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Charlie Wilson's War

Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts
Director: Mike Nichols
Genre: Comedy
Year: 2007
Rating: 4 / 5

During his fifteen-year career in Hollywood, Aaron Sorkin has penned a truly defining television series (The West Wing), a critical darling (Sports Night), and an underrated “vanity” project (Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip). In addition, during that time, he has written the screenplay for four films, two of which have long been staples at the top of this writer’s “Best Of” lists - A Few Good Men and The American President. Needless to say, I am fan of his work, so making time to see Charlie Wilson’s War was a no-brainer. While the dialogue is not as sharp as in those two films – Philip Seymour Hoffman’s retorts aside – the film is an exceptional effort and one truly deserving of the recognition heaped upon it. This tale of a little-known Congressman who almost single-handedly spurred interest in the Soviet Union’s war with Afghanistan is the rare comedy with a message - and a sobering one at that.

Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) is a small-time Congressman from Texas, collecting favors and having a good time while capably representing a district that, in his own words, does not really need anything. As such, he’s a popular ally on a number of issues, and we are quickly introduced to the individuals – both inside and out of Washington – that have an interest in Wilson’s unique position. On a whim, Wilson doubles the government’s military budget in Afghanistan, an effort that piques the interest of Texas socialite Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts). This gesture sets in motion a trip to Asia that situates Wilson as the central figure in this growing front in the war against communism. With the help of jaded CIA lifer Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Wilson begins leading the charge for what will become the largest covert “war” in the country’s history.

With his knowledge of the growing atrocities on the ground in Afghanistan, including the staggering number of residents forced to flee their own country, Hanks sets about ensuring that the underdog country is equipped with whatever it needs to defeat the mighty Soviet Union. Wilson and Avrakotos assemble a small team of bright minds to identify exactly what it will take to win the war, and Wilson begins to use his knowledge of Congressional nuances and his bevy of favors to begin directing money into Afghanistan. By bringing in reluctant allies Israel and Syria, Wilson completes the final pieces of his plan – arming Afghanistan but keeping the United States far, far away from the conflict. With the Soviet Union’s ultimate withdrawal from its neighboring country in 1988, Wilson and his allies achieve the most unlikely of victories.

Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of author George Crile’s non-fiction book is top-notch, allowing the movie to segue between lighter comedic bits while setting the stage for real, on-the-ground military results. As one would expect, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman form an exceptional acting trio. Hanks and Hoffman, though, carry the movie, with the character of Joanne Herring only serving a secondary role in the film. Hoffman gets most of the juiciest lines, but Hanks manages to toss away a few effortless quips as well. The film did seem to be an odd choice for a “comedy” – so categorized by the Golden Globes – but it does not fit neatly in any other box either. What Charlie Wilson’s War is, though, is a worthwhile way to spend a couple hours – and get a little more educated in the process.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for language and nudity.
Running Time: 97 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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