Charlie Wilson's War

Where were you for the 10 years between 1979 and 1989. Do you remember what was going on in the world? Do you remember Iran-Contra and Oliver North? Do you remember that the Soviet army invaded Afghanistan? Do you remember what the United States did about that invasion?

This movie will only answer the last question. It brings to light what was known in only a few small circles during that period of time. And, rather than a typical history lesson, this movie teaches without letting you know a lesson is going on. That is high craft indeed.

Director Mike Nichols who has been the brains behind such varied greats as The Graduate, Catch-22, Working Girl, and The Birdcage, brings what I believe is another classic story to cinema.

It helps that he had such a powerful cast. Tom Hanks is his usual brilliant self. Julia Roberts shows that she really can act. And Philip Seymour Hoffman shows us again what playing a role is supposed to look like.

What is this movie about? It's about how a hand full of people brought about the beginning of the downfall of the old Soviet Union. And a less likely bunch is hard to conceive. Fact truly is stranger than fiction.

Watch this movie with someone who "gets" how things happen despite themselves in DC.