"You gotta give them hope."

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2008)

Every now and then, a movie comes around that's too timely and poignant for words. This year, that film is 'Milk'. Not only a superbly crafted American film, but a vastly important one at that. Gus Van Sant's portrait of this nation's first openly gay man elected to public office is a stirring and compelling look into the birth of a revolution whose struggles continue today. 'Milk' speaks to the heart of a generation, and with a message of acceptance that should be seen by all.
'Milk' first comes to us with a montage of grainy black-and-white file footage of men being arrested and led out of homosexual bars. It then cuts to Harvey Milk, sitting alone at a kitchen table speaking into a tape recorder. A tape that, Harvey tell us, is only to be played in the event of his assassination. It is his story that becomes the framework of this deeply affecting biopic, one that speaks to events today as much as they did when 'Milk' would unfold in the 70s. It is Gus Van Sant's decision to use such file footage throughout the film to enhance its own reality. This is real, this happened.
Sean Penn. What can you say? 'Milk' takes us on a journey, but Sean Penn takes us to the soul of a man. A man who has stood up for what he believes in, a man who will stand idle no more. Sean disappears into Harvey and delivers a deeply human performance, one that blew me away with such passion and determinism. Here is a man who refuses to quit even when staring defeat in the face. No mountain, however high or steep, is ever impossible to climb. His struggle becomes the voice of a movement to grant equal rights for all, no matter your sexual orientation. A tragic revolution that almost forces an entire population to make their case for simple civil rights.
Though Penn's amazing performance may very well be the highlight of this film, there's no overlooking a strong supporting cast that surrounds Penn. Included is James Franco, who continues to prove his worth as an actor. Playing one of Penn's partners, Franco takes advantage of a small role and makes the very most out of it. It's a star turn for Franco, who is also joined by scene-stealing Emile Hirsch, Alison Pill, and Joseph Cross. It is Josh Brolin who portrays Milk's colleague Dan White, a man tortured by his own beliefs and the changing landscape. It would be White who ultimately took the lives of Milk and Mayor Moscone.
'Milk' is not your typical Hollywood biopic. It doesn't bubble over with sensational claims and depictions. It's neither the image of a larger-than-life character who struck big-time with overwhelming fame or fortune. It is a story to believe in, to draw hope and strength from. It is not strictly a gay movie, I honestly believe anyone will find an inspirational note to walk away with. To overcome one's persecutions is to uphold one of our most timeless creeds: the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And though Milk's life ended in unspeakable tragedy, his bravery inspired millions to rise up.
'Milk' first showed us a gay oppression at the hands of the law. It leaves us with a candlelight vigil marching through the streets of San Francisco. It is singularly the most emotional and powerful moment in this wonderful film. We're taken back to Harvey sitting at his kitchen table, reflecting on his life and preparing for the worst. "Life's not worth living without hope," he tells us. "You gotta give them hope." More reviews: rottentomatoes.com/vine/journal_view.php?journalid=219276&view=public