CITY PRESENTATION

Steven Spielberg 2017

Meryl Streep Tom Hanks

СЕКРЕТНОЕ ДОСЬЕ

THE POST

COMMENTS

QUESTIONS

QUOTES

QUOTES

• "The only way to assert the right to publish is to publish." - Ben Bagdikian
• “Quality drives profitability“
• “This is no longer my father's company. It's no longer my husband's company. It's my company” ~ Katharine Graham

• “If we don’t hold them accountable, who will?” - Ben Bradlee
• "The Post doesn’t wait for the news to be handed to us. We have to go out and get it." - Ben Bradlee
• "The press was to serve the governed, not the governors." - Hugo Black
• - "The truth doesn't matter to you, Ben. It doesn't seem to matter to anyone. But it does to me." - Kay Graham
• Well,we don't always get it right.You know, we're not always perfect. But,I think if we just keep on it,that's the job,isn't it?I always wanted to be part of a small rebellion.

• And when you are told time and time again that you’re not good enough, that your opinion doesn’t matter as much, when they don’t just look past you, when to them you’re not even there, it’s hard not to let yourself think it’s true.
• It’s easy for the papers to characterise us as liars, but we were just trying to push back…We were doing the best we could. It was domino theory, containment…Our decision-making process was…flawed.
• Someone said this at some point about why we stayed when we knew we were losing. Ten percent was to help the South Vietnamese. Twenty percent was to hold back commies. Seventy percent was to avoid the humiliation of an American defeat. Seventy percent of these boys just to avoid being humiliated?
• The press is to serve governed, not governors
• The news…is the first rough draft of history.
• The days of us smoking cigars together on Pennsylvania Avenue were over.
• It's hard to say no to the President of the United States.

• "The way they lied, those days have to be over." - Ben Bagdikian
• My decision stands. And I'm - going to bed.

QUOTES

• We live in the world where the government can tell us what we can and cannot print in the Washington post. It (the newspaper) has already seized to exist
• To make this decision, to risk her fortune and a company that has been her entire life.... well, I think it's brave

• "The founding fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors."

• Kay Graham: Do you know what my husband said about the news? He called it the first rough draft of history.
• "Is there anyone else tired of reading the news instead of reporting it?""Is that legal? - What is it you think we do here for a living, kid?
• - "We can't hold them accountable if we don't have a newspaper." - Ben Bradlee-

• What challenges has Catherine Graham faced as a head of the Washington Post? Should there be any so-called "red lines" in the media's right to freedom of speech?What themes are prominent in the movie, and how are they conveyed?
• What pressure would be more dangerous to the Post: from the government or from its investors?
• What did the document leak at the very end of the film lead to?
• How does the film portray the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when deciding whether to publish sensitive information that could potentially harm national security?
• How does "The Post" explore the power dynamics between the media, government, and corporate interests in shaping public perception and access to information?

• How were the characters of Katharine Graham and Ben Bradlee portrayed in the film?
• Is the protagonist Mrs Graham a wise manager? Has she enough firmness that is needed for a good chief? Can a woman combine female airiness and male firmness?
• The owner and editor of Washington Post were ready to sacrifice their freedom and life in order to publish materials about the war. Why did they decide to do it? And is it a morally right decision to sacrifice not only your life but also jeopardize the future of their children?

questions

• In what ways does the film depict the journalistic process and the challenges faced by reporters in uncovering and publishing a major story?

• Is the truth always worth fighting for,or is this film more about an idealistic approach that journalists simply got away with?
• Is the work of journalists in the film portrayed way too idealistic?
• What was the reason for this publication: seeking for the truth or sensations?
• How does the film portray the role of the press in holding those in power accountable?
• In what ways does the film explore the tension between national security and the public's right to know?
• Do you think that journalists should take such risks for the sake of the truth?What would you do if you were the owner of the Washington Post? Would you take a risk to protect freedom of speech?
• What were your personal reactions to the movie, and how did it make you feel about the importance of a free press in society?
• Would you be able to work as a journalist for the Washington Post at such a serious moment?
• What is the main message of the film?

• Has the leak of classified information caused real harm to U.S. foreign policy?Why didn't some members of the team take Kay Graham seriously at first?How does the film portray the image of President Nixon?
• Could NYT win the court case without the “support” of the WP?
• Do you think the theft of top secret information and its further disclosure is a crime against the state and the citizens?
• What has finally made Catherine change her decision about the publication of classified materials?
• Is it really possible for journalists and politicians to draw a line between their job and personal relations, to put aside their differences, to be enemies in the professional sphere and friends in the personal?
• How the film characterises a truly professional journalist?
• Can we see something similar to the situation described in the film at the present?
• In what ways does the story of "The Post" resonate with current events and challenges in journalism and media?

To my mind, "The Post" is a powerful film that .......

The Post is a story that .... ....

“The Post" is a compelling and thought-provoking film that........

The cast is great .......

Katharine Graham is the first.... ....

The film is definitely interesting and .......

I was truly impressed by the film.........

The film has touched the part of my heart about which I forgot........

Considering the genre specified in the description,I expected .......

I have just finished watching the film........

After watching the movie "The Post", I had a twofold feeling........

Should you have a desire to watch an inspirational movie about investigative journalism...........

Intriguing, atmospheric and catchy.......

comments

........ In my childhood I wanted to become a journalist, so the film reminded me why I had such a dream. I also almost cried when the owner of the Washington Post left the court and admiring women looked at her, as if they were mentally thanking her for showing the world that women too can be decisive.

........ the film to be shocking and action-packed.The actual plot,based on real events,tells us about the the journalists from The Washington post and The New York Times dealing with a set of Pentagon classified documents,concerned the US involvement in the Vietnam War.Indeed,you won’t see any sudden plot twists or dramatic developments.The film,in fact, shows us two hours of talking,brainstorming and decision-making.I hoped the film would show a real investigation with persecution,betrayal,surveillance and secrets.And it,actually,did that,but without adding any spice to the plot.It’s worth admitting that Spielberg knows exactly how to trigger your emotions even if the subject is totally foreign for you.Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep did their job at the highest level.And they definitely contributed to the film’s success.In conclusion,this film is probably,first of all, for those who “endlessly honor American democracy”, but the connoisseurs of worthy cinema with excellent storyline will also enjoy it.

........ celebrates the power of the press in upholding democracy and underscores the enduring relevance of journalistic integrity, ethics, and the pursuit of truth. It is a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who dedicate themselves to speaking truth to power, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of journalism and politics. This movie is and will always be relevant.

........ I am to write a small review on, so these are the first impressions about “The Post”. When it comes to overall expression it made, I enjoyed watching the film, especially since it is based on the real events of the past. The whole topic of fighting for the freedom of press, the state of entanglement that people face when it comes to making “the right decision”, the reflection of democracy in US gripped my attention, though, not from the very beginning.I couldn’t abstain from mentioning the cast of the film since it was perfectly chosen. I’ve noticed a great number of actors I adore since watching other movies they filmed in. I even managed to empathise some of them.However, I can not say that it was the best movie I’ve ever seen. The plot was too twisted at times and it was hard to catch on the unfolding events. A lot of names was mentioned in the conversations even before the audience was given a chance to get acquainted with the character, so I found it difficult to link the names and the characters later on.Nevertheless, I do not regret the time spent on watching the film. It reflected the actual topic that we, students, are working on right now(“News coverage”, to be precise). And I believe that it has given a great opportunity to ensure once again that world is not that flawless since there are always be rat races, authorities make and will make certain mistakes, but the power will still lie in truth and press may become the best source of it.

........ That's how you can describe the movie “The Post”. The story tells about the editor and owner of the Washington Post Mrs Graham. Being a widow, she tries to run the business that was started by her father and then continued by her husband. She has to solve all the issues related to the newspaper: profitability, materials for publication, competition etc. Once classified information about the war in Vietnam was got by the newspaper and the question the protagonist has to answer is “to publish or not to publish”. Though the plot is not really twisted the movie is worth watching to feel the aesthetics of those times. The film shows a mesmerizing process of printing, golden epoch of broadsheets and the atmosphere of the 70s in America, which will definitely touch a chord.

........ pay your attention to “The Post”. This story based on true events tells us about Katharine Graham, publisher of the Washington Post and her newspaper during the Vietnam War. Publishing materials that analyze leaked documents about the US activity in Vietnam, the Post reaffirms trust in free and fair journalism.Personally, it was a great pleasure to watch this movie. Firstly, the cast was absolutely perfect. Meryl Streep, known for her brilliant acting in “The Iron Lady” and “The Devil wears Prada”, is the excellent choice for an independent female leader. Secondly, creators have raised the most pressing issues of a work of journalists. It is the choice the editorial office have to make: let themselves be gagged or fight for freedom of speech. Take the risk of being sued by the government and left by investors or hinder imposing censorship. And they made the right choice. Hopefully, so will do modern journalists.

........ focuses on the significance of a free press and the power of journalism in a democracy and it addresses topical issues that can be found in today's political climate. Speaking of the cast, I really enjoyed the performances by Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. In my view, they managed to bring depth and delicacy to their characters, while the film effectively captured the tension and urgency of the Pentagon Papers case and serves as a reminder of the vital role that journalists play in uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable. To summarize, "The Post" is a thought-provoking and captivating film that echoes contemporary issues related to press freedom and government transparency.

........ Meryl Streep delivers a powerful performance as Kathari Graham, portraying her transformation from a hesitant figure to a decisive leader with grace and strength. Tom Hanks also excels as Ben Bradlee, capturing the tenacity and passion of the legendary editor with authenticity. And of course Steven Spielberg, as a director of the movie, has once again lived up to our expectations.

........ not only captivates with its drama, but also leaves a deep mark in the heart of the viewer. Director Steven Spielberg once again proves his mastery, creating a deep work that strikes with its relevance and significance. The main plot of the film is about how journalists from The Washington Post, led by Kat Graham (played by the magnificent Meryl Streep, one of my favorite cinema stars), decide to publish secret documents revealing the truth about the Vietnam War. This decision becomes a real test for them, as they face pressure from the government and risk everything - their reputation, freedom and career.The Post is not just a film about journalists and scandals. It is a film about the importance of the freedom speech, about the struggle for truth and principles, about the fact that sometimes you have to risk everything to tell the world the truth. The film is still relevant today, when freedom of the press is under threat and many are trying to suppress independent opinion.

........ female head of a Washington Post newspaper. The newspaper business, with its harsh laws of competition and constant battles for survival, was mistakenly considered a man's business only, and Katharine herself, in general, never dreamed of heading it. However life circumstances forced her to do this – she took the reins of government into her own hands, inheriting the newspaper. At this time, the Pentagon was seriously leaking information, and as a result, in 1971, a secret dossier with shocking data on the real state of affairs in the American army in Vietnam fell into the hands of the Washington Post.

........ First of all, I did not fully understand the chronological leap between the events in Vietnam and the events taking place a few years later. The gap between these events hides quite a lot of details. Secondly, the idea of a free press serving democracy actually seemed ideologized. At least in the modern context. The film says that media representatives and members of government quietly spent their leisure time together, but then the government began to lie, which caused discontent of the media, and after that the paths of reporters and politicians diverged. At the moment, the media is an important tool of the political elites of any country and it is inappropriate to say that media outlets can freely express their position and give a complete picture of what is happening. They slant information in such a way as to back policymakers.

........ of course I liked it (not only because I think Meryl Streep is a brilliant actress). The topic of the US war in Vietnam is quite controversial, because it seems to me that this is actually one of the first events that caused such a resonance in American society. The government faced a huge wave of condemnation, and a wave of pacifist movement arose. Therefore, I believe it is really important to cover such events. In addition, I liked that the film vividly shows that editors, journalists, businessmen, ministers and presidents are ordinary people who make mistakes, but as they have power and influence, their mistakes become fatal.

........ Having read a brief description I could predict what it was going to be about - the fight between journalists and politicians. But instead of showing just “external” fight, the film makers elaborated on the “internal” fight that erupted in the hearts and minds of journalists. And they have won both. Moreover I really enjoyed the fact that the film is not only about the freedom of press, but it also covers such issues as gender equality, moral choice and the struggle to combine (or, on the contrary, make distinction between) the personal life and dedication to the professional mission. And, of course, being fond of aesthetics, I cannot ignore the style of the film and stunningly beautiful shots.