thomas-lawrence-wilson I don't know. It was a multiple-story-line film, like Crash, but those story lines never intersect.

leethomas-11621 Compact, enthralling piece that delves into war from political, academic, media and military (as well as personal) perspectives. A lot for 1.5 hours! Refford's best directorial effort since his Oscar-winning Ordinary People. So many things revealed in this treatment, things often not mentioned in public. After viewing the movie we have a better idea why. (But unfortunately no mention of the military/industrial conglomerates that profit from conflicts.) As usual Streep is fascinating to watch but not so Redford's character who comes across as too smug. (viewed 1/17)

Kirpianuscus a great movie. this is the decent start point for define it. first, for performances. second, for the perspective about politic and war. not the last, for the admirable job of Robert Redford. sure, after many films about similar subject, it is easy to criticize it. but it is more than a story of idealism and fall of noble intentions. it is a film about rolling history. about its trues and about the need of desire to change everything. not as expression of naivety . but as duty. short, a real great film.

jb_campo I love Robert Redford when he plays good-guy roles, like here, or for ex The Horse Whisperer or Spy Game or An Unfinished Life etc. He excels as a professor talking with a gifted student who wants to give up because he thinks nothing makes a difference. At the same time, Redford starts telling him a story about two kids who were his students who make a dual decision that will change their lives forever, and put their determination to make a difference to the test.while these two students live their lives, they don't know how Tom Cruise's Senator (hopes to be President) is pulling strings behind the scenes to impact their lives in ways they don't know. Finally Meryl Streep plays a reporter who is given an exclusive interview with Cruise, but, who is using who? the gifted student is played by Andrew Garfield who plays spider man rebooted. He's terrific in this role.The story keeps you pulled in tightly, what will happen to each character, you just don't know. Wrap a war theme around all of this, and you have one powerful, gut-wrenching, thought-provoking drama that will stay with you after the credits.Two thumbs up for sure from Siskel and Ebert! Enjoy.