Director Steven Spielberg released his latest movie “The Post” on Jan. 12. The film stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks as the leads in this political thriller about the publishing of the Pentagon Papers in the Washington Post. “The Post” turned out to be a great, exciting historical drama that manages to be relevant in today’s world.

“The Post” takes place during the midst of the Vietnam War and opens in 1966 when Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew Rhys) releases the Pentagon Papers, a lengthy, highly-classified report on the truth behind the Vietnam War, spanning from the Truman Administration. Five years later, Washington Post publisher, Katharine Graham (Streep), and editor, Ben Bradlee (Hanks), try to save their struggling newspaper. Graham decides to make the newspaper public while Bradlee learns of the New York Times’ plan to report the Pentagon Papers. Graham and Bradlee decide to work together with the help of Ben Bagdikian (Bob Odenkirk) to obtain the papers, publish the report and bring the truth behind the war to the American people.

One point expressed in the First Amendment of the Constitution is the freedom of the press. This freedom is important to the characters in the movie and is the driving force behind their actions. Graham and Bradlee know that they could be punished if they publish the papers, but they also know that the American people have a right to know the truth. This conflict leads to some very suspenseful scenes, as the characters must decide what is the right thing to do.

The parallels within that time period and the present day are the most striking aspect of the film. Graham had to deal with sexism from her fellow board members who were unwilling to accept her as a female publisher. As the papers were leaked in the Times and the Post, the Nixon administration tried to stop it, which violates the First Amendment. Both of these are hot topics now, which make this movie relevant and easily relatable nowadays.

In conclusion, “The Post” was very enjoyable and well-made. It is a must see movie and one of the best movies of the year.