The Post: Movie Review

"The Post" is a well-balanced look into the internals of geopolitics and its deficiencies, the crazy world of newspapers, and the extremely limiting sexist views of the past. What we get is a riveting tale that had us hook, line and sinker from start to finish.

The war in Vietnam has claimed the lives of countless young American soldiers and as each administration passes, it seems that the conflict and the death count won't ever end. Disgruntled, a leak of the highly-classified McNamara report is sent to the New York Times by a concerned citizen which brings into the limelight the atrocity that the present and past administrations have been covering regarding the Vietnam War. The White House files an injunction against the Times suppressing freedom of the press. As fate would have it, The Washington Post receives the leak in full details. Facing the risk of criminal charges and prison, the Post's owner Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep) and its fierce executive editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) faces a tough decision if they will proceed in covering the leak.

There's no denying that a huge factor for "The Post" is its great ensemble cast. With the likes of Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Bob Odenkirk at the helm, the film does not disappoint as it brings forth a well-acted film. Streep, in particular, was able to portray the well-mannered, shy, down-trodden yet brave Katharine Graham. Her performance had us hating her inertly biased views but also rooted for her when she found her calling near the end of the film. Don't expect any tear-jerking stuff though but the film is definitely not about that kind of drama. The narrative for "The Post" is more or less riveting from the beginning until the credits roll. Some minor grievances we did find was its rather tedious and slow start and the rather in-your-face moments that felt out-of-place and ultimately forced. Overall, "The Post" is another winner for Spielberg. Not only was he able to bring to life the allure of the newspaper business and its importance in our lives but also how governments may become flawed and the struggles and prejudices that women, even those in power, faced back in the day.

Rating: 4 and a half reels





Why you should watch it:
- the story is riveting
- outstanding performances from its ensemble cast

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the film starts slow
- some key moments feel forced and in your face