The modern battlefield is everywhere

Rating: 8/10 (16 November 2016)

Snowden provides a solid character study, while it also focuses on very relevant social, economic and political subjects.
Our main character is not portrayed as a good guy, he is a man seeking refuge from the law: just like a criminal would. Him being some sort of an evil man is contradicted by JGL's performance. His character shows both confidence and trust when we get to meet him. Speaking of which, Edward Snowden has a brilliant introduction in this film, the Rubik's cube he is holding is a symbol of his intellect.
The story in this film is not paced very good. The combination between Ed's relationship drama and his job does not always work. While the relationship between the two characters is actually very interesting, it's brought down by constantly switching from drama (the relationship) to suspense (Snowden's job).
Like many other Oliver Stone films, this movie once again gives an interesting commentary on modern day America. Oliver Stone is not afraid to show the actual truth. As you're reading this, you're most likely being watched. That's what this film is trying to tell you. There is no such thing as privacy anymore. Nowadays, the US government can listen to anything you say. They know where you are, they know who you're talking to, and trust me, they know about your fears. You turn on a cell phone or a computer, and you're doomed. This was what Edward Snowden was fighting against, since this was manipulated very heavily by the US government.
As I'm writing this review, on November the 17th, it's been almost ten days since the US presidential elections have ended. Snowden's other political undertones focus on the media. Edward Snowden knows that the mainstream media likes to spread false narratives, he knows that not everything you hear/see on the news is true. This election has proved him right. CNN, MSNBC, ABC News and other networks like that have all been exposed creating false narratives. Even Donald Trump makes a short (off-screen) cameo.
Snowden made me think. There is one philosophical question I got out of this film: Is it rational to break rules to help people? Edward Snowden, mainly seen as a good person is a criminal, which is a fact. But he did break those rules for the greater good.
I walked out of the theaters satisfied once it was finished. I thought the story and structure needed some work, but I am once again very happy to see Oliver Stone's take on American politics and society. Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a fantastic performance of an American hero, which happens to be a very well written character.
8/10