One of the most important movies of the year, and rightfully so.

Rating: 9/10 (3 October 2016)

In this politically heated year of 2016, the release of two films give voice to American heroes-13 Hours, Michael Bay's film about the battle of Benghazi; and Snowden, about controversial whistleblower Edward Snowden who is currently a fugitive in hiding. I am proud to say that Oliver Stone, of Platoon and JFK fame, delivers justice to the story; and it's one of the best movies of 2016.
Joseph Gordon Levitt portrays Edward Snowden. In two or three scenes; Snowden is strapped to a high tech lie detector, he is asked the question "Is America the greatest country in the world?" to which he replies yes. This is what drives Edward throughout the movie, as he transitions from Special Forces dropout to CIA computer analyst. He works on various assignments across the country and learns the means that the Government uses to intrude on the privacy of the American people. He also has a relationship with Lindsay Mills; who loves social media but is also affected and disturbed by Edward's paranoia and resentment towards the Government. She's also the most static character in the film, and she should've been given closure considering her real life counterpart is standing by Snowden today.
The ending is spectacular and delivers it's message without being overly sentimental. All the important characters are relevant and brilliantly acted by the likes of Rhys Ifans, Nicolas Cage, Tom Wilkinson, Zachary Quinto, etc. The film features excellent cinematography with good use of color schemes in various scenes to make it's universe feel like our own.
Snowden is a thrilling and entertaining Drama that is crucially important for people living in America today. Always questioning authority, and standing up for what's right.
Grade-A.