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The Pentagon Papers

Play trailer Poster for The Pentagon Papers R 2003 1h 36m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 64% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Daniel Ellsberg (James Spader) works for a think tank, analyzing data about the escalating Vietnam War, which he ardently supports. Visiting Saigon, he discovers that the situation is more dire than he had been led to believe. Back in Washington, D.C., he gains access to documents detailing the U.S. government's intent to deceive the public about the war's progress. With help from his wife, Patricia (Claire Forlani), and friend Anthony Russo (Paul Giamatti), he leaks the papers to the press.

Critics Reviews

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John Leonard New York Magazine/Vulture Casting James Spader as Ellsberg was inspired. Jan 30, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Steve D A bit too quick at times, coming off like a highlight real, but beautifully acted and powerful. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/20/23 Full Review Audience Member An important story is wasted through a subtly-free approach to telling it. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Very powerful but somewhat lacking Vietnam drama starring James Spader, that was made for cable that came out right before the U.S Invasion of Iraq. I do see the connection between this release and the real life politics going on with Iraq during 2003. This did a good job with going behind the scenes of the war but was somewhat lacking with the actual combat scenes. That put aside this wasn't really meant to be a balls to the wall Platoon rip off, but this is still an entertaining watch for anyone who is into war films that actually tell the truth. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member A good exploration of the release of the internal papers detailing precursors and involvement in the Vietnam war. Interesting. I can't speak to the accuracy, but it was a good history lesson for me. Countless dead for advancement of domestic politics. Nasty stuff. Low budget, but it doesn't matter much. Great cast. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Audience Member The limitations of its production are felt (made-for-TV, small budget) with overly brief characterizations and the often rushed scenes, but the true story is a timely and powerful one, and the film does a pretty good job covering the impact of what Ellsberg did, and the risks he was taking. James Spader really carried the film with his performance, and was helped by the always reliable and engaging Paul Giamatti. 3/5 Stars Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member the pentagon papers is good Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Pentagon Papers

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The Pentagon Papers

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Movie Info

Synopsis Daniel Ellsberg (James Spader) works for a think tank, analyzing data about the escalating Vietnam War, which he ardently supports. Visiting Saigon, he discovers that the situation is more dire than he had been led to believe. Back in Washington, D.C., he gains access to documents detailing the U.S. government's intent to deceive the public about the war's progress. With help from his wife, Patricia (Claire Forlani), and friend Anthony Russo (Paul Giamatti), he leaks the papers to the press.
Director
Rod Holcomb
Screenwriter
Jason Horwitch
Production Co
Columbia
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Feb 17, 2004
Runtime
1h 36m