Milk

Milk is something of an opera, much like the opera's Harvey Milk was a fan of. I've always said that historical biopic's that are common knowledge (like the story of Harvey Milk) need to be told in a way that keeps you interested. Just enough drama to keep you interested and just enough true to life fact to be able to say based on a true story. You also need such a charismatic lead actor that he embodies the real person, not just acts like him. Sean Penn is such a convincing Harvey Milk (though I'll admit I've only seen TV interviews and old recordings of Mr. Milk and I was not alive during Harvey Milk's time in office) that he exudes the same appeal I think many gay rights activists saw in the real Harvey Milk. He has such a quiet, calming affect - it's really refreshing to see a lead role that isn't about how macho you can be. Penn nails exactly what he had to nail. It's really hard to explain the feeling he brings to the role. You really believe that he is the leader of this movement. That he really feels the pain of every oppressed individual in the country.

Milk is a multilayered story; a romance, a political satire, a human rights and freedom fighter movie all rolled into one. Through the movie Milk has two lovers. While many people will end there viewing right there, I beg you to continue watching. These characters care about each other. They love each other. James Franco is also a joy to watch as the first of Milk's lovers, Scotty. The sex scenes are not gratuitous or done in poor taste. They are there to show that Harvey is just like anyone else. Human to the very core. I believe Harvey Milk was one of the few people in this world that could truely and completely empathize with someone, anyone if they could at least look at the situation from his point of view.

The politics and Harvey's quest for civil rights for the gay community unfortunately get in the way of his personal life and one of his romances end tragically. This is the price the select few of us must pay for the greater good. I thank God that people like Harvey Milk are put on this earth and actually care enough about other people to make the sacrifice to make the difference.

Danny Elfman does the music and hits the perfect note with the score. Quiet, charming, inspiring, and poetic all at the same time.

Milk is a must watch for anyone interested in the gay rights movement or a civil rights movement in general. It's cute, funny, sad, inspiring, and moving all within the title and the credits. It moved me to tears the first time I saw it and by the third time it was still as moving as ever. A must see for everyone.