Milk is warm, emotional, politically committed.
Milk (2008)
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Reviews Counted:215
Fresh:201
Rotten:14
Average Rating:8/10
Consensus: Anchored by Sean Penn's powerhouse performance, Milk is a triumphant account of America's first openly gay man elected to public office.
Rated: 15 [See Full Rating] for language, some sexual content and brief violence.
Runtime: 2 hrs 9 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:23-01-2009
Synopsis: In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into public office in America. His victory was not just a victory for gay... In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into public office in America. His victory was not just a victory for gay rights; he forged coalitions across the political spectrum. From senior citizens to union workers, Harvey Milk changed the very nature of what it means to be a fighter for human rights and became, before his untimely death in 1978, a hero for all Americans. Sean Penn stars as Harvey Milk under the direction of Gus Van Sant in Milk, filmed on location in San Francisco from an original screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, and produced by Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen. Milk charts the last eight years of Harvey Milk’s life. While living in New York City, he turns 40. Looking for more purpose, Milk and his lover Scott Smith (James Franco) relocate to San Francisco, where they found a small business, Castro Camera, in the heart of a working-class neighborhood. With his beloved Castro neighborhood and beautiful city empowering him, Milk surprises Scott and himself by becoming an outspoken agent for change. With vitalizing support from Scott and from new friends like young activist Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch), Milk plunges headfirst into the choppy waters of politics. Bolstering his public profile with humor, Milk’s actions speak even louder than his gift-of-gab words. When Milk is elected supervisor for the newly zoned District 5, he tries to coordinate his efforts with those of another newly elected supervisor, Dan White (Josh Brolin). But as White and Milk’s political agendas increasingly diverge, their personal destinies tragically converge. Milk’s platform was and is one of hope – a hero’s legacy that resonates in the here and now. --© Focus Features [More]
Starring: Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna
Starring: Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, James Franco
Director: Gus Van Sant
Director: Gus Van Sant
Screenwriter: Dustin Lance Black
Producer: Dan Jinks, Bruce Cohen
Composer: Danny Elfman
Studio: Focus Features
Reviews for Milk
Milk is a powerful film that leaves a lump in your throat. It has a magnificent performance from Sean Penn.
Milk thoroughly deserves all of the press ink that will doubtless be spilt over it. Wear your ‘Vote Penn’ Oscar pin with pride.
The story is sad, but the mood is jubilant and the energy relentless.
As a portrait of Harvey Milk, Van Sant's film is a sincere work, bolstered by an unquestionably outstanding turn by Sean Penn. While some of the other actors don't match up, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise impressive piece.
Van Sant’s skill as a film-maker is showcased here to inspiring effect. Rarely has a lesson in political history felt so involving and alive. What’s more, it’s a genuinely important film that could not be better timed.
I felt that Milk is a slightly staid film, closer to the middle-of-the-road side of Gus van Sant's film-making persona, the bland side that made his treacly Sean Connery film Finding Forrester.
It’s a wonderfully evocative film, radiating with warmth and humour, bristling too with righteous rage.
The real Milk – a former avid Republican, an egotist and to some a difficult man – seemed worthy of a dense, conflicted biopic. In the end, we have to be satisfied with Penn, doing Penn, doing Penn.
This is a gritty, documentary-like treatment that incorporates archive footage to give the action a raw, bristling energy.
This compelling biopic is proof of what an engaging director he can be when not filming his own belly-button fluff.
This is a warm, moving, non-preachy and surprisingly funny slice of contemporary history.
Milk is a fairly straightforward biopic distinguished by judicious use of contemporary newsreel, a tone at once impassioned and restrained – until the last few scenes, the film never resorts to emotional button-pushing.
The frustrating aspect of the movie is that it could - and should - have been a moving drama. Instead, it settles for being agit-prop.
Go along not just to see an actor at the top of his game, but to witness an uplifting, inspiring true story.
Penn is electrifying as the effeminate, tragic Milk and worthy of an Oscar nomination.
Add Penn’s uncannily three-dimensional performance, his best yet, and Milk is a masterclass on how a political biopic can become rich, humane, encompassing cinema.
As a public figure Van Sant does him full justice; as a private individual, tormented by a needy Latino lover (Diego Luna) the film is much vaguer.
Milk, film and man, demands our attention, yet never stoops to beg for it.
As biopics go, this portrait of gay activist Harvey Milk isn’t quite up there with, say, Raging Bull. Still, it is smart, sexy and very funny.
Latest News for Milk
March 09, 2009:
RT on DVD: Rachel Getting Married, Milk Lead Super Fresh New Releases
Home video enthusiasts, prepare yourself for what may be the best week ever! This week you'll have to choose between Academy Award flicks Rachel Getting Married (Best Actress... More...
February 24, 2009:
Backstage at the Oscars: My First Time
In the movie world there is no event greater, no red carpet glitzier, no awards show more meaningful, than that of the Academy Awards. While millions watch the biggest night... More...
February 01, 2009:
Slumdog's Danny Boyle Wins DGA Award
Danny Boyle takes home another win for Best Director from the Director's Guild of America -- could Oscar gold be just around the corner? See who else was nominated this year in... More...
January 27, 2009:
Milk Among GLAAD Nominees ![]()
"Milk" has been a favorite on the awards circuit this year, and its hot streak has been extended courtesy of the GLAAD Media Awards, where it will compete in the Outstanding... More...
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