Iffy for 15+
Memorable, mature biopic brings a movement to life.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this intense, stirring drama examines the life of Harvey Milk, a civil- and gay-rights advocate who was assassinated in 1978. It explores prejudice against homosexuals and traces the beginnings of the gay rights movement. The film offers an unflinching look at homophobia during that era. Expect strong language (including "f--k" and "s--t"), sexual situations, partial nudity, political manipulation, suicide, and murder. Some material may be too challenging for younger teens, but older teens and adults will find it a thought-provoking piece of history.
- Families can talk about what Harvey Milk stood for -- pro and con. Whatdo your kids think about the gay rights movement, and how do they thinkthings have changed -- if at all -- since 1978? Does the movie have apoint of view on Milk's role in history? Do your kids think it'saccurate? Why? Another good discussion can be had about the art of thefilm itself and how the filmmakers used archival footage in the movie.Does that affect the authenticity of what people are seeing?
The good stuff
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Messages: Milk discovers a sense of purpose when he moves to San Francisco with and becomes an equal-rights advocate. His story gives hope to countless gay men, many of whom are afraid to come out. Milk and his longtime boyfriend appear to have a nurturing, supportive relationship, but when they break up, Milk finds himself embroiled in a highly dysfunctional relationship, which unfortunately ends in suicide. Later, Milk himself is assassinated by a fellow politician. Political intrigue and betrayals are revealed; the assassination plays out in excruciating detail onscreen.
What to watch for
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Violence: A man shoots two others, point blank. Another man is beat up in a hate crime. Black-and-white archival footage shows homosexuals being harassed by cops. Also, a man Milk is involved with hangs himself; the scene in which his body is discovered is upsetting and somewhat gruesome.
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Sex: Hook ups between men. Lots of ogling and a fair number of conversations filled with sexual innuendo (including discussion of what one person would "do" to another). Naked photos; a man walks around in his briefs. Men kiss and grope each other.
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Language: Fairly explicit, including "c--ksucking," "dick," "s--t," "f--k," "prick," and more. A derogatory epithet that starts with "f" is also hurled a few times.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking, some to the point of inebriation. Some characters are shown rolling marijuana.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
SUPERB OSCAR-WORTHY PERFORMANCE BY SEAN PENN! GRADE: SOLID A by MOVIES REVIEWER
Gus Van Sant's 2 hr 8 min movie about the ill-fated San Francisco openly gay Supervisor and gay civil-rights leader is TOP CLASS - excellently well-done!
The entire cast gave such commendable performances that helped to elevate this stirring rousing film above and beyond the ordinary - helped to trumpet the fact that civil/human rights are guaranteed by our country's constitution.
The advance preview audience gave it a heartfelt ovation.
VERDICT:
Only the shallow superficial unenlightened would not be able to appreciate a tremendously well-made and well-acted movie of this high-caliber - but instead would launch personal unwarranted attacks against the stars/cast of this movie.
So, please ignore HATEFUL and BIGOTED people who dissed this movie - especially when they HAVE NOT even seen it. D U H !!!
A MUST-SEE!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
5
Enlightening. by What the Huh
First of all, what is with all the reviews of people panning the movie without having seen it? That a large part of the U.S. can't progress past blatent hatred is shameful. Disgusting. I have empathy for the gay community after seeing this movie. I get it. Oscar worthy and thought-provoking. Yes, two guys kiss, so the hell what.
5
MILK by thepatrician
A VERY STRONG MOVIE FROM A REALITY NOT THAT LONG AGO. IT REMINDED ME OF THE STILL STRONG CHRISTIAN REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THEIR ADLED BRAINS. FUNNY HOW THE MORMONS ARE FOLLOWING UP ON THEIR ATTACK OF THE GAY "AGENDA"(PROP 8). WHAT HARVEY MILK FOUGHT FOR IS A GOOD REMINDER FOR US ALL TODAY. SEE IT WITH YOUR TEENS WHO QUESTION CIVIL RIGHTS AND TOLERANCE.
5
Inspiring by tlanek45
Penn is simply remarkable as Milk. Brolin does a very good job of showing how self-hate can eat at your very soul. Topical in that it shows how religous fundamentalists have hijacked and bastardized Christ's teachiings. Technically, Van Sant does a reat job interweaving archival footage from the 70s with new celluloid that is shot to ive it an "aged" look. The ending is a stunning one. Harvey Milk not only preached hope, he lived it. This film will stand the test of time and bigotry. Thanks.
5
Must See...Too bad it wasnt' released until after the Prop 8 vote in CA...might have changed attitudes by nannagal
Must See...Too bad it wasn't released until after the Prop 8 vote in CA...might have changed minds and attitudes about civil rights for all people in this country, including gays, lesbians, and transgendered people. I loved the authenticity of the portrayal, the historical relevance to today's civil liberties struggles, church v. state issues, it has it all. Needless to say, Sean Penn was magnificent, and the rest of the cast was great as well.. Gus Van Sant did an overall wonderful job. Anyone who is not moved emotionally by this story....well, I will say no more. Please see it. Keep an open mind.
4
JUST ONE - WOW by TrekkieCuban
Whether you are gay or straight the movie MILK is a very good historic piece. Sean Penn plays the role of Harvey Milk flawlessly. The rest of the cast are also quite good in their performances. Harvey Milk, like so many other individuals throughout history, pays the final price (his life) for standing for something he believed in. This movie shows how just one person can make a difference. Yes he had help, but he became the force - the figure - to fight prejudice and injustice. If you are interested in history, this is a very good movie with a great message.
5
Excellent movie for the times we live in by oscar_feliciano
This was an excellent movie, especially considering what has happened in a few states in the recent presidential election. It's amazing to see what lengths this one man, Harvey Milk, went to in the face of outright bigotry and hatred during the 70's. Despite the negative so-called "reviews" posted here as a result of either some church group or Christian chat-room, I strongly recommend that everyone go and see this film if it's playing in your area. If it's not, then please ask your local theater to screen it!
5
Bravo Sean Penn by DigiRyder
Excellent acting on all parts here, very touching, and a great view of a piece of history. I did not realize at the time that the whole Anita Bryant thing and Harvey Milk were intertwined. Very well done movie. and shockingly tragic.
5
Great Movie!! by agill81
GREAT Movie! This movie is a must see! I didn't know about Harvey Milk until recently......
I think a lot of the bad / so/so etc ratings are either evangelical / bigots who haven't even seen the movie and just stating that the movie sucks. "hippydippygal" hasn't even see it and gave it bad ratings. Most of the ratings are even before the movie came out.
5
Milk by Dang Diggety Dang
Sean Penn is brilliant ! Brolin, James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Allison Pill.This is a movie that really needed to be made. Kudos to Gus Van Sant , David Webb, and Dustin Lance Black : the combination of real footage and the grainy vintage looking new film with a well written screenplay is pure genius.