Watch Milk
- R
- 2008
- 2 hr 8 min
-
7.5 (179,402)
Milk is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the United States. The movie is set in the 1970s, a time when homosexuality was still considered a taboo and frowned upon by society. Directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Sean Penn in the lead role, the film is a touching and inspiring account of the life of the gay rights activist.
The story of Milk begins with a middle-aged Harvey Milk moving to San Francisco in 1972, seeking a fresh start in life. He opens a camera store in the heart of the city's gay district, the Castro, and quickly becomes an active member of the local community. He finds love with a much younger Scott Smith (James Franco), and the two of them become an inseparable couple.
As Milk gets involved in local politics, he realizes the need for gay representation in the government. He campaigns tirelessly for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, determined to make a difference. With the help of his loyal friends and supporters, he runs for office three times until he finally succeeds in 1977, winning a seat on the board.
Milk's victory is a historic moment for the gay community, and he becomes an instant hero. He uses his newfound power to fight for gay rights and becomes a prominent spokesperson for the community. However, his success also makes him a target for those who oppose his progressive views. Dan White (Josh Brolin), a conservative supervisor who is resentful of Milk's popularity, becomes his biggest adversary.
Milk's struggle to pass a gay rights ordinance is met with resistance from White and other conservative members of the board. The tension between the two supervisors reaches a boiling point, culminating in a tragic event that shocks the world. The film's emotional climax is a true testament to Milk's courage and determination to change the world.
The acting in Milk is outstanding, with Sean Penn giving a phenomenal performance as Harvey Milk. He brings the character to life with a great deal of depth and empathy, portraying Milk as a brave and influential figure who fought for the rights of his community. Josh Brolin is equally impressive as Dan White, who is torn between his conservative beliefs and his loyalty to his friend Harvey.
Emile Hirsch also delivers a memorable performance as Cleve Jones, one of Milk's closest confidants. The chemistry between the actors is strong, and they work well together to create a cohesive and believable portrayal of the characters.
The film's direction and cinematography are also noteworthy. Gus Van Sant does a fine job capturing the essence of San Francisco in the 1970s, creating a vibrant and colorful backdrop for the story. The cinematography is beautiful, capturing the energy and spirit of the city and its people.
Ultimately, Milk is a powerful and moving film that celebrates the life and legacy of Harvey Milk. It's a story of hope, courage, and love that will inspire anyone who fights for justice and equality. The film is an important reminder of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the need to continue fighting for their rights. It's a must-see for anyone who loves good cinema and appreciates a well-told story.
Milk is a 2008 history movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 83.