If you're only going to watch one political thriller movie this week it should be.....Snowden

From award winning director Oliver Stone, who previously tackled such controversial historical issues such as the Vietnam War (Born on the Fourth of July) and the assassination of John F. Kennedy (J.F.K) among others to the big screen, comes singly the most important and fascinating true story of the 21st century. In Snowden, a politically charged and tension filled thriller starring the always dependable Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley the audience gets an insight into the incredible untold personal story of Edward Snowden, the divisive figure polarising figure who exposed shocking illegal surveillance activities by the NSA, thus becoming one of the most wanted men in the world. Considered a hero by some, and a traitor by others this highly insightful epic tells of his reasons for his actions, the loved ones he left behind, and how he pulled it off results in a compelling political thriller and one that is well worth investing in.
Stone's political views are well documented at this stage and perhaps one slight criticism that could be levelled at this decorated film maker is that unlike other political topics that he has covered previously he does somewhat play it safe here with the personal drama shouldered by Snowden given  a slight edge over the politics in play. Some may feel this is a welcome change however, as the political implications and actions revolving around this period have been well discussed and debated at this stage. It is the personal setbacks and hardships encountered by Edward Snowden that give this saga a new angle, one that may not have been explored fully previously.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt does an admirable job as Snowden and further strengthens his standing as one of Hollywood's most dependable actors whereas there are also solid turns from Shailene Woodley as Snowden's girlfriend Lindsay Mills and Rhys Ifans as Corbin O'Brian.
Stone also does a superb job in building the tension and drama surrounding this period and this film plays as well as a high octane intense thriller as it does an emotional and personal drama piece and the combination of both result in a film that as well as reacquainting us with this important time in world politics is a solid two hours of quality movie entertainment.
🌟🌟🌟🌟