Charlie Wilson’s War is surprisingly an entertaining and uplifting film. A war may be no joking matter, but producer and lead actor Tom Hanks cleverly injects humorous exchanges to engage audiences, without compromising the serious political undertone of the movie.

This 5-time Golden Globe nominated film, which is based on a true story and adapted from George Crile’s Charlie Wilson’s War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History boasts a star studded cast of Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Under the incisive direction of Mike Nichols, this socio-political film makes a light watch for all as political jargons and complex scenarios are nowhere in sight, which some might have expected. Its raw and clear-cut recount of Charlie is very likeable and at times, comical.

Who is Charlie Wilson

The early scene set in 1980’s, portrays the frivolous escapades of former Texan Congressman Charlie Wilson (played by Hanks), a playboy who spends his nights at decadent parties and is always surrounded with beautiful women. This penchant earned him the nickname “Good Time Charlie” which resonates with the vivacious life he led.

However, delving deeper beneath the superficial, Charlie is in fact a sharp-minded and personable politician who played an instrumental role in the 1980’s where he helped to raise funds for the Afghans, who were fighting a losing battle against the powerful Soviet’s Red Army.

Hanks, a veteran actor who has successfully taken on a wealth of diverse roles, from the social misfit in Forrest Gump to an Eastern immigrant in The Terminal, has proven time and again that he simply has the flair to pull off different personas quite effortlessly, regardless of the genre. And it was certainly no exception when it came to playing the charismatic and colourful Charlie.

The trio

Charlie decides to make a trip to Afghanistan, after much encouragement from his long-time lover Joanne Herring (played by Roberts), an affluent socialite who is a passionate anti-communist. There, he is shaken by the plight of the refugees and their helpless resistance against the Soviet invasion. He is astounded by his country’s meagre help and thus makes plans to increase the CIA’s budget to provide equipment and weaponry for the Afghan Muhajideen (soldiers) to fight off the Soviets.

Together with Joanne and hard-knocking CIA agent Gust Avrakotos (played by Hoffman), the three of them travel the world from Pakistan to Egypt lobbying for finances to charliewilsonswar_06help the Afghan, and to end the reign of the Communist Soviets.

This was where they made a difference. Through the period of 1980’s, Charlie and his sidekicks increased the funding for the Muhajideen from US$5 million to a staggering US$ 1 billion annually. They also taught the Afghans to operate the weaponry, shooting down Soviet war crafts which hovered over their territory and this eventually led to the withdrawal of the Soviet troops in Afghanistan.

Hoffman outshines leads

While the actual political operations probably wasn’t half as engrossing as the movie made it out to be, all credit should be due to the trio who spiced things up with their arresting personalities, ensuring that there wasn’t a dull moment in the entire hour and a half.

Especially Hoffman, who stole the show with his compelling act as the nonconformist and gung-ho elite agent who pushed Charlie every step of the way to get things done efficiently. Despite not winning at the Golden Globes, Hoffman is a nominee at the upcoming Oscars and stands a good chance alongside Casey Affleck for The Assassination of Jesse James and Javier Bardem for No Country for Old Men.

Putting the pieces together

The concluding part takes place at a commendation ceremony where Charlie is given recognition for his amazing feat. But he receives the award with grim look he on his face and it is not without reason. For the United States decision not to watch over Afghanistan after the whole operation, would have be faced with dire consequences in the future.

While this movie chose not to explore the cynical path of the after effects of the United States pumping in billions to fund the Afghanistan army, it doesn’t take a genius to make the connections between past and present and how sometimes history can come back to haunt you.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Movie Details

Opens: Feb 28

Running Time: 97 mins

Language: English

Cast: Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Roberts

Director: Mike Nichols