The Hard Truth: Movies on American Politics

The Washington Post's Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein tie the Watergate break-in to the White House. …More

The 1968 assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in a Los Angeles hotel kitchen. We see Kennedy's acceptance speech after winning the California Democratic presidential primary, his death at the hands of gunman Sirhan Sirhan, and the chaos and despair that ensued. The people at the hotel don't know what is coming. Our grief at hearing RFK's own words, so eloquent, so hopeful and inspiring. Watch the horrible events unfold and wonder what might have been. Bobby was the man whom many thought would defeat Richard Nixon in the '68 general election. Centers around 22 people who were guests, staff, campaign workers, and reporters who were at the Ambassador Hotel on that June day. Many issues are addressed, including, the Vietnam war, drugs, alcoholism, voting irregularities, adultery, racism, immigration, and communism. …More

Soon after landing a plum job working for FBI operative Robert Hanssen, Eric O'Neill realizes he's been brought in to spy on his boss, who's suspected of selling secrets to the Soviets. But can O'Neill handle such an important assignment with so little field experience, or will Hanssen get to him first? …More

Texas congressman Charlie Wilson sets a series of earth-shaking events in motion when he conspires with a rogue CIA operative to aid Afghan mujahedeen rebels in their fight against the Soviet Red Army. …More

From Academy Award-winning director, Ron Howard, comes the electrifying, untold story behind one of the most unforgettable moments in history. When disgraced President Richard Nixon agreed to an interview with jet-setting television personality, David Frost, he thought he'd found the key to saving his tarnished legacy. But, with a name to make and a reputation to overcome, Frost became one of Nixon's most formidable adversaries and engaged the leader in a charged battle of wits that changed the face of politics forever. …More

It's the real-life face-off between TV newsman Edward R. Murrow and Sen. Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee. Despite corporate pressure to back off, Murrow and his CBS staff are determined to examine the lies and fear tactics perpetrated by McCarthy during his communist witch-hunts. …More

New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison wraps an assassination-conspiracy theory around characters high and low. Directed by Oliver Stone. …More

Filmmaker Spike Lee, star Denzel Washington (the New York, Boston and Chicago Film Critics' choice as 1992's Best Actor) and other talents vividly portray the life and times of the visionary leader. "One of the decade's best and most important films." (Arch Campbell, WRC-TV/Washington D.C.) One of the most charismatic and politically controversial voices in history, Malcolm X burst into the public consciousness with a radical perspective on race relations in America. His inspiring and enlightening ideologies touched and continue to influence the lives of millions. The New York Film Critic's Circle awarded Denzel Washington Best Actor for his role in what Newsday calls "an extraordinary movie...powerful and compelling. Denzel Washington's performance is a tour de force!" Running Time: 203 min. …More

Sean Penn stars in this fact-based drama about Harvey Milk, the openly gay activist and San Francisco politician who was murdered along with mayor George Moscone by disgruntled city employee Dan White in 1978. …More

With greatness in his grasp, the man was shattered by a dangerous web of conspiracy, betrayal, and intrigue. Oliver Stone presents this story of one of the nation's most dynamic presidents with an all-star cast headed by Academy Award nominee Anthony Hopkins. Don't miss this powerful epic with exclusive to home video never-before-seen footage! …More

Oct. 1962, for thirteen extraordinary days the world stood on the brink of destruction. Krushchev wouldn't back down, President Kennedy wouldn't give in. Inspired by the real-life events that took place in the Kennedy White House. …More

Truman lived by the premise that the buck stops here. "Truman" chronicles the life of a president who helped shaped our nation--through victory in World War II, the beginning of the Cold War, the birth of the United Nations and the decision to drop the first atomic bomb. …More

Academy Award winner Oliver Stone directs an all-star cast in this satiric retrospective of the life and political career of George W. Bush, from his troubles as a young adult through his governorship of Texas and all the way to the Oval Office. …More