Master Review: The Post

Master Review: The Post

            When I went into see this movie I had medium expectations. I didn’t want to set myself up for disappointment. Luckily this was not just good, but a very good movie. There will be some spoilers in this review, so just know that this is a movie you should see.

            The movie starts off with a glimpse into the Vietnam war, followed by the theme of the movie, which could be summed up as the left hand not know what the right hand is doing. The movie makes it very clear in the first 15 minutes that the United States government has been aware for a long time that the US has no hope of winning the Vietnam War. To add insult to injury instead of telling the truth that the United States has made almost no progress despite the increase in force, the officials tell a tale of success where there is none.

            This core truth is what the movie comes back to several time. Each time the film comes back to this point it adds layers and layers to just how much was hidden from the American public, until about the halfway point of the film. It is at this point that the monstrous lie had been established and reviled to the character in this film and the story begins to change.

            This film takes a narrative that highlights the rights and purpose of the free press. It also asks questions of who is the press really for? To spread the government information and in this case the lies and propaganda? Or does the Press have a duty to the people of the United States and not the government. This is where the film started really get moving.

            It’s not the questions or the ethic that started to bring the movie to a new level. It was how the crisis was growing and became focused on one person in this film and that is Meryl Streep’s Character, Kay Graham. The film really highlights the evolution of Kay Graham’s character. Her character starts off a little timid, but what made this film great was watching Kay Graham really find her voice and inner power. From the beginning it almost felt as her surrounding colleges were circling vultures. The colleges were all too eager to make decisions and try to control Kay Graham and at first she let them. As the movie went on she began to have reservations of the others and this evolved to the point where she could and did make a stand against popular option and she stood with it.

            I think that this is a very important film on many levels. It illustrates the importance of the press for the people. However, what is even more important, is that this film shows the power woman have. The ability to lead even when other try to tear down, oppress and try to bully to get their way. This film shows real growth and the courage to do the morally right against thoughts of self-preservation. As well as shows the courage it takes to stand against popular opinion, do what feels right and stand by that decision. Honestly I think this film should be required viewing at the high school level, because I believe this film can teach a great deal to all students.