Charlie Wilson's War

About Charlie Wilson's War

"Charlie Wilson's War" is a gripping political drama released in 2007. This remarkable movie illustrates the real-life story of Democrat Congressman Charles Wilson and his rogue operations to assist Mujahideen rebels during the Afghan Soviet war. Directed by Mike Nichols, the movie vividly portrays the behind-the-scenes political maneuvers and arms dealings that played a crucial role in ending the Cold War.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Universal Pictures and directed by award-winning director Mike Nichols. The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, based on George Crile's 2003 book of the same name.

Actors

• Tom Hanks as Charles Wilson: Portraying the role of a Congressman with flair and subtlety, Hanks delivers a truly commendable performance.
• Julia Roberts as Joanne Herring: In her role as an affluent socialite and anti-communist activist, Roberts provides an engaging and layered performance.
• Philip Seymour Hoffman as Gust Avrakotos: Hoffman, in his masterful craft, brings to life a disheveled yet sharp CIA operative to perfection.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Although portrayed as a flamboyant character in the film, the real Charlie Wilson was known for his humility and grounded nature in reality.
• The movie doesn't use the term 'Operation Cyclone', which was the actual CIA program providing aid to the Afghan Mujahideen.
• Aaron Sorkin wrote the script without ever meeting the real Charlie Wilson.

Awards

The movie received various accolades and nominations. Philip Seymour Hoffman received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his stellar performance in this film. The film also won the Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture (Philip Seymour Hoffman).

Quotes

• "These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the endgame." - Charlie Wilson
• "Why is Congress saying one thing and doing nothing?" - Joanne Herring
• "There's a little boy and on his 14th birthday he gets a horse... and everybody in the village says, 'how wonderful. The boy got a horse' And the Zen master says, 'we'll see.'" - Gust Avrakotos

Music, Soundtrack

• "Angel of the Morning" - Juice Newton
• "Stomp!" - The Brothers Johnson
• "Slippery People (Live)" - Talking Heads