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Charlie Wilson's War (Full Screen) |  | Actors: Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Brian Markinson, Shiri Appleby
Studio: Universal Studios
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
Buy Used: $0.92
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Seller: bulldogbooks8
Rating:  177 reviews
Sales Rank: 8439
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC
Languages: Arabic (Original Language), English (Original Language), Russian (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), French (Dubbed), Spanish (Dubbed)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 102 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: MCAD61100565D
UPC: 025195004831
EAN: 0025195004831
ASIN: B0013XZ2QA
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: April 22, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Movie DVD
Amazon.com
Political movies about backroom negotiations need not be dry or heavy-handed, as Charlie Wilson's War delightfully proves. Based on the true story of playboy congressman Wilson's efforts to fund Afghanistan's defense against the Soviet invasion of the 1980s, the film is borne along on breezy attitude and a peppery script by West Wing scribe Aaron Sorkin. Wilson, played by Tom Hanks (who also produced), is the perfect hero for this kind of tale, because there's nothing perfect or heroic about him: He's a highball-swilling, fanny-pinching gadabout who becomes radicalized on the issue of helping the Afghans against their mighty aggressor. He has help in the form of a right-wing Texas anti-Communist (Julia Roberts) with a genius for raising money, and a sardonic CIA operative (Philip Seymour Hoffman, stealing the show) who lacks all the social skills Wilson has in abundance. Sorkin's syncopated speech is just the ticket for director Mike Nichols, who understands exactly how to keep this kind of political comedy popping (the complicated story comes in at a hair over 90 minutes, amazingly). Some scoundrels are on the right side of the angels, and the movie's Charlie Wilson is one of them. --Robert Horton
Beyond Charlie Wilson's War on DVD 
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Stills from Charlie Wilson's War (Click for larger image)
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 177
That Was Then, This Is Now February 1, 2010
Alfred Johnson (boston, ma)
The other day I made a short comment on a political blog after viewing this film and reading a long review that gave the real details behind the CIA efforts and the long-term political implications behind the maneuvers that Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson used to get secret appropriations to fund the mujahedeens in Afghanistan back in the earlier 1980s, the previous heyday of American covert operations around the world, during the early years of the Reagan administration. In that comment I noted that the reviewer made all the key points about the political meaning of this film, including the obvious ones that there was disturbing absence of context about who these 8th century- loving mujahedeen "allies" were and, more importantly, their political program (other than the obvious anti-Soviet one) that Congressman Wilson was so earnestly attempting to help and why the then legally-constituted secular government in Kabul sought out help from the Soviets against this threat. But those are merely just `little' picky points on my part now, right?
I would only add that in politics, any kind of politics, as the American government now has been learning under successive Republican and Democratic administrations in relationship to Afghanistan under different circumstances than those portrayed in the film- the enemy of your enemy is not necessarily your friend. I believe that you learn that basic lesson in your youthful schoolyard days, no later. Ouch! The only other point worth noting is that Congressman Wilson surely deserved the citation from the American governmental "combined intelligences services" for his services on their behalf in long ago Afghanistan. However, the rest of us are still living with the fall-out from his "innocent" escapades.
 How the Military-Industrial Complex Works January 14, 2010
Acute Observer (North Jersey Shore)
Charlie Wilson's War, 2008 film
The film begins with the silhouette of a man who launches a rocket towards the camera. [Symbolism?] Next we see a meeting at the CIA where "Charlie Did It". [Or did he?] Congressman Charles Wilson gets an award. "This is based on a true story". [It is not a true story in itself.] In April 1980 some people are bathing in a small pool. Dan Rather is on the TV news, the talk is about falling dominoes. Is the Free World doomed unless the Afghan people can defeat the foreign invaders? Charles Wilson must return to Washington DC for an important vote. We learn about his servants and supplicants who want his influence. Wilson will be placed on the ethics committee, he wants something in return. Charlie has all women working in his office. Is he a typical Congressman? Joanna calls him at night.
A CIA agent complains about his assignment. Does Gus lack diplomatic skills? Not so you'd notice. Gus talks about his work over lunch. Joanna wants to use Charlie's influence. Why does Congress say one thing and do another? [Is it to fool most voters?] Joanna reviews past imperial actions. She has powerful contacts and influence. [Or is she being used by others?] Russian helicopters attack the ground like some kind of invaders from another world. Charlie meets President Zia of Pakistan, he wants guns and money and control. "Go to Peshawar to see the refugee camps." Planting toy mines is part of a diabolical plot. The land there is dry and barren. Charlie gets a briefing about Pakistan. "It would draw attention." The local CIA agent must follow orders.
Charlie tells about small town life in Texas, and how he became interested in politics. Gus is sent to see Charlie. There is sudden bad news, a scandal about sex and drugs in Congress. [Is this to put pressure on Charlie?] Charlie gets a report on arms. They need plausible denial. Congress doesn't know what its voting on! Charlie's district wants only two things: their guns and low taxes. There is a man in Israel who can help get Russian arms to Pakistan. Can a belly dancer help in diplomatic maneuvers? President Zia agrees to the trade. Was Joanna saved by religion? Charlie talks to another Congressman, Doc Long, who needs a deal. The Congressman makes a speech to the Afghans, and gets cheers. [What was the translation?] Arms like anti-tank missiles are transported into Afghanistan. `Stinger' missiles can destroy helicopters in the air. Afghanistan becomes the first country to defeat the Russian Army. So what will the Afghans do in the future? "We'll see." Does anyone in Washington care afterwards?
This is a very clever and cynical film that reveals the personalities of the actors behind the scenes in Washington, an exposé that doesn't preach. Who is in the Dept. of Agriculture building? This story is well edited and fast-paced as it glides over the background. One Congressman can get elected because of financial support from far outside his district. Do they also knock over any challengers? Fund are doubled or increased ten-fold without any oversight. Do other Congressmen keep a harem in their office? I wonder if these women are asked to provide companionship to other officials? Great Britain lost two wars in the 1870s to conquer Afghanistan and control opium production. No mention of this cash crop in this film. One effect of the Soviet intervention in 1979 was to break up the estates of the big landowners. People raised food rather than opium; this caused a shortage. Who is profiting from the opium crop today? Bankers in Houston?
Surprised Me! December 28, 2009
S. Hollingsworth
I finally gave in to a friend who routinely asked me if I'd seen this movie. He knew I'd enjoy it and I did! This movie precariously balances humor with the horrors of war and the inner workings of congress, the cia and lobbyists. It truly delivers the reason Afghanistan is where it is today. It's quite an education. Definitely a must see.
 So-So flick With One Actor & Many Cardboard Characters December 6, 2009
GW (CA usa)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Mom says, "If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all."
Soooooo........Philip Seymour Hoffman was excellent, as usual.
 BOYCOTT This DVD & The Forced Advertisements from Hollywood December 2, 2009
Directed Energy (USA)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
If possible, I would RATE THIS ITEM 2.25 STARS
I think enough reviews regarding the nature of the film have been posted, but not enough regarding the forced advertisements at the beginning of this DVD version. When I pay for a DVD, I do not ever expect the DVD manufacturer to force the viewer to see content not relevant to the movie. This sort of practice is abusive and insulting to the buyer. Never will I tolerate a shallow and arrogant organization out of Hollywood decide for me what content I have to sit through. If I had the option to skip and or fast forward through the first three minutes of pollution I would. The fact that Hollywood feels that the dated content has to be forced upon the viewer pretty much spells out the value of said content.
Minus 2.00 for the Forced Advertisements on the DVD.
Minus 0.50 for the story being a bit too trite.
Minus 0.25 for taking too many artistic liberties on content.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 177
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