Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

Director:

Mike Nichols

Writers (WGA):

Aaron Sorkin (screenplay)
George Crile (book)

Release Date:

21 December 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Tagline:

Based on a true story. You think we could make all this up?

Plot:

A drama based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.

Plot Keywords:

Bachelor | Deception | Refugee Camp | Meeting | TV News

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win & 10 nominations

Cast

Tom Hanks	...	Charlie Wilson
Amy Adams	...	Bonnie Bach
Julia Roberts	...	Joanne Herring
Philip Seymour Hoffman	...	Gust Avrakotos
Terry Bozeman	...	CIA Award Presenter
Brian Markinson	...	Paul Brown
Jud Tylor	...	Crystal Lee
Hilary Angelo	...	Kelly
Cyia Batten	...	Stacey
Kirby Mitchell	...	Stoned Guy
Ed Regine	...	Limo Driver
Daniel Eric Gold	...	Donnelly
Emily Blunt	...	Jane Liddle
Peter Gerety	...	Larry Liddle
Wynn Everett	...	Charlie's Angels - Receptionist

MPAA:

Rated R for strong language, nudity/sexual content and some drug use.

Runtime:

102 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Dari | Arabic | Russian

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | SDDS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | USA:R (certificate #44037) | Brazil:14 | South Korea:15 | Ireland:15A | Malaysia:18PL | Singapore:NC-16 | Finland:K-11 | Germany:12 | Sweden:7 | Canada:14A (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Ontario) | Australia:M | Hong Kong:IIB | Netherlands:12 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Downey Studios - 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, California, USA

Company:

Good Time Charlie Productions

Trivia:

Charlie Wilson said in a USA Today article that he had no qualms about the film saying, "Anything I might have objected to was provable".

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In some scenes showing Hinds on the ground, there are various Mi-35s shown. These aircraft are very modern derivatives of the infamous Mi-24 Hind-D. These aircraft are distinguished by their distinctive engine casings.

Quotes:

[first lines]
CIA Award Presenter: The defeat and break up of the Soviet empire, culminating in the crumbing of the Berlin wall, is one of the great events of world history. There were many heros in this battle, but to Charlie Wilson must go this special recognition. Just thirteen years ago the Soviet army appeared to be invincible...

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Soundtrack:

LADIES NIGHT

America's success and shame

I quit watching "The West Wing" after Aaron Sorkin quit writing and producing. It just wasn't the same. Imagine my thrill at seeing a film that he wrote again. It has been a long time - The American President, A Few Good Men. His script was a beautiful blend of humor and tragedy. He made a compelling story believable, and made me weep at the same time.

Tom Hanks was incredible as a small-time Texas Congressman whose constituents only wanted lower taxes and to keep their guns. Not a hard job, so he had plenty of time to fool around - and that he did. His office staff looked as if he were at the Playboy Mansion. Like he reportedly said, "You can teach them to type, but you can't teach them to grow tits." Despite his sexist attitude, which fits right in with a Texas Congressman, they were fiercely loyal, especially his aide, Amy Adams (Junebug & former Hooters girl).

Now, add a rich Texas socialite who wants something done in Afghanistan, played perfectly by Julia Roberts; and a pain-in-his-boss's-ass CIA agent, superbly done by Philip Seymour Hoffman, and you have a movie well worth watching.

Outstanding writing, and superlative acting, and a story that needed to be told. What more do you want at the movies?