Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Post is an exciting docudrama set during the 1970’s. Based on real events The Post focuses on The Washington Post’s dilemma whether to publish sensitive US Government documents known as the Pentagon Papers. Dating back to the end of World War 2 the papers outline the United States government secret political involvement in Indochina spanning several US Presidential Administrations from President Eisenhower to JFK. Lies surrounding the Vietnam War and United States ability to fight and win the war in Vietnam are continued to be covered up by President Richard Nixon.
After The New York Times originally publishes the Pentagon Papers uncovering the lies and true opinions kept from the American public, an incredibly hostile Nixon Administration looks to prevent The New York Times from publishing anymore documents with the threat of legal action. With the Times unable to print the story of a lifetime the leaked papers find their way onto the desks of journalists at The Washington Post. It is left to the Post’s executive editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) and its publisher Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep) to decide whether to publish these documents and face the wrath of the US government or to simply do nothing.
While Bradlee works tirelessly to prepare the papers from publication, he must also convince Katharine to lay her legacy on the line. Meanwhile Katharine must battle friends, her own board and investors as they debate whether to publish the papers or not however Unbeknownst to Bradlee and the rest of the Washington Post Staff there is more then just Katharine’s fate on the line but the entire papers too!
With a star studded cast headed by Hanks and Streep they are supported by Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad), David Cross (Arrested Development), Bradley Whitford (The West Wing), Sarah Paulson (12 Years a Slave), Alison Brie (Mad Men) and Matthew Rhys (The Americans) The Post is a Spielberg master class in filmmaking and a prime example of why the veteran director is one the greatest filmmakers of this generation. From the intense opening firefight to the superb dialogue interactions between Hanks and Streep The Post showcases both actors at their very best. Spielberg has somehow highlighted a fascinating historical event that in hindsight shouldn’t really make the most exciting of film plots. However not only has Spielberg made The Post a likely award winner but produced a film relatable especially due to recent current events in the media.
Streep’s character Katharine is constantly overlooked and underappreciated by the male board members and seen only fit to lead the Washington Post in name but in name only. Also the interference of the Nixon government in regards to freedom of the press both are principles that come at a time when gender equality and ‘fake news’ is at the forefront of debates in modern society despite this film and its events taking place 5 decades ago!
Final Thoughts:
Although the conclusion to this story lacks depth during the final act of the movie with little to no coverage of the court battles the newspapers faced against the Nixon government, The Post is a simple, exciting and tense drama with a compelling story that is not only entertaining but brings to the forefront several key debates that are more relevant today than ever. Whether this was Spielberg’s intention or not is up for debate however if you are looking for movie that will blow you away during this quiet cinema period The Post is a must see!
8.5/10