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Before this, I have not heard of Charlie Wilson, much less ’his’ war. But that is precisely why I would enjoy watching a movie like that-the element of surprise and the intrigues of this movie fit into the jigsaw puzzle of the voluminous world history of our times. That and the glitteratis- the likes of Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote) and the up and coming Emily Blunt (Jane Austen Book Club, the devil wears Prada fame).

The Plot:

Congressman Wilson, under the instigation of socialite lover Joanne Herring meets with Pakistan President and upon seeing the refugee camp housing the inpouring Afghans escaping from the onslaught of the soviet communist army, and having witnessed first hand the palpable suffering of the people (including limbless children whose hands were blown off by toy mines designed to keep adults with their children rather than fighting the invaders), sparks off his life’s work to help the Afghan Mujahideen regain control of their country from the Soviet intruders. Together with Joanne and Gust Avrakotos (CIA rogue agent), they became the formidable team behind US’s largest covert operation in history,  supplying necessary weapons to fight off Soviet’s invading planes, helicopters and tanks, whose amunitions were raining on their people.

Thoughts:

Besides the acclaimed performances of the cast and the wildly witty dialogues, the context of the film shed light on the terrorism that has plagued the world. After the last Soviet soldier has left Afghan soil, the Afghan freedom fighters were left with with tonnes of weapons supplied largely by the United States. A country in tatters after a prolonged war needed assistance with rebuilding of their nation. Yet with the victory, US’s support was withdrawn. Wilson’s advise to continuing to help the Afghan people get back on their feet fell on deaf ears.

After ten years in war, the remaining population was young, uneducated and heavily armed.

At the end of the film, Charlie muses the possible ramifications his actions could have brought forth in his bid to save the war torn people of Afghanistans.

Later on, the Talibans reign and they befriended the Al-Qeada, whose leader is none other than the infamous Osama.