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Milk
2008 128 min United States of America R 18+
★8.2
History, Drama
Director: Gus Van Sant
Trailers
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Teaser
Teaser
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Description
The true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man ever elected to public office. In San Francisco in the late 1970s, Harvey Milk becomes an activist for gay rights and inspires others to join him in his fight for equal rights that should be available to all Americans.
Budget:
$20M
US Gross:
$31.84M
Worldwide:
$54.6M
Starring
Sean Penn
Actor
Josh Brolin
Actor
Emile Hirsch
Actor
Awards
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2009
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 2009
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 2009
— Best Actor
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2009
— Best Cast Ensemble
BAFTA 2009
— Best Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2009
— Best Supporting Actor
BAFTA 2009
— Best Actor
BAFTA 2009
— Best Original Screenplay
BAFTA 2009
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2009
— Best Actor
César Awards 2010
— Best International Feature Film
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2009
— Best Kiss
Academy Awards 2009
— Best Picture
Academy Awards 2009
— Best Director
Academy Awards 2009
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 2009
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 2009
— Best Supporting Actor
Academy Awards 2009
— Best Original Score
Key opinion
Milk is widely regarded as a meticulously crafted and important historical biopic, anchored by Sean Penn's transformative, career-defining performance. While the film is praised for its effective blend of activism and human storytelling, it remains a polarizing subject for viewers based on their personal comfort with the film's LGBTQ themes and political focus.
| Acting | Sean Penn delivers a physically and emotionally transformative performance that anchors the entire film. | |
| Direction | Gus Van Sant’s direction effectively balances archival footage with narrative storytelling to provide a grounded, non-melodramatic account of political activism. | |
| Screenplay | The script features sharp, character-driven dialogue that successfully navigates complex political themes without losing focus on the human struggle. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is viewed differently; some find the journey immersive and fluid, while others find the political subject matter sluggish or exhausting. | |
| Culture | Viewer reception of the film's cultural message is divided, with some finding it a universal call for equality and others feeling alienated by the focus on gay identity and political advocacy. |