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By Cunnie Translated by Ann Lee

Charlie Wilson's War　2008/02/07

Rating: R　Action/ War/ Drama

Centered on politics and current events in the United States, "Charlie Wilson's War" rounds up some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. But, we have to ask, do relevant material and dynamite actors really make the film a hit? Let's find out.

The story begins with Charlie "Good Time" Wilson (Tom Hanks), a Texas congressman that sympathizes with Afghanistan and the victims of the brutal Soviet occupation. Charlie decides to covertly assist the rebels in overthrowing the Soviet empire. To get a weapons supply to the Afghan Mujahideen, Wilson enlists the help of his major conservative supporter, socialite Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts), as well as a willing Pakistani dictator, the Israelis and, as in all Middle Eastern set films, belly dancers.

"Charlie Wilson's War" is set in both the U.S. and Afghanistan, creating an interesting juxtaposition of political ideals and harsh reality. The movie is derived from the bestselling book of the same name by George Crile. As all adaptations go, there is no way to pack all of the book's detail into the film, but in "Charlie Wilson's War", that shortcoming seems a bit more apparent. It does do a nice job of showing Hollywood's depiction of developing areas in the world, though this presentation might reflect more on the producers than on the real country. Also, the cinematography is a bit refreshing--some of the film is shot as a normal movie and some as a documentary, adding an extra storytelling element.

Though the story is intriguing and timely, some of the performances just aren't quite on the boat. Actors and actresses show up at seemingly inappropriate times, which creates complications and confuse the plot. It isn't until maverick CIA agent Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman) appears that the audience sees a really spot-on performance. Not even Hanks, who has been astounding audiences and triggering tears for years, really gives a solid performance.

It isn't until the end that his true talent spreads across the screen--Charlie, drink in hand, looks on at a group of chatting, fellow congressmen who can't even tell the difference between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The indignation at the lawmakers, who really are blind to current events, creeps over Hanks' face. It is then we realize Wilson's utter isolation, that his mission truly is "Charlie Wilson's" war--his and no one else's. Though he has a moral cause and is a key member of an influential government, he's all on his own in this crusade.