This is the most insightful and well crafted movie about a number of our most pressing problems today, told in a brilliant set of intersecting vignettes. Every American should watch this move over and over and over again until it makes them cry for this country. Then you will know that you got it. That you really understand the truth of the costs that we are paying for not learning from our mistakes and for the greed and corruption that have run this country for years. As the daughter of a man of unquestioning courage and integrity, who fought in 3 wars and received the Distinguished Flying Cross in Korea, it makes me sick to think about what has happened in this country over the last 50 years. 30 years ago I used to do million dollar deals on a handshake and never question whether I would be paid, and by the way I never had to make one collection call. I wouldn't do a deal for $1 today without a signed contract because I find so few people who are trustworthy. I am not stupid, I know there has always been greed, backroom deals and people getting rich off of the people, but when did it become the norm? We used to be a beacon of light to the world of what it means to do the right thing, not the most expedient, not the one that will make us the most money, but to do what was morally right. If this movie moves you at all to stand up and fight for what is right then maybe we have a chance.
Outstanding acting, directing, and story line. Regardless of where you stand on the invasions subsequent to 9/11, the film is able to posture the issues without being preachy. Normally, with that star-studded cast, I would expect the movie to fall flat, but it didn't. Despite other reviews, I think the actors were very well cast, none overbearing or over the top. Somehow they were able to balance each other. It's not a light-weight movie and I was surprised when it suddenly ended. But the dialogues so well bring out the issues of the time and the same issues of today. Forget the mediocre reviews. It is very worth watching. Redford did a supreme effort in both directing and acting, an uncommon feat.
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