IMDb > Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
Charlie Wilson's War
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Charlie Wilson's War (2007) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 82 | slideshow) Videos (see all 25 NEW)
Charlie Wilson's War (2007) -- Charlie Wilson's War Trailer
Charlie Wilson's War (2007) -- Clip: Charlie tells Joanne to dial down the religion
Charlie Wilson's War (2007) -- Interview: Mike Nichols "On working with three powerhouse actors"
Charlie Wilson's War (2007) -- In this Comment from London, Simon Bates takes a look at two recent movies - "The Bucket List" and "Charlie Wilson's War" - and explains why he feels the films are a little too lighthearted.
Charlie Wilson's War (2007) -- A drama based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.

Overview

User Rating:
7.4/10   38,605 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 2% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Mike Nichols
Writers (WGA):
Aaron Sorkin (screenplay)
George Crile (book)
Contact:
View company contact information for Charlie Wilson's War on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
21 December 2007 (USA) more
Genre:
Biography | Drama more
Tagline:
Based on a true story. You think we could make all this up? more
Plot:
A drama based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 3 wins & 10 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(92 articles)
Mike Nichols Has Achieved Much in His Lifetime, Says AFI
 (From FilmSchoolRejects. 12 October 2009, 11:51 AM, PDT)

Mike Nichols to Get AFI Life Achievement Honor
 (From The Wrap. 11 October 2009, 1:52 PM, PDT)

User Comments:
A Sly, Sophisticated Piece of Film-making more (239 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated R for strong language, nudity/sexual content and some drug use.
Runtime:
102 min
Country:
USA
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
SDDS | DTS | Dolby Digital
Certification:
Ireland:15A | South Korea:15 | Singapore:NC-16 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Australia:M | Germany:12 | Netherlands:12 | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Finland:K-11 | USA:R (certificate #44037) | Argentina:13 | Sweden:7 | Hong Kong:IIB | UK:15 | Malaysia:18PL | Brazil:14 | Canada:14A (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Ontario) | Spain:13 | Portugal:M/12 | New Zealand:M | Iceland:12 (original rating) | Iceland:16 (video rating)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Charlie Wilson said in a USA Today article that he had no qualms about the film, saying "Anything I might have objected to was provable". more
Goofs:
Factual errors: When Charlie returns to Washington to cast his vote, he enters the House floor from an adjoining room. Several times, he enters that same side room from the hall outside his office, which would be impossible. The interior architecture of Charlie's office indicates that his office is in the Rayburn House Office Building, across the street from the Capitol building. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
CIA Award Presenter: The defeat and break up of the Soviet empire, culminating in the crumbing of the Berlin wall, is one of the great events of world history. There were many heros in this battle, but to Charlie Wilson must go this special recognition. Just thirteen years ago the Soviet army appeared to be invincible...
more
Movie Connections:
References "Dallas" (1978) more
Soundtrack:
ISRAELI CAFÉ, NO. 3 more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
89 out of 122 people found the following comment useful.
A Sly, Sophisticated Piece of Film-making, 26 December 2007
9/10
Author: colinbarnard-1 from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

I like Tom Hanks, and he is one of few actors who will draw me into the theatre regardless of any misgivings I may have concerning the film. I worried about Mr. Hanks return to "light comedy" as this is the arena where he made the transition from TV to film- remember "Big"? Well, "Charlie Wilson's War" is not light comedy. It is political satire, and extremely well-written political satire at that. The script is the star of this film, and the word-smithing by Aaron Sorkin is some of the best on offer this year.

Mike Nicols holds the entire escapade together, delivering a film that zips along in a very quick 90 minutes (timing is everything in comedy, and nothing is ever funny if it drags). Nicols' choice in sets and lighting are also very reminiscent of '70's and '80's TV, a move used deliberately to root the piece in period.

The return to the use of model work and stock photography over digital special effects also enhances the retro look and believability. Note to the production designers in your choice of stock footage: I know the difference between an F-16 and a MiG, and a Bell and a Hind. But that may have been part of the joke, too.

I saw this film in Philadelphia. It was interesting to watch and listen to the audience NOT get the historical references to their own history. History tends to repeat because the recidivists have forgotten what happened the first time around.

Kudos to both Mr. Hanks and that chameleon Phillip Seymore Hoffman. Sorkin's script is brought to life by these actors, and the entire production team is on the top of their game.

Heartily recommended.

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At the risk of being controversial therollerkings
Afghanistan and Iraq claudio_in_uk
Al Qaeda's origins ravinder-chaudhary
Am I the only one that doesn't think that Charlie is a hero emperorlastone
Setting Some Things Straight About Charlie TTKforU
Taliban Dario_Uruguay
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