a thrilling journalistic drama. I consistently read "this is so Oscar-bait" or "another nomination for Streep again!" to which I just have to say "no, you're wrong! Get out!". Opinions are opinions but if reviewers moan when acting is bad or a film is poorly made, to then complain that the talent on and off screen clearly desire awards...well, you're just contradicting yourself. It rarely gets better than this! Detailing the 'Pentagon Paper Leak Scandal' that involved The Washington Post and New York Times in debating to publish government secret documents. An ultimatum where each decision has a consequence. Publish the article and risk imprisonment, or hold off and let the administration continue unnecessarily sending troops to Vietnam. Freedom of speech is the clear theme here, and it is masterfully conveyed through a concise script that is executed perfectly by every single actor on screen. Honestly, I have no nails left...just kept on biting them! The journalism involved, both in the news reporting and in the company board, was electrifyingly intense. A subject unknown to me, I was enthralled and left the film factually educated which is always a bonus. Female empowerment is also evoked as the head of The Washington Post is having to fight her way through a board room of old school men. Hold up! Everyone put your film caps on...and ready: Tom Hanks plus Meryl Streep plus Steven Spielberg equals powerhouse talent. My mind couldn't comprehend the competence that was being shown to me. Give Streep the anxious character so that she can eventually stand tall (great scene by the way). Give Hanks the bullish character so he can throw his forceful, yet likeable, personality around the room. Spielberg just lets them talk. Just...dialogue. Nice long takes. Hanks and Streep. Talking. Yup, it's all I wanted. My only criticism is that the beginning was a tad too slow, but the gradual build up of tension was effective. Journalistic dramas rarely exceed The Post.

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