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Milk (2008)

Milk (2008)
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Academy Award winner Sean Penn takes the title role in Gus Van Sant's biopic tracing the last eight years in the life of Harvey Milk, the ill-fated politician and gay activist whose life changed history, and whose courage still inspires people. When Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, he made history for being the first openly gay man in American history to be voted into public office. But the rights of homosexuals weren't Milk's primary concern, as tellingly evidenced by the wide array of political coalitions he formed over the course of his tragically brief career. He fought for everyone from union workers to senior citizens, a true hero of human rights who possessed nothing but compassion for his fellow man. The story begins in New York City, where a 40-year-old Milk ponders what steps he can take to make his life more meaningful.

Eventually, Milk makes the decision to relocate to the West Coast, where he and his lover, Scott Smith (James Franco), found a small business in the heart of a working-class neighborhood. Empowered by his love for the Castro neighborhood and the success of his business, Castro Camera, Milk somewhat unexpectedly begins to emerge as an outspoken agent for change. With a growing support system that includes both Scott and a like-minded young activist named Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch), the charismatic Milk decides to take a fateful leap into politics, eventually developing a reputation as a leader who isn't afraid to follow up his words with actions. In short order, he is elected supervisor for the newly zoned District 5, though this seeming triumph is in fact the catalyst for a tragedy that starts to unfold as Milk does his best to forge a political partnership with Dan White (Josh Brolin), another newly elected supervisor. Over time it becomes apparent that Milk and White's political agendas are directly at odds, a revelation that puts their personal destinies on a catastrophic collision course. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Starring:
Sean PennEmile Hirsch, (more)
Director(s):
Gus Van Sant
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
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Synopsis of Milk

Academy Award winner Sean Penn takes the title role in Gus Van Sant's biopic tracing the last eight years in the life of Harvey Milk, the ill-fated politician and gay activist whose life changed history, and whose courage still inspires people. When Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, he made history for being the first openly gay man in American history to be voted into public office. But the rights of homosexuals weren't Milk's primary concern, as tellingly evidenced by the wide array of political coalitions he formed over the course of his tragically brief career. He fought for everyone from union workers to senior citizens, a true hero of human rights who possessed nothing but compassion for his fellow man. The story begins in New York City, where a 40-year-old Milk ponders what steps he can take to make his life more meaningful.

Eventually, Milk makes the decision to relocate to the West Coast, where he and his lover, Scott Smith (James Franco), found a small business in the heart of a working-class neighborhood. Empowered by his love for the Castro neighborhood and the success of his business, Castro Camera, Milk somewhat unexpectedly begins to emerge as an outspoken agent for change. With a growing support system that includes both Scott and a like-minded young activist named Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch), the charismatic Milk decides to take a fateful leap into politics, eventually developing a reputation as a leader who isn't afraid to follow up his words with actions. In short order, he is elected supervisor for the newly zoned District 5, though this seeming triumph is in fact the catalyst for a tragedy that starts to unfold as Milk does his best to forge a political partnership with Dan White (Josh Brolin), another newly elected supervisor. Over time it becomes apparent that Milk and White's political agendas are directly at odds, a revelation that puts their personal destinies on a catastrophic collision course. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Complete Cast of Milk


Director(s):
Gus Van Sant
Writer(s):
Dustin Lance Black
Producer(s):
Michael LondonDan JinksBruce Cohen
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Profanity, Sexual Situations, Violence)
Categories:
Drama
Milk Awards:
  • 2008 - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Best Actor
  • 2008 - American Film Institute - Best Picture
  • 2008 - Austin Film Critics - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Boston Society of Film Critics - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Boston Society of Film Critics - Best Screenplay
  • 2008 - Boston Society of Film Critics - Best Director
  • 2008 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Acting Ensemble
  • 2008 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Dallas/Fort Worth Film Critics Association - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Dallas/Fort Worth Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
  • 2008 - Houston Film Critics - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best First Screenplay
  • 2008 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Supporting Actor
  • 2008 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actor
  • 2008 - National Board of Review - Best Supporting Actor
  • 2008 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Actor
  • 2008 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Picture
  • 2008 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actor
  • 2008 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actor
  • 2008 - New York Film Critics Online - Best Ensemble
  • 2008 - New York Film Critics Online - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Ensemble
  • 2008 - San Francisco Film Critics Circle - Best Original Screenplay
  • 2008 - San Francisco Film Critics Circle - Best Director
  • 2008 - San Francisco Film Critics Circle - Best Picture
  • 2008 - San Francisco Film Critics Circle - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Screen Actors Guild - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Southeastern Film Critics Association - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Southeastern Film Critics Association - Best Picture
  • 2008 - Southeastern Film Critics Association - Best Original Screenplay
  • 2008 - St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Vancouver Film Critics - Best Actor
  • 2008 - Vancouver Film Critics - Best Picture
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
     
    Deborah H.

    I thought this was a wonderful movie and very well performed by the actors. I wept at the end of the movie. That being said, I don't understand why people would rent a movie just so they could slam it and preach their own "Christian" views. Trust me, there's nothing in my Bible about hate being a prerequisite for being a Christian. If homosexuality offends you, don't rent the movie.

    Yes   |   No

     
    ARCY V.

    Sean Penn was outstanding in this role as Harvey Milk. I thought the movie was very interesting.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Dan J.

    A very good movie and recommended. The talented Gus Van Sant- as always- goes the extra mile to make ordinary scenes interesting. But I couldn't help feeling that both Van Zant and Penn were just trying to get this movie done, maybe so they could get onto their next project(s). Anyway- an easy 4 stars out of 5.

    Yes   |   No

     
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