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Paterno is a 2018 American drama film directed by Barry Levinson and starring Al Pacino, Kathy Baker, and Kenneth Maharaj. The film is based on the Penn State sexual abuse scandal involving former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, and the role played by Penn State head coach Joe Paterno. The story of Paterno revolves around the events leading up to the scandal and the aftermath that ensued. It mainly focuses on the character of Joe Paterno, who was one of the most successful coaches in college football history. Paterno was revered by many as a hero and a mentor, and he had a close relationship with his players.

However, everything changed when allegations of sexual abuse surfaced against Sandusky, who had been a part of Paterno's coaching staff for many years. Paterno was criticized for not doing enough to stop the abuse and failing to report it to the authorities.

The film explores Paterno's personal life, his relationship with his family, and the battle he faced to clear his name. Pacino delivers a strong performance as Paterno, bringing to life the man who had become a legend in the world of football. Kathy Baker plays Paterno's wife, Sue, providing a strong and supportive character that helps to counterbalance some of the negativity around Paterno's image.

One of the defining features of Paterno is its nuanced portrayal of the complex emotions surrounding the scandal. The film does not shy away from showing the negative impact that the scandal and the subsequent media coverage had on the lives of those involved. It also explores the human tendency to defend one's reputation at all costs, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Throughout the movie, there are flashbacks to key moments in Paterno's life as a coach. These are used to show the depth of his connection with the Penn State community and to highlight his achievements. It also shows how the scandal threatened to overshadow everything he had accomplished, and how he struggled to reconcile his legacy with the accusations against him.

The film also raises important questions about the culture of college football and the many ways in which universities prioritize their reputations over the safety and well-being of their students. It shows how the system can often enable misconduct and abuse, and how those with power and influence can be held accountable.

Overall, Paterno is a powerful drama that explores some of the most important issues facing society today. It asks difficult questions about the morality of those in positions of power, and it challenges the audience to consider their own biases and assumptions. Pacino's performance is exceptional, and the film as a whole provides a thought-provoking and nuanced exploration of a complicated and difficult subject.

Paterno is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.