Once again, Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg takes the big screen by storm, this time with an unlikely, but much awaited cast: Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. “The Post” is an inspiring and politically driven account of a true story during the Vietnam era in the time of Nixon’s presidency, complete with Oscar worthy acting, an almost all-star cast and strong monologues.
The New York Times and the then lesser-known Washington Post compete for the front page in their best efforts to release secret government information, stolen from a writer who experienced the war firsthand. The rivalry ceases, however, after they both face the United States court system.
Friendships and histories become prevalent with each character, and the plot unfolds in full swing. The race against the clock and the uncertainty of what lies in the future keep the audience gasping.
“Meryl Streep is one of my favorite actors, and I was so excited to see her play such an empowering role. She worked so well with Tom Hanks, the movie wouldn’t be the same without them. This point in history isn’t really shown from this perspective, so it’s always cool to see everything in a new way,” student Olivia Wilson said.
Perhaps a pivotal moment in the entire film sparks a passion in its viewers. Directly quoting the New York Times Co. v. United States from 1971, Meg Greenfield, played by Carrie Coon relays a powerful message to everyone in the newsroom.
“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors,” she says.
The newsroom cheers and Hanks shows their work spreading across the nation. The victory of both the Washington Post and the New York Times was encouraging, however this quote alone was enough to inspire every young journalist in the theater.
Haven’t seen it yet? Watch “The Post” at Baxter Avenue Theatres, Cinemark, AMC and other local theaters.
Arry Schofield's Weekly Blog 