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Words of War

Play trailer 2:00 Poster for Words of War R Now Playing 1h 57m Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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68% Tomatometer 19 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Based on a true story, WORDS OF WAR follows world-renowned journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya on her brave crusade, fighting to be an independent voice of truth for the Russian people, putting her own life in jeopardy despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence. While Anna was ultimately silenced, her legacy lives on and her story serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face and the importance of protecting their right to report the news without fear of death or reprisal.
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Critics Reviews

View All (19) Critics Reviews
Dennis Harvey Variety Despite Peake’s best efforts, her heroine comes off as a one-dimensional figure of brisk, corrective righteousness -- an archetype that seems very English. May 16, 2025 Full Review Ty Burr Washington Post The film’s a necessary downer that nonetheless inspires in a viewer an echo of its heroine’s compassion and resolve. Rated: 3/4 May 2, 2025 Full Review Thelma Adams AARP Movies for Grownups The viewer feels, at the end, that it can’t happen here -- until it does. A final image of numerous fellow journalists felled in the pursuit of truth, including The Washington Post’s Jamal Khashoggi, drills the point home. Rated: 5/5 May 2, 2025 Full Review Jackie K. Cooper jackiekcooper.com Good message, s,ow story. Rated: 5/10 May 13, 2025 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Passably effective biopic on the late brave Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya. Rated: B May 13, 2025 Full Review Hugh Barnes The Arts Desk ...[Maxine] Peake here marvellously conveys an empathy and listening style that enabled Polikovskaya as a reporter to win the trust of Chechen civilians. Rated: 3/5 May 8, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (19) audience reviews
Shannon P Tragic true-life tale about Russia's treatment of people in Chechnya and a journalist who became involved by documenting the crisis.. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/14/25 Full Review William A Words of War is not just a film; it’s an experience—an emotional, intellectual, and deeply human journey into the power of language amidst the chaos of conflict. With breathtaking direction and a script that crackles with intensity and poetry, this film establishes itself as a modern classic that lingers long after the credits roll. The narrative, weaving historical truth with lyrical storytelling, offers a profound reflection on the role of literature, journalism, and oratory in times of darkness. Every line of dialogue feels intentional, every scene charged with emotion. The film does not just recount history—it engages in an urgent conversation about truth, resistance, and the written word as a weapon of hope. The cast delivers extraordinary performances, with the lead actors breathing life into their roles with raw vulnerability and fierce conviction. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, capturing both the vastness of war and the intimate moments of human connection that resist it. The score underscores every emotional beat with elegance and restraint. The director masterfully balances scale with subtlety, crafting a film that is at once sweeping and deeply personal. From quiet, candlelit moments of writing to explosive confrontations on the battlefield of ideas, Words of War never loses its momentum or meaning. In an era when misinformation and division challenge the fabric of society, Words of War reminds us that words matter—that they can wound, but more importantly, they can heal, unite, and inspire. This is not only one of the year’s best films, but a timeless tribute to the enduring power of truth. Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) A must-see for lovers of history, language, and the indomitable spirit of resistance. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/21/25 Full Review Deborah W Compelling story. Great cast, acting and production. This movie is so relatable in today’s assault on freedom of the press. The number of brave journalists who lost their lives because they were committed to reporting the truth was astonishing and the tribute was moving. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/16/25 Full Review maria b The topic is super important and the main character is amazing, but the movie fails to get it right. Anna’s character feels flat, she was so much more in real life than what’s portrayed in the movie. The details don’t help getting the atmosphere of the Moscow or Chechnya, the events like the siege of that theater etc. It’s a great idea to draw more attention to the topic and Anna in particular, but the movie itself isn’t at the level that people will rush to see or want to recommend. Acting was so so as well. Honestly, would give a one star if not for the story that desperately needs more attention. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 05/14/25 Full Review Jennifer W Important & moving story that everyone should see!! Great acting!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/09/25 Full Review Moody C There is hostage scene which is quite thrilling but rest of movie quite soporific and boring. Nothing we don’t alredy know: Those who oppose Putin will die. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 05/06/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Words of War

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Movie Info

Synopsis Based on a true story, WORDS OF WAR follows world-renowned journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya on her brave crusade, fighting to be an independent voice of truth for the Russian people, putting her own life in jeopardy despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence. While Anna was ultimately silenced, her legacy lives on and her story serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face and the importance of protecting their right to report the news without fear of death or reprisal.
Director
James Strong
Producer
Miriam Segal, Kia Jam, Mark Maxey, Paul Brennan
Screenwriter
Eric Poppen
Distributor
Amor Media
Production Co
Good Films Collective, Rolling Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 2, 2025, Limited
Runtime
1h 57m