Marches forward with insistency and purpose. This immensely heart-felt biographical movie ranks as one of the year's best films.
Milk (2008)
Tomatometer
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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.
Australian Rating: MA15+ [See Full Rating] Mature themes, coarse language and sexual references
Runtime: 2 hrs 9 mins
Genre: Dramas
Australian Theatrical Release:
Jan 29, 2009 Wide
US Box Office: $31,716,847
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 that rare biographical movie that makes you believe you've met the man yourself. At the very least, the movie makes you wish Harvey Milk were still around, fighting the good fight.
Whether you are heterosexual, homosexual or somewhere in between, Milk is such an inspiring and powerful movie that you should drop everything you are doing right now and instantly head to the theaters.
It's Amazing How Van Sant Can Pull Off Such Grace and Grit the Same Year he Gives Us to Prententious Nonsense of Paranoid Park.
Captures the feeling of the city, and the events of Milk's life; but never captures the dynamic charisma that had to be a vital part of the man
...it doesn't pack quite the same emotional punch as its non-fiction forebearer, Rob Epstein's Oscar-winning documentary The Times of Harvey Milk...
Milk combines grade-A acting, an astute screenplay, and innovative, passionate direction into a package that entertains even as it drives home some important ideas.
Josh Brolin's double murderer steals the film from Sean Penn's Saint Harvey. That couldn't have been the intention, but the most fully developed character wins.
A rare bio-pic of sufficient depth and emotional complexity to humanize an icon while simultaneously conveying the significance of his lasting contributions to the culture.
Full of both passion and purpose, Milk is clearly one of the year's best films.
A funny, moving and emotionally intense movie that is among the best of 2008.
Whatever you think of gay people (or politicians), you may find the movie compelling viewing.
An object lesson for filmmakers who need proof that features with heavy themes about events of historic significance can be personal and accessible, intimate and entertaining.
Penn seems to disappear behind the upright shoulders and coquettish grin of his alter ego. He not only launches into each close-up screen kiss with co-star James Franco with palpable zeal, he makes Milk a lovable hero despite all his flaws and unflagging
Considering that it is a story steeped in tragedy, Milk is a joyous movie.
[Later] you realize that [Penn] doesn't innately look that much like Milk -- which is a sign of how terrific his performance is. Josh Brolin is no less perfect as White...
"Milk" is expertly made, rich with humor and poignancy, using a mix of recreated scenes shot in San Francisco and archival footage to give a convincing, panoramic portrait of the city, an era, and the man who changed both.
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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