Production Company: Universal Pictures
Director: Mike Nichols
Cast: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Om Puri, Jud Tylore, Nazanin Boniadi
Rating: R for Language, nudity and adult situations.
By Gregg Tubbs
(UMC.org)—Although his name might not be known to many outside of East Texas, otherwise unremarkable congressman Charlie Wilson and an unlikely team of cohorts made history in the 1980s according to the new, fact-based film Charlie Wilson’s War. Their covert operation helped Afghan rebels rout the occupying Soviet military, and in a domino effect, hastened the end of the Cold War and ultimately contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union. Quite a history lesson! But Charlie Wilson’s War is also a whip-smart piece of comic entertainment that explores the convoluted world of international politics and the many foibles of its all-too-human players.
Based on George Crile's best-selling book, Charlie Wilson's War boasts three Oscar-winning actors (Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman) and crack screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (The American President, TV’s The West Wing)—all under the helm of legendary director Mike Nichols. This high-powered team fires on all cylinders to tell the true story of how a literal “Good Time Charlie” congressman (Hanks), a powerful and beautiful Houston socialite (Roberts), and a street smart, rebellious CIA operative (Hoffman) come together—for very different reasons—to help oust the Soviets from Afghanistan. What resulted, to everyone’s surprise, was the largest and most successful covert operation in U.S. history—the effects of which are still being felt today.
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Joanne Herring (Roberts)—his friend, socialite, political supporter and occasional lover—convinces Charlie (Hanks) to make Afghanistan’s resistance his cause, arranging a trip for him to see firsthand the conditions of Afghan refugees. Copyright © 2007 Universal Pictures.
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Although not a comedy per se, screenwriter Sorkin milks steady—and often ribald humor—from the situation, relying on colorful characters and a knowing eye for the absurdity of political wrangling. Charlie Wilson was an unmarried, playboy congressman who was known mostly for hard partying and being re-elected five times from a sleepy Texas district. His habit of cavorting with strippers and cocaine kept him constantly on the edge of scandal. But Charlie, a conservative Democrat, was also fiercely patriotic, had a keen mind, and harbored a soft spot for the little guy, whether in his district or in Soviet occupied Afghanistan.
The plight of the Afghan people under Russian occupation had already caught Wilson’s eye by 1980. But it was Joanne Herring (Roberts)—his friend, socialite, political supporter and occasional lover—who convinced Charlie to make Afghanistan’s resistance his cause, arranging a trip for him to see firsthand the conditions of Afghan refugees and the spirit of the Mujahideen (Afghan freedom fighters). When disgruntled CIA agent Gust Avrakotos (Hoffman) is brought onboard, the three finagle, schmooze and call in favors to fund and arm the Mujahideen. Along the way, they forge unlikely alliances between Israel, Egypt, Syria and others by playing on the self interest of each and their shared desire to see the Soviets repelled. Over time, the cost of the covert “war” waged by Charlie and crew grows from $5 million to $1 billion and results in the Red Army's retreat from Afghanistan.
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Charlie (Hanks), who always championed the underdog, was deeply moved by the people of Afghanistan and the horrifying conditions of the refugees. Copyright © 2007 Universal Pictures.
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Not only does
Charlie Wilson’s War reveal a little known chapter in history, but it also offers a fascinating look at how even the most flawed tool can sometimes be used to achieve great ends. One is reminded of the deeply flawed Ulysses S. Grant’s singular success at war or ancient Israel’s hallowed, but flawed, King David. Wilson, Herring and Avrakotos were imperfect vehicles with very different motives who came together for a common, greater goal. Charlie, who always championed the underdog, was deeply moved by the people of Afghanistan and the horrifying conditions of the refugees. Herring, on the other hand, was as devoutly Christian as anti-Communist. She felt it was her Christian duty to oust the “godless” Soviets. And for his part, Avrakotos simply wanted to kill Russians—a far from noble motive.
Finally, almost as postscript, the film looks at the often unforeseen consequences of all human actions, particularly political and military. By backing the Mujahideen, Charlie's covert war shifted the balance of power and set the stage for the rise of the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. And by botching the “end game” of necessary reconstruction—rebuilding schools, hospitals and infrastructure—they fostered the simmering resentment of the “meddling” west which contributed to the horror of 9-11. The film also forces Americans to consider the consequences of our current military presence in Iraq, and how we, like the Soviets in the 1980s, have caused scores of Iraqis to become refugees—some maimed and left childless or parentless. The cycle of history again feels distressingly familiar. If only we could learn from it.
Study Questions
What did you think of the character of Charlie Wilson? What were his flaws? What were his good qualities?
Do you believe God loves us despite our flaws? How can we serve God's purpose despite our flaws?
Where were you in 1980 when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan? Did it affect or upset you in any way? Why or why not?
Charlie, Joanne and Gust all had different motivations for helping Afghanistan. What were they? Which do you feel was most justified? Discuss whether the end result justified the means.
Joanne claimed Christianity as her reason for opposing communists. Do you feel she was acting as a Christian or was she motivated by something else? Do you believe communism is inherently un-Christian? Why or why not?
Charlie once asked Joanne to “tone down the religion.” How did you feel about that? Was he right? Have you ever been asked to “tone down” your religion?
What did the film have to say about religion and politics? How do you think faith should factor into politics?
Gust tells the story of the Zen master and the boy who gets a horse. What did the story mean? How did it relate to the film?
What parallels do you see, if any, between the Middle East of the 1980s and today? What were the consequences of Charlie Wilson’s “war"? Do you feel the film adequately explored those consequences or did it rush to its ending?
Although it may be difficult to consider, do you see any parallels between the U.S. in Iraq today and the Soviets in Afghanistan then? Do you believe Christians should be concerned about civilian wounded and refugees during war?
Related Links
Official Charlie Wilson's War site
Theatrical Trailer
