Van Sant's mix of historical footage into his film bridges the decades of change in the US. Many young people are unaware that a person could be arrested for just being in a gay bar. Unless you were a screaming drag queen, your place was in the closet. The story of Harvey Milk is an American success story, where the seeming outcast brings people together through identifying our similarities and rallying enthusiasm and support. The film has a wonderful balance between social commentary and personal intimacy, without rubbing our noses in man-man affection. Sean Penn (Harvey Milk) handles the character with respect and clarity making it easy for the audience to accept him for who he was and what he did. The entire cast did an amazing job of "playing gay." Dennis O'Hare (John Briggs), on the other hand, did an excellent portrayal of a straight man, being gay himself. The script by Dustin Lance Black is tight and socially accurate, and handled perfectly by the cast.

This movie could not have come out at a better time, considering our current events in this state especially. Not only does it have a cultural importantce, but more importantly it is a good film.

A VERY STRONG MOVIE FROM A REALITY NOT THAT LONG AGO. IT REMINDED ME OF THE STILL STRONG CHRISTIAN REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THEIR ADLED BRAINS. FUNNY HOW THE MORMONS ARE FOLLOWING UP ON THEIR ATTACK OF THE GAY "AGENDA"(PROP 8). WHAT HARVEY MILK FOUGHT FOR IS A GOOD REMINDER FOR US ALL TODAY. SEE IT WITH YOUR TEENS WHO QUESTION CIVIL RIGHTS AND TOLERANCE.

This is one of the best movies of the year. Sean Penn is incredible as Harvey Milk and truly deserving of an Oscar. Though the events occured over thirty years ago, they're very similar to what's going on in today's political climate.

First of all, what is with all the reviews of people panning the movie without having seen it? That a large part of the U.S. can't progress past blatent hatred is shameful. Disgusting. I have empathy for the gay community after seeing this movie. I get it. Oscar worthy and thought-provoking. Yes, two guys kiss, so the hell what.