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Gus van Sant directs this political biopic telling the story of California's first openly gay elected public official, Harvey Milk. Sean Penn won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the New Yorker who became known as a gay rights activist after moving to San Francisco in the early 1970s. After two failed attempts to become elected to San Francisco's Board of Supervisors, Milk finally made it onto the board in 1977 - but only served for a matter of months before he and the city's mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) were shot to death by right-wing rival Dan White (Josh Brolin).
From the Back Cover
Released in cinemas on on January 23, from the acclaimed director Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting and Elephant) comes the powerful and inspiring story of the first openly gay man to be voted into major public office in America, Harvey Milk. His victory was not just a victory for gay rights; he forged coalitions across the political spectrum. From senior citizens to union workers, Harvey Milk changed the very nature of what it means to be a fighter for human rights and became, before his untimely death in 1978, a hero for all. His life changed history, and his courage changed lives.
With a powerhouse performance in the leading role, Sean Penn (Mystic River) and supporting cast Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild), Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men) and James Franco (Spider-Man 1, 2 and 3) bring this unforgettable story to the big screen on January 23.Stills from Milk (click for larger image).
 Sean Penn |  Sean Penn and Diego Luna |  James Franco |  Alison Pill and Emile Hirsch |  Emile Hirsch |  Diego Luna |  Josh Brolin and Sean Penn |  Josh Brolin |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. Blu
Format:Blu-ray
The only negative things that I would say about "Milk" are that neither sound nor vision leave you feeling that the DVD would not have been enough; although hearing "Queen Bitch" in HD audio quality was much appreciated! That aside we are dealing with a fantastic acting performance from Sean Penn, who seems to have studied the documentaries and found a way to be a Harvey Milk that is true to the real-life man without being a mere impersonation. Van Sant is a great director and he has everything on a tight leash here. The tempo of the film, the dialogue and the cinematographic construction of scenes show a master's touch. Penn is also surrounded by good performances, not least from Brolin as his eventual nemesis. In many ways the film is short on drama, since we know historically what he will achieve, and the film's opening makes it clear how it will end. But it is the sign of a good film when this doesn't matter, and it never matters here.
During the credits there is a nice montage sequence of footage showing the characters followed by their real-life originals. The film is by turns funny, witty, touching and powerful. I recommend it very strongly, but unless you are a Blu-Ray nut (and maybe even then) the DVD might be the wiser choice.
During the credits there is a nice montage sequence of footage showing the characters followed by their real-life originals. The film is by turns funny, witty, touching and powerful. I recommend it very strongly, but unless you are a Blu-Ray nut (and maybe even then) the DVD might be the wiser choice.
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By D. Gari
Format:DVD
If you haven't seen this movie, you should watch it. When you have, you'll simply know it's worth buying the dvd.
I'll try not to repeat things already said by the other reviewers...
I just wanted to say that this movie tells the true story of a man who really changed things for one of the most historically discriminated kind of human beings (probably only second to women)...
And it does tell this story truthfully and respectfully. I imagine Gus Van Sant and the script writer must have known Milk's story very well, and after watching the documentary "The Times of Harvey Milk" I suspect that might've been one of the major sources for transcribing original speeches actually told by Harvey Milk when he was alive.
Anyway the film transpires passion. I truly believe all the actors, the writer, the director put their heart into doing this. You can feel it.
I cried twice throughout the movie the first time I saw it.
I think it changed me in some way. Made me feel like it's my own responsibility to stand up and speak up for my own rights. Made me feel like it's not just a common place but a truth that things can change if you try hard and don't give up at the first difficulties.
However this movie is not only beautiful for the power of its message: it is solidly and elegantly directed, the photography is very good, the actors are great (Sean Penn here deserved at least a Nobel Prize and Emile Hirsh is superb, but all the cast is absolutely convincing).
There is not a weak scene in the whole movie, it flows smoothly, it's perfectly balanced. It goes from triumphant to intimate, from whisper to screaming crowd. It has some really memorable shots as well. To cut it short, it has everything you ask from a masterpiece.
Please watch it, you'll love it, I guarantee.
I'll try not to repeat things already said by the other reviewers...
I just wanted to say that this movie tells the true story of a man who really changed things for one of the most historically discriminated kind of human beings (probably only second to women)...
And it does tell this story truthfully and respectfully. I imagine Gus Van Sant and the script writer must have known Milk's story very well, and after watching the documentary "The Times of Harvey Milk" I suspect that might've been one of the major sources for transcribing original speeches actually told by Harvey Milk when he was alive.
Anyway the film transpires passion. I truly believe all the actors, the writer, the director put their heart into doing this. You can feel it.
I cried twice throughout the movie the first time I saw it.
I think it changed me in some way. Made me feel like it's my own responsibility to stand up and speak up for my own rights. Made me feel like it's not just a common place but a truth that things can change if you try hard and don't give up at the first difficulties.
However this movie is not only beautiful for the power of its message: it is solidly and elegantly directed, the photography is very good, the actors are great (Sean Penn here deserved at least a Nobel Prize and Emile Hirsh is superb, but all the cast is absolutely convincing).
There is not a weak scene in the whole movie, it flows smoothly, it's perfectly balanced. It goes from triumphant to intimate, from whisper to screaming crowd. It has some really memorable shots as well. To cut it short, it has everything you ask from a masterpiece.
Please watch it, you'll love it, I guarantee.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I really didn't know much about the real story of Mr Milk.. which meant I was really, really shocked by the ending (I imagined he'd been murdered by some lone nutcase).
But I was even more shocked by how much I enjoyed Milk. It's great fun, Penn does a fantastic job (for once an Oscar worth giving) and manages to get across a charming fella with a few flaws but a lust for life that you can imagine was highly infectious to those around him.
In fact, it's a pretty flawless film all round. Which, given that it's about the life and times of an American gay politician 30 years ago.. is all the more astounding. Great film.
But I was even more shocked by how much I enjoyed Milk. It's great fun, Penn does a fantastic job (for once an Oscar worth giving) and manages to get across a charming fella with a few flaws but a lust for life that you can imagine was highly infectious to those around him.
In fact, it's a pretty flawless film all round. Which, given that it's about the life and times of an American gay politician 30 years ago.. is all the more astounding. Great film.
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4.4 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Add a box of tissues to your basket!
This is my favourite film of all time. It is an inspiring film delving into the oppression and inequality of LGBT individuals in society, from the point of view of Harvey Milk, the... Read more
Published 15 days ago by Chris N
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fitting Memorial
;That Harvey's questing spirit not only lives but soars in this movie is a gift from Sean Penn, who plays him for real instead of for show. Read more
Published 15 days ago by prisrob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Film
Wept a lot but only cos it tugs at heart strings. Sean Penn is wow - so different from some of his roles!
Published 2 months ago by kath lloyd
2.0 out of 5 stars
Didn't like
Only watched a small amount. Just not my taste. Passed it on to someone else who said he liked it.
Published 3 months ago by A. Craney
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational
An excellent story of making changes to help others. Harvey Milk should still be celebrated for his achievements.
Great film.
Great film.
Published 8 months ago by Ms. Ae Daley
5.0 out of 5 stars
AN INSPIRING & IMPORTANT FILM
I knew nothing of Harvey Milk before seeing this film but WOW - I do now!
EVERY GAY PERSON NEEDS TO SEE THIS MOVIE
The murdered late Mr Milk deserves the... Read more
EVERY GAY PERSON NEEDS TO SEE THIS MOVIE
The murdered late Mr Milk deserves the... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Pagan Ronnie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
I did not have to wait long before it arrived, and started to watch it and it was amazing. The actor Sean Penn does a very good job of showing the man who was Harvey Milk. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Gazbamber
4.0 out of 5 stars
worthy film, great performance
As a confession to start this review, as it definitely has a bearing on my overall rating of the film, I am not very comfortable with the idea of a biopic. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Biffer Spice
5.0 out of 5 stars
majestic filmmaking
Milk is one of those rare overtly political films that goes beyond the political point to come to life as art. Read more
Published 14 months ago by schumann_bg
4.0 out of 5 stars
Don't knock it till you've tried it....the film people, the film!
San Francisco in the early 1970s and Harvey Milk, an out of the closet gay man, wants to turn his new home on Castro Street into a bohemian refuge for like minded gays. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Spike Owen
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