Words of War

"Words of War" is a powerful, urgent tribute to the frontline storytellers who risk-and too often lose-their lives in pursuit of truth. With an incredible cast that delivers deeply human, emotionally resonant performances, this film doesn't just depict the dangers journalists face-it demands we pay attention to the growing threats against them. In a world where authoritarianism tightens its grip and disinformation spreads like wildfire, stories like this are more vital than ever. We need more films that bear witness, that refuse to let silence win. "Words of War" is not just a film-it's a call to conscience.

The more things change the more they stay the same comes to mind. Chechnya in the late nineties into the early 2000's is more than coincidental to what is presently occurring in The Ukraine. So this story, revolving around Anna Politkovskaya's courage to document Russian war atrocities of The Chechnya conflicts seems, again, relevant in understanding the Putin Russian regime of today.

It's mostly played with a straightforward and low-key style as the murderous tale it tells is quite enough to warrant attention. As such it kind of moves in drips and drabs until back to back crisis of genocide in Chechnya and a FSB manipulated Moscow theater hostage incident put Russian horrors in front of the world.

I found the story of reporter Anna Politkovskaya as depicted here to be a fine memorial to what I'd liken to a mama bear defending her cubs at whatever cost. The woman simply stepped on too many powerful old guard figures in her quest to bring just change to her country. She died far too young but her fight to bring democracy and justice to Russia will certainly live on. Here's hope this film strengthens the oppressed masses to see Russia's tactics of deadly oppression is heading for an end to its shelf life. The Russian people deserve so much more. There is heartbreaking story with a powerful message here for the world to embrace.

Tho true-tale "Words Of Word" is noble... it's a weak film. Anna Politkovskaya (Maxine Peake) was the first journo (under Ciarán Hinds & Ben Miles) reporting on genocidal Russian army atrocities in Chechnya in the first war in Putin's crazed Russian re-expansion - and she kept blasting Putin despite pressure on her family (hubbie Jason Isaacs and kids Naomi Battrick & Harry Lawtey)... before being assassinated (via the likes of Ian Hart). Hart & Battrick aside it's poorly performed (a bad reflection on director James Strong) & its storytelling is one-dimensional (not covering writer Eric Poppen in glory). Politkovskaya was a brave, principled lady... she deserves a better biopic.

I could not get past the fact that all accents are British English from actors who are supposed to be Russian. Makes absolutely no since. Very distracting and hard to submerge into the story. Felt like I was watching the read through in casting. Wtf did they make movie about Russian story with all British accents is beyond me. I will say that I was still able to enjoy my popcorn and m&M's. The cole was good too. Lol it's a shame though cause the movie could have been much better. I will say the costume and set design was off too. Takes place in 2006, it just was missing the mark. I won't bore of details. See for yourself.

The story of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya played by Maxine Peake, will leave you changed. Premiering the day before the UN's Press Freedom Day, the film takes you on a realistic journey alongside Politkovskaya as she risks everything to cover the second Chechen War.

Politkovskaya was murdered in 2006 for reporting on Russian war crimes and atrocities in Chechnya.

The film was shot beautifully with deliberate drone sequences and perfectly lit scenes that gave broad perspective to the narrative.

A very strong cast including Jason Isaacs, and Ciaran Hinds grab you with their emotionally charged scenes.

While this story occurred almost 20 years ago it remains unfortunately relevant today. The end of the film is strikingly poignant when the screen is filled with picture of the many journalists killed while pursuing the truth.

Beautifully directed, this film will stay with you.