The Pentagon Papers (2003)

tomatometer

All Critics
Top Critics

No Reviews Yet...

Release Date: Mar 9, 2003 Wide

No Reviews Yet...

Release Date: Mar 9, 2003 Wide

audience

liked it
Average Rating: 3.5/5
User Ratings: 485

My Rating

Added to your Facebook Timeline. — undo

Movie Info

It was certainly no coincidence that the made-for-cable historical film The Pentagon Papers was timed for released just when America was poised to wrestle with the question as to whether or not the President had the right to declare war on Iraq without full congressional and/or United Nations approval. The film covers several decades in the life of Harvard graduate Daniel Ellsberg (James Spader), who as a Pentagon official during two presidential administrations regards himself as patriotic as

R, 1 hr. 35 min.

Drama, Television, Mystery & Suspense

Directed By: Rod Holcomb

Written By: Jason Horwitch

In Theaters: Mar 9, 2003 Wide

On DVD: Feb 17, 2004

Cast

Paul Giamatti
Anthony Russo
James Spader
Daniel Ellsberg
Alan Arkin
Harry Rowen
Claire Forlani
Patricia Marx
Michael Stevens
Russo's Lawyer
Jonas Chernick
Neil Sheehan
Hannah Lochner
Mary Ellsberg
Mark Benesh
Leonard Compson III

Critic Reviews for The Pentagon Papers

There are no critic reviews yet for The Pentagon Papers. Keep checking Rotten Tomatoes for updates!

Audience Reviews for The Pentagon Papers

View All

The limitations of its production are felt (made-for-TV, small budget) with overly brief characterizations and the often rushed scenes, but the true story is a timely and powerful one, and the film does a pretty good job covering the impact of what Ellsberg did, and the risks he was taking. James Spader really carried

February 9, 2012

Jeffrey Meyers

Super Reviewer

Very powerful but somewhat lacking Vietnam drama starring James Spader, that was made for cable that came out right before the U.S Invasion of Iraq. I do see the connection between this release and the real life politics going on with Iraq during 2003. This did a good job with going behind the scenes of the war but was

August 30, 2011