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Milk

Milk

Actor(s): Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, James Franco
Director(s): Gus Van Sant
29




Movie Details

MPAA Rating: R
Content Advisory: Violence, Profanity, Sexual Situations
Movie Release: 2008
DVD Release: 03/10/2009
Format: DVD - Color,Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV
Edition: Dual Layered
Audio Tracks: English, French
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Number of Discs: 1
Run Time: 2 hrs 9 mins
Studio: Universal Studios
Members Wishing: 94
Genres: Drama, Political Drama, Biopic [feature], Gay & Lesbian Films
See Also: Milk [Blu-ray], Milk [Best Buy Exclusive]

DVD Synopsis

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, All Movie Guide

Actors

Sean Penn - Harvey Milk
Emile Hirsch - Cleve Jones
Josh Brolin - Dan White
Diego Luna - Jack Lira
James Franco - Scott Smith


Member Movie Reviews

Kris M. (Ellsinore) from ELLSINORE, MO wrote on 6/23/2009...

I admit I didn't want to watch this movie. I put it off as long as I could. I haven't seen a Sean Penn movie yet that I could sit through, so I avoid them. But I'm working my way through the "1001 Movies You Must Watch Before You Die" and it's on the list, so I had to at least stick it in the machine, even for fifteen minutes, so I could at least say I tried. Considering the huge wish list on this movie, I just ordered it from NetFlix.

Most of the movies on the "1001" list so far are pretty good, but I find myself peeking at the timer quite often to see if they're almost finished.

Not with this one. It was awesome. I loved it. I was disappointed that I had to stick it back into the mailbox instead of putting it on my Keeper shelf. I couldn't wait to give it five stars.

Don't skip the "Special Features," either. The interviews with the people who knew Harvey Milk are great, and remind you that he was only in office for one year -- and yet what a huge impact he made, accomplishing so much in such a short period of time. "He wasn't a genius. He wasn't a saint. And when he died he was penniless."

I might even try another Sean Penn movie again. Awesome performance, and a Best Actor Oscar well deserved.

Suzanne B. wrote on 6/13/2009...

2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wow -- Sean Penn is amazing in this true story of Gay activist/politician Harvey Milk.

Tanya P. (serendipity) from HOULTON, ME wrote on 3/16/2009...

A quality film with quality performances by the entire cast. Sean Penn appears in his finest as Harvey Milk. This is the best movie I've seen in the past 12 months. Amazing!


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