Milk

My younger brother and I went to go see Milk on Friday night. The Gus Van Sant-directed movie is based on the true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly-gay, publicly-elected official in California. I expected I would like the movie (based on reading reviews online, hearing friend's reviews and the cast) but I did not expect to leave the theater feeling so moved. 

Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch and James Franco gave stand up performances — especially Sean Penn. Diego Luna and Josh Brolin were fun to watch as well. I couldn't help but feel immersed in the tireless campaigning, social struggles, nasty stereotypes (many that still exist today) and many failed attempts before his victorious Supervisor election.

Milk tells a part of the American civil rights history that we don't hear about enough. Harvey Milk, his campaign team and his believers helped blaze a trail that has given a better quality of life to gay Americans. I am by no means saying that I think being gay is easy — but it seems that perceptions and and legislation have come a long way (yet there's still more room for change). 

Go see Milk. It's a film every American should see.

See more about what awards the movie has won and what people are saying:

Focus Feature's Web site. IMDB also has some great reviews and info on the film.