Films about politics traverse a compelling landscape, spotlighting the intricate mechanics of governance, the persuasive power of political figures, and the often tumultuous journey toward societal change. These films can range from historical dramas that provide insight into past political events, satires that critique current political climates, to fictional narratives that explore the ethical dilemmas and ambitions that drive political figures. They offer viewers a deep dive into the complexities of power, corruption, ideology, and the fight for democracy, reflecting both the triumphs and challenges inherent in the political world.
“The Manchurian Candidate”, 2004
Director: Jonathan Demme
A chilling political thriller that delves into the Cold War paranoia. It follows a former prisoner of war who is brainwashed into becoming an unwitting assassin involved in an international communist conspiracy. The film explores themes of power, manipulation, and the threat of political espionage.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber, Jeffrey Wright, Jon Voight, Kimberly Elise, Bruno Ganz, Simon McBurney, Pablo Schreiber, Anthony Mackie;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective, science fiction;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Manchurian Candidate” on the website imdb.com
“Wag the Dog”, 1997
Director: Barry Levinson
A dark comedy that sheds light on the manipulation of mass media and public perception in politics. When the President is caught in a scandal, a spin doctor and a Hollywood producer team up to fabricate a war to distract the electorate. It’s a satirical look at political image management and the construction of political reality.
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche, Woody Harrelson, Denis Leary, Willie Nelson, Andrea Martin, Michael Belson, Suzanne Cryer, John Michael Higgins;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Wag the Dog” on the website imdb.com
“Lincoln”, 2012
Director: Steven Spielberg
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this historical drama focuses on the final months of President Abraham Lincoln's life and his efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery. The film showcases the political strategy and ethical dilemmas faced in the pursuit of equality and justice.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones, John Hawkes, Jackie Earle Haley, Bruce McGill;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 150 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Lincoln” on the website imdb.com
“The Ides of March”, 2011
Director: George Clooney
A political drama that takes viewers into the tense and manipulative world of American election campaigns. It follows a young campaign press secretary who finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens to upend his candidate's shot at the presidency, revealing the dark underbelly of political campaigning.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Max Minghella, Jennifer Ehle, Gregory Itzin;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb”, 1963
Director: Stanley Kubrick
A satirical black comedy that critiques Cold War hysteria and the nuclear scare. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, it presents a caricatured scenario where a mad general triggers a path to nuclear holocaust, poking fun at political leaders and policies of the time.
Starring: Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn, Slim Pickens, Peter Bull, James Earl Jones, Tracy Reed, Jack Creley, Frank Berry;
Production year: 1963;
Genre: comedy, science fiction, thriller;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,4;
More information about the film “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” on the website imdb.com
“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”, 1939
Director: Frank Capra
This classic American film stars James Stewart as an idealistic man who gets appointed to the U.S. Senate, only to find himself up against a corrupt political system. It's a timeless tale of innocence, cynicism, and the democratic spirit.
Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchell, Eugene Pallette, Beulah Bondi, H.B. Warner, Harry Carey;
Production year: 1939;
Genre: drama, comedy;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” on the website imdb.com
“V for Vendetta”, 2006
Director: James McTeigue
Set in a dystopian future Britain, this film explores themes of freedom, oppression, and rebellion. It follows a masked vigilante, V, who seeks to overthrow the oppressive government through radical acts of terrorism. It's a thought-provoking narrative on the power of ideas and resistance.
Starring: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, John Hurt, Tim Pigott-Smith, Rupert Graves, Roger Allam, Ben Miles, Sinéad Cusack;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: science fiction, action, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “V for Vendetta” on the website imdb.com
“Milk”, 2008
Director: Gus Van Sant
A biographical film about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California. This film chronicles his political career and his fight for gay rights, showcasing the power of grassroots activism and the impact of social movements on politics.
Starring: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Victor Garber, Denis O'Hare, Diego Luna, Emile Hirsch, Alison Pill, Joseph Cross, Stephen Spinella;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Milk” on the website imdb.com
“The Post”, 2017
Director: Steven Spielberg
Directed by Steven Spielberg, it dramatizes the true story of The Washington Post's decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, exposing government secrets about the Vietnam War. It highlights the importance of the free press in holding power to account and the challenges faced by journalists in pursuit of truth.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Matthew Rhys, Alison Brie, Carrie Coon;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: thriller, drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Post” on the website imdb.com
These films, while varying in genre, setting, and era, all provide a window into the diverse and complex world of politics, offering insights into the human condition, the pursuit of power, and the fight for justice and democracy.
In conclusion, films about politics offer a unique and compelling lens through which audiences can explore the intricacies of power, governance, and the human spirit. Ranging from the stark realism of political corruption to the inspirational stories of leadership and resistance, these cinematic offerings dive deep into the psyche of nations and their leaders. They challenge viewers to consider the consequences of choices made in the corridors of power, to reflect on their own civic responsibilities, and to engage with the complex tapestry of societal issues. Whether historical or contemporary, satirical or serious, these films succeed in not just entertaining but also educating and provoking thought, solidifying their timeless relevance in the ever-evolving narrative of human society.
