The Post: Why Everyone Needs to See the Washington Post Movie

Truth may be stranger than fiction, but anyone who has seen The Washington Post movie, titled, “The Post,” knows that it can often be just as entertaining.

One of the latest films from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg, “The Post” is a fascinating and sometimes frightening look at the very real story of the Vietnam War, Richard Nixon, and The Washington Post.

Upon release, critics and audiences alike adored the film. As of now, “The Post” is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, sitting at a favorable 88% rating.

Sure, you could read the reviews of “The Post” or check out a summary, but you owe it to yourself to check it out.

Here’s why you should check out The Washington Post movie for yourself.

It’s Another Fantastic Steven Spielberg Production

It’s often recommended that people refrain from judging a book by its cover. But if you’ve seen many Steven Spielberg films, you know that you’re almost always in for a good time.

And “The Post” is certainly no exception.

Though it lacks the wonder of films like “E.T.” or the pizzazz of Spielberg’s most recent film, “Ready Player One,” “The Post” is a return to what Spielberg does best — tell a compelling story.

There’s no CG. There aren’t any fun animatronics, nor does the film have the presence of a pulse-pounding soundtrack or melting Nazi faces.

But it does have heart, and a lot of it.

Moreover, it’s a prime example of how Spielberg is still a director at the top of his game. Gorgeous, subtle shots illustrate the struggle facing those at The Washington Post, and Spielberg gets fantastic performances out of each of the film’s primary actors.

The Performances Are Fantastic

Speaking of the performances, it’s impossible to discuss The Washington Post movie without mentioning its A-list cast. The acting alone makes it a film everyone needs to see at least once.

Even if you have zero interest in the subject at hand, it’s hard to argue with a cast like this:

• Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee, The Washington Post’s executive editor.

• Meryl Streep as Kay Graham, Post owner and one of the first female publishers.

• Bob Odenkirk as Ben Bagdikian, esteemed journalist at the Post.

• Bradley Whitford as Arthur Parsons, Washington Post board member determined to prevent the release of the Pentagon Papers.

Though the film skips over some key details, particularly glossing over Graham and Bradlee’s complicated relationship, the film’s performances warranted an Oscar nomination for Streep.

It’s Relevant

Philosopher George Santayana is credited as saying, “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

The most striking thing about “The Post” is its relevance to modern issues. Yet again, this speaks to Spielberg’s talent as a director.

The film centers around the release of The Pentagon Papers, a series of documents which proved that the conflict in Vietnam wasn’t what the public was lead to believe.

Though “The Post” touches on many issues resurfacing today — a president at war with the press, the struggles of newspaper publishing, gender inequalities in the workplace, and the complications surrounding large media conglomerates to name a few — it doesn’t do so in a ham-fisted way.

In fact, many of the film’s issues are presented in humorous ways. For instance, the film features a plot point where Richard Nixon uses press access for his daughter’s wedding to attempt to sway Post editors.

While it’d be hard to argue that the film features no political overtones, “The Post” is thrilling enough that anyone, regardless of political affiliation, could watch and enjoy it.

It Reaffirms the Importance of Journalism

Modern journalists are facing more struggles than ever. Over the past several decades, trends in newspaper readership and circulation indicate a severe decline.

When married with the fact that many of the nation’s largest newspaper chains are owned by massive media companies who regularly close publisher’s doors, things can look bleak.

And though the fate of the traditional newspaper experience is yet to be determined, “The Post” makes one thing clear: We need journalists more than ever.

The film reiterates what an important job journalists have. They’re tasked with exposing the truth, no matter how damaging or tough that truth may be.

Imagine holding onto national secrets that could sway public opinion on an international conflict!

“The Post” Inspires Hope

“The Post” is, at its core, the story of a group of individuals hellbent on discovering the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

And despite its disconcerting parallels to modern times, it’s rather inspiring.

Take the politics and history out of it. You’re still left with the story of a group of individuals up against the world.

By all accounts, the Pentagon Papers never should’ve been published. Many behind the scenes at the Post even threatened to resign after the ordeal!

At times, things were got so tense that operations moved to Bradlee’s home.
(On that note, Sarah Paulson gives a great performance as Bradlee’s wife. Though she doesn’t get much screen time, Paulson steals each scene she’s in.)

But still, this group of journalists persevered even in the face of captivating legal struggles. They knew they had a duty to inform the American public of what was going on, even if it cost them their livelihood.

In many ways, “The Post” resembles Spielberg’s other films, pitting ordinary people against extraordinary odds.

The film may even inspire some of its audience to engage in citizen journalism. In an age where anyone can pick up a high-quality voice recorder, it’s more important than ever that we strive to uncover the truth.

Why Everyone Should See The Washington Post Movie, “The Post”

From start to finish, “The Post” is a remarkable film.

The very fact that the film never got its due during award season is almost ironic, in a way. As the protagonists in “The Post” are largely overshadowed during the subsequent Watergate scandal, so too was the film buried beneath its competition.

Still, it’s a fantastic film that film buffs, journalists, and general audiences can all enjoy in an era where the press matters more than ever.

If you’re feeling a bit down after watching The Washington Post movie, why not lighten the mood? Check out our list of the best animal movies of all time for some funny, furry films.