The Post

The Post is a historical drama film released in 2017. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie focuses on the real-life events surrounding the publication of the Pentagon Papers in the early 1970s.

It features an ensemble cast that sees Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks team up in another major Oscar winner.

The film revolves around The Washington Post, a newspaper headed by its publisher, Katharine Graham (played by Meryl Streep), and its editor-in-chief, Ben Bradlee (played by Tom Hanks), as huge questions were being asked about the Vietnam War.

It was a huge movie at the box office, generating nearly $200 million on its $50 million budget, and fans loved the tense political narrative.

But what is the movie all about, and is it worth watching?

What Is The Post Movie About?

Set in the early 1970s, The Post revolves around the publication of the Pentagon Papers, classified documents that exposed decades of deceit and misconduct by the United States government during the Vietnam War.

The story primarily focuses on The Washington Post, a prominent newspaper led by its publisher, Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep), and its determined editor-in-chief, Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks). At the centre of the narrative is the crucial decision faced by The Washington Post when they come into possession of the classified Pentagon Papers.

The film begins with Daniel Ellsberg, a military analyst, leaking the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times, which subsequently starts publishing articles based on the documents.

However, the government, under President Nixon, obtains a court injunction to halt the publication of the classified information. This prompts Ellsberg to approach The Washington Post with the documents.

Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and Ben Bradlee, an experienced and relentless editor, face a critical juncture.

They must choose whether to defy the government's efforts to suppress the truth and publish the Pentagon Papers, or comply with the legal constraints and potentially lose the opportunity to expose government misconduct.

Graham, who initially doubts her ability to lead the newspaper, undergoes a personal transformation as she realises the immense responsibility and impact of the decision.

With the support of Bradlee and the newsroom staff, they decide to challenge the government's attempt to stifle the freedom of the press and proceed with publishing the papers.

As The Washington Post prepares the Pentagon Papers for publication, they face significant obstacles. They must contend with the possibility of legal repercussions, financial ruin, and damage to the reputation of the newspaper.

Meanwhile, the staff races against time to verify the accuracy of the leaked documents and to protect their sources.

The Post Official Trailer

Is The Post Worth Watching?

This is a thrilling film based on the intense newsroom environment, the collaborative efforts of journalists, and the meticulous work involved in investigative reporting.

It also explores the complex relationship between the press and the government, and the lengths to which those in power will go to suppress information that challenges their actions.

It is a poignant and timely reminder of the critical importance of a free press in a democratic society and showcases the bravery and dedication of journalists who risked everything to uncover the truth and shed light on government secrets and misconduct.

The Post boasts an outstanding ensemble cast led by the incomparable Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. Streep's portrayal of Katharine Graham, the determined publisher of The Washington Post, is masterful, earning her an Academy Award nomination.

Hanks delivers a captivating performance as the relentless editor, Ben Bradlee. The chemistry between the cast members enhances the film's intensity and authenticity, drawing audiences into the story.

Director Steven Spielberg demonstrates his prowess, and his ability to create tension and capture the emotional depth of the characters is evident throughout the film.

Spielberg's skilful storytelling keeps the audience engaged, balancing the personal journeys of the characters with the broader social and political implications of their actions.

His attention to detail and ability to recreate the 1970s era further enhances the authenticity and immersive experience of the film.

It is a genuinely terrific film, but the pacing is uneven in parts. While it builds tension effectively in certain scenes, there were moments where the pacing felt slower, leading to a slight loss of momentum.

And it would have been nice to see more of the supporting characters within the newsroom. Their individual stories and perspectives could have been explored in more depth to add more layers and depth.

But honestly, they are very minor points in what is, overall, a very powerful film.

Is The Post Movie Based On A True Story?

Yes, The Post is based on a true story. The film portrays the real-life events surrounding the publication of the Pentagon Papers in the early 1970s.

The Pentagon Papers were a classified government study that exposed a pattern of deceit and misconduct by multiple U.S. administrations during the Vietnam War. They were leaked to The New York Times by military analyst Daniel Ellsberg, and they revealed information about the government's involvement in the war that had been kept hidden from the public.

While some aspects of the thrilling film may be fictionalised for dramatic purposes, the core events and the broader context of the Pentagon Papers are based on true historical events.

The Cast Of The Post

Meryl Streep (Mamma Mia) as Kay Graham, the female newspaper publisher of The Washington Post.

Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee, the determined and relentless editor-in-chief of The Washington Post. Bradlee is instrumental in pushing for the publication of the Papers.

Bob Odenkirk (Nobody) as Ben Bagdikian, an investigative journalist at The Washington Post. Bagdikian plays a key role in obtaining a copy of the study, risking his career and freedom in the process.

Bruce Greenwood as Robert McNamara, the former U.S. Secretary of Defense. McNamara's involvement in the Vietnam War and the government's cover up and deception, as revealed in the Pentagon Papers, adds to the film's narrative.

Sarah Paulson (Run) as Tony Bradlee, the wife of Ben Bradlee. Though a supporting character, Tony provides emotional support and insight to Ben.

Tracy Letts as Fritz Beebe, a lawyer and close advisor to Katharine Graham.

Bradley Whitford as Arthur Parsons, The Washington Post's board member who questions the potential financial and legal risks of publishing the Pentagon Papers.

Alison Brie as Lally Weymouth, Katharine Graham's daughter.