Words of War

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.

Given our current political environment and the arrival of authoritarianism, this film is important to watch. Its gripping. I particularly was impressed with the poignancy of the closing. Journalists play such a crucial role in preserving truth and democracy. The danger they can encounter doing their job well should get more noticed.

It's one of the most relevant films of the day. The acting was wonderful, especially Maxine Peak. A lot is notable actors involved. Kudos to the directors for a job well done. Hope this movie catches on in Europe and it gets full recognition for its tremendous worth.

Before the barbaric Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin's Federation conducted an equally unspeakable campaign of brutality against the people of Chechnya in its attempt to become a breakaway independent state. However, the vicious, genocidal atrocities inflicted upon the Chechan population were not widely known at the time, especially amongst Russian citizens. But one intrepid journalist sought to change that. Reporter Anna Politkovskaya (Maxine Peake), a correspondent for Novaya Gazeta, an independent newspaper founded by former Russian Head of State Mikhail Gorbachev whose mission was to report the truth as an alternative to official Russian state propaganda, undertook the task of informing the public of the horrors unfolding in Chechnya. Backed by the unwavering support of her editor, Dmitry Muratov (Ciarán Hinds), from 1999 to 2006, Politkovskaya courageously struggled to get the word out about the ghastly events taking place in the largely Islamic state, incidents that were "justified" as a means to counter the "rising terrorist menace" churning within its borders and in surrounding areas. Politkovskaya's graphic, unrelenting reporting, coupled with scathing criticisms of the Putin regime, gradually caught the attention of the world, earning her an invitation to testify before the United Nations Security Council and winning her Amnesty International's 2001 Award for Humanitarian Journalism. But her writings and activism came at a cost, including attempts on her life, the torture of her on-the-ground Chechan liaison (Fady Elsayad), strained relations with her children (Harry Lawtey, Naomi Battrick), and the ruining of the career of her husband, Sasha (Jason Isaacs), a successful television talk show host. But, from Politkovskaya's perspective, the challenges were worth it to let the world in on Putin's dirty little secret. Indeed, the world might know a lot less about the estimated 60,000 victims of the Chechan Revolt were it not for Polikovskaya's committed reporting. Director James Strong's fact-based feature tells a compelling, if at times formulaic and episodic story examining the tremendous impact of the protagonist's work, as well as the painful impact it had on her and her kindreds. This is effectively brought to life by the positively fierce performances of its superb ensemble, particularly Hinds, Isaacs, and, especially, Peake, all of whom deliver outstanding portrayals worthy of well-deserved awards season consideration. But the message of this film goes beyond just what Politkovskaya did in Chechnya; it shines a bright light on the courageous work of journalists around the globe who have risked (and given) their lives in the pursuit of covering harrowing stories of combat, torture and genocide in the world's political hotspots. It recalls many excellent and revealing previous releases that tell comparable stories, such as "The Killing Fields" (1984), "Viper Club" (2018), "A Private War" (2018) and "Civil War" (2024). And, for its accomplishments, "Words of War" rightfully belongs beside those offerings, poignantly reminding us all - and not just journalists - to remain vigilant in the face of what is or could be unfolding around us. Sadly, this release played fleetingly in theaters and has largely flown below the radar, and it's likely to be overlooked when this year's cinematic accolades are handed out. But, for my money, this is truly must-see viewing, now accessible for streaming on multiple online platforms. Don't miss this one.

Profound film about Anna Politkovskaya, who was a journalist and human rights activist who reported on the conflict in Chechnya despite considerable danger to herself. She also exposed corruption, war crimes and human rights violations in Russia - by the illegitimate Putin regime - which are continuing to this very day. She continued to be a reporter and writer of the hightest integrity, power and eloquence; in the face of poisoning, intimidation and violence before being killed in 2006 - a hit which was ordered by Putin - and marked the day when Freedom of Press and Speech was no more in Russia. Since then Russia has decended into an abyss of Darkness, Death and Destruction; leaving the poor People in Russia hopeless and angry; which they are taking out on their neighbours in Ukraine, because they are afraid to stand up to the evildoer and tyrant little Putin.

Anna Politkovskaya's assassination by Putin highlights that even though Russia is a technologically advanced society, on political level Russia is still primitive.

Other leaders in Russia who have been murdered by the illegitimate Putin regime are Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov, which is unacceptable.

But no worries.

In a couple of years Russia will be a civilized society, and journalists and human rights activists will be able to do their work in peace, as stipulated by the UN Charter.

In the meantime the International Peacebuilding Alliance will temporarily handle policy in Russia until the UN Charter and Freedom of Speech has been restored.

NB: To stop the killing of journalists and human rights activists, Putin must be removed from office. Either by Putin's own volition - or by bringing him to Justice, as stipulated by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In the spirit of Alexei Navalny, Mikhail Gorbachev and Anna Politkovskaya - may they rest in Peace - we will restore Human Rights, Peace and Democracy in Russia.

Also a lasting and Just Peace must be manifested between Ukraine and Russia. We advise all world leaders to work together to restore Peace and Prosperity, and bring Putin to Justice as stipulated by the International Criminal Court.

Love and Light. God Bless. Peace Profound. LEADER OF RUSSIA AND AMERICA. LEADER OF THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY.

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.