The Pentagon Papers (2003) (TV)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Rod Holcomb

Writer:

Jason Horwitch (writer)

Release Date:

9 March 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History | Thriller

Tagline:

His greatest act of patriotism was an act of treason.

Plot:

Defense worker Daniel Ellsberg seeks to publish a series of classified government documents detailing the true nature of America's involvement in the Vietnam War.

Plot Keywords:

Vietnam War | Whistleblower | Pentagon Papers | Anti War | Politics

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

James Spader	...	Daniel Ellsberg
Claire Forlani	...	Patricia Marx
Paul Giamatti	...	Anthony Russo
Alan Arkin	...	Harry Rowen
Kenneth Welsh	...	John McNaughon
Maria del Mar	...	Carol Ellsberg
Sean McCann	...	John Mitchell
James Downing	...	H.R. Haldeman
Richard Fitzpatrick	...	John Ehrlichman
Jonas Chernick	...	Neil Sheehan
Amy Price-Francis	...	Jan Butler
Aaron Ashmore	...	Randy Kehler
George R. Robertson	...	Senator Fulbright (as George Robertson)
Robert Seeliger	...	FBI Agent
Roland Rothchild	...	FBI Agent

MPAA:

Rated R for some war images and brief sexuality.

Runtime:

92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M | USA:R | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

City Entertainment

Goofs:

Errors in geography: The exterior of a bar supposedly located in Saigon clearly displays signs written in the Thai language, and some of the signs are from contemporary times, as evidenced by product logos, rather than from 1965.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Spook (2003)

Very timely!

Although it places a "black and white" label on today's pro-war vs. anti-war attitudes, this film is an excellent insight into the mechanisms of political maneuvering. It is the truth told by one side - therefore a very good "half truth". Even if it is so authentic, and it refers to Vietnam, the intended analogy with today's issues is very obvious. Definitely a "Must See" for anyone concerned with what's going on with the Iraq war and other political priorities - regardless of one's individual position. (I only wish that the "other side" was intelligent enough to make a case as compelling at this - but that's another issue.)

As a film - it's quite good - maybe an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. All in all - definitely worth your time, and worth recommending it to friends and kids.