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Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
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Tom Hanks leads the charge as a larger-than-life US congressman in this quick-fire comedy drama from director Mike Nichols. Adapted from George Crile's book by The West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, it's the true story of how Texas politician Charlie Wilson raised millions of dollars to fund the Mujahidin's secret war against the Soviets in 1980s Afghanistan. He's aided and abetted by a sharp-tongued Julia Roberts as war-mongering socialite Joanne Herring, and by Philip Seymour Hoffman, who's simply brilliant as gruff CIA agent Gust Avrakotos. Hanks muddies his normally clean-cut image as Wilson — a booze hound and womaniser — but never enough to compromise his trademark likeability. Any sense that Wilson might simply be gratifying his own ego — all character faults considered — is downplayed, which makes this feel like a glossier version of actual events. Still, it's a clever, compelling and (given the subject matter) surprisingly funny film that also boasts an impressive supporting cast. SP
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| Contains swearing. |
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Tell us what you think
Email us at rtfilmcomments@bbc.co.uk to tell us what you think of this film. Your comments may appear in Radio Times magazine.
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Running time
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97min
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Country of origin
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US
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Genre
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Biographical Comedy Drama
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Original language
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English
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Screenplay
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Aaron Sorkin, from the non-fiction book by George Crile
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Theatrical distributor
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Universal
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UK cinema certificate
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15
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UK cinema release date
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January 2008
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| awards information |
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Award |
Category |
Name |
Nominee/Winner |
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| Golden Globe 2007 |
Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical |
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Nominee |
| Golden Globe 2007 |
Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical |
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Nominee |
| Golden Globe 2007 |
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical |
Tom Hanks |
Nominee |
| Golden Globe 2007 |
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role Motion Picture |
Philip Seymour Hoffman |
Nominee |
| Golden Globe 2007 |
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role Motion Picture |
Julia Roberts |
Nominee |
| Golden Globe 2007 |
Best Screenplay Motion Picture |
Aaron Sorkin |
Nominee |
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Film certification logos reproduced by kind permission of BBFC |
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