In the early 1980s, Texan congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks, pictured) has carved himself out a comfortable niche in the United States government, meddling profitably in a few sub-committees and generally living the high life.
But then, wealthy socialite Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts, pictured) uses her considerable wiles to open Charlie's eyes to the suffering of the Afghan people under Soviet rule. With the help of CIA insider Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Charlie uses his influence to vastly increase America's military aid to Afghanistan's freedom fighters.
Brilliantly scripted by The West Wing's Aaron Sorkin, the political machinations and inner workings of American government are deftly handled, while director Mike Nichols keeps the action moving at a surprising pace. Hanks oozes charm as "Good Time Charlie", as does Roberts' Machiavellian crusader, but Oscar-nominated Hoffman once again steals the show as an embittered yet ambitious CIA man.
Based on true-life events, the film manages to pay tribute to Wilson's altruistic goals, while keeping in mind the long-term tragedy that would spring from America's arming of the mujahideen. Intelligent, grown-up film-making. Recommended.
Charlie Wilson's War is a Film programme that first aired in 2007 and has been classified a 15 certificate.
