Tom Hanks’ Most Underrated Movie is a Masterpiece You Need to Watch

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In recent times, one of the most buzzed-about topics is the unofficial announcement of “The Social Network 2”, the sequel to David Fincher’s 2010 classic that has been eagerly anticipated for years. At present, only the fact that Aaron Sorkin will write and direct has been confirmed, with Jesse Eisenberg yet to be officially included. This news brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but the devoted fanbase is choosing to stay hopeful. As we gear up for what promises to be one of the most anticipated films of any given year, fans have been delving into Aaron Sorkin’s extensive body of work online. A notable outcome of this exploration has been a renewed appreciation for an underestimated war film from the 2000s that remains strikingly relevant 18 years after its release.

Nestled among blockbusters like “The Social Network” and “A Few Good Men,” you’ll find Aaron Sorkin’s collaborations with other notable but less famous directors. Among these, the collaboration between Mike Nichols (known for “The Graduate,” “Closer,” and “The Birdcage”) and Aaron Sorkin brought us “Charlie Wilson’s War,” a historically grounded comedy that remains one of the most captivating, chilling, and timeless films of the past century. The film, despite an initially contentious critical response, has solidified its place as a must-see due to its central powerhouse performances, sharp, memorable writing, and the real-life events that unfolded following its release.

\What is Charlie Wilson’s War?

This movie stands out among all other war films as it deviates significantly from the traditional definition. Unlike most, it doesn’t include battle scenes or combat footage. Instead, Mike Nichols’ final work focuses on the backstage drama of a proxy war, which aligns perfectly with its unconventional theme.

In essence, “Charlie Wilson’s War” (2007) revolves around the seemingly chance rise to prominence of the cunning yet morally ambiguous U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson. Caught off-guard, he finds himself at the heart of the Soviet-Afghan conflict in the 1980s. Driven by the fiercely anti-Soviet Joanne Herring (played by Julia Roberts), a socially influential figure, Wilson leverages his congressional committee role to boost funding for the Mujahideen. Despite his influence, he requires assistance and recruits Gust Avrakatos (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a passionate CIA agent, into his endeavor.

Follows Wilson’s journey as he evolves from a reckless playboy congressman into a significant player during the Cold War. Unlike many films focusing on immediate battles, this one delves into the less-discussed behind-the-scenes machinations. It emphasizes the unintended repercussions of political maneuvering, suggesting that America’s withdrawal of support after this conflict only exacerbated issues in the region. Although the operation is portrayed as a triumph due to the Soviet Union’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, the film concludes unexpectedly on a melancholic note. The message seems to be a reminder that while the enemy may have been defeated, what happens next remains uncertain.

Academy Award-Winners Steal the Show in Charlie Wilson’s War

In discussions about standout performances in Aaron Sorkin’s work, popular names that often emerge are those who have collaborated frequently with him and effectively captured his distinctive writing style. Performances such as Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg and Brad Pitt as Billy Beane in Moneyball, but what truly captivates is the actor who transformed Sorkin’s sharp dialogues into a unique and personal portrayal.

Among the many standout actors in “Charlie Wilson’s War,” it’s Philip Seymour Hoffman who truly shines. Despite his untimely passing, Hoffman left an indelible mark on cinema with his exceptional talent. His Academy Award for “Capote” is a testament to this reputation, but it’s not just his innate ability that sets him apart. Hoffman had a unique gift for taking even the most challenging or unconventional scripts and turning them into mesmerizing performances that significantly enhance the film. This talent has resulted in one of the most impressive bodies of work in films today, with “Charlie Wilson’s War” being among its finest examples.

Philip Seymour Hoffman takes on the role of Gust Avrakatos, a character known for his sharp wit, strategic mind, and quick temper. His portrayal is marked by some exceptional line deliveries from the past decade and an apt use of Sorkin-style dialogue. In certain scenes, he becomes the audience’s representative, transforming what could have been a secondary role into a beloved figure worldwide. Hoffman’s performance as Gust Avrakatos earned him a well-deserved nomination for his acting skills.

This year, Hoffman’s performance seems like it would be a clear winner in most cases. However, he was put against some exceptionally strong competitors. Among the nominees are Casey Affleck in “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” and Tom Wilkinson in “Michael Clayton”. Unfortunately for all three, they were outshone by another contender.

Apart from Philip Seymour Hoffman, the film “Charlie Wilson’s War” received no nominations at the prestigious end-of-year awards ceremony. However, this doesn’t diminish the fact that several actors in this movie truly deserved recognition. The cast of this film is incredibly impressive, boasting top-notch talent from start to finish. Tom Hanks delivers a stellar performance in a comedic role, which was relatively uncommon for him at the time, playing the title character, Congressman Charlie Wilson. He also excels in portraying the complex and powerful Joanne Herring. Alongside Hoffman, Hanks, and Julia Roberts (who played the main roles), there is an array of exceptionally talented actors, including Amy Adams (in an unexpectedly minor role), Emily Blunt, and even John Slattery.

Charlie Wilson’s War Was Controversial, but Not at the Box Office

The movie “Charlie Wilson’s War,” released in 2007, faced numerous controversies rather unexpectedly, with the exception of its single Oscar nomination. Contrary to what fans might initially assume, it wasn’t the content that sparked debate, but rather the sensitive subject matter of U.S. interventionism. This film didn’t serve as an exposé, but it did bring up some delicate issues. As a result, several sitting politicians found it hard to remain silent about these touchy topics.

Some prominent figures, particularly those from the Reagan era (the time when this movie is set), criticized the film for either suggesting or failing to deny that the U.S.’s actions might have unintentionally led to the September 11th terrorist attacks. On the other hand, officials from the same period praised the movie, calling it “the first widely-appealing attempt to convey the most crucial lesson of America’s Cold War triumph”. This debate is quite amusing because it could have been much more extensive if the film’s original ending, which reportedly showed Charlie Wilson’s response to the 9/11 attacks, had not been changed. This would have directly linked the events depicted in the movie with the deadliest day in American history.

Despite being a point of debate, the controversy surrounding Charlie Wilson’s War didn’t seem to hamper its overall success among critics and audiences. As of July 2025, the film boasts an impressive rating of 82% from critics, and 73% from audiences, with accolades showered upon its witty script, timely satire, and stellar cast performance. In terms of box office performance, this production by Sorkin and Nichols was unexpectedly successful. With a hefty budget of $75 million, Charlie Wilson’s War managed to gross an impressive $119.5 million, outperforming blockbusters like National Treasure: Book of Secrets, I Am Legend, and Alvin and the Chipmunks.

IMDB ScoreTomatometerPopcornmeterLetterboxd Score
7.0/1082%73%3.2/5

18 years since its contentious debut, “Charlie Wilson’s War” continues to be a compelling, laugh-out-loud funny, and strikingly relevant addition to an extraordinary collection of films. Although it might not reach the heights of other iconic films in his oeuvre such as “Steve Jobs,” “A Few Good Men,” or “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” it is nonetheless a must-see. With anticipation growing for its upcoming sequel, now is the perfect moment to rediscover this well-crafted masterpiece and other overlooked treasures from the pen of Hollywood’s most talented screenwriter.

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2025-07-04 03:59