IMDb 7.5 2008 HD

Milk

Milk

2008
Drama History
128 min R USA
7.216 / 10
7.5 IMDB

The true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man ever elected to public office. In San Francisco in the late 1970s, Harvey Milk becomes an activist…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Gus Van Sant / David Webb / John R. Saunders
Starring
Sean Penn / Emile Hirsch / Josh Brolin / Diego Luna / James Franco / Alison Pill / Victor Garber / Denis O'Hare

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

inspiring powerful historical moving courageous important well-acted poignant emotional hopeful relevant significant

Reviews

C
Chloe Dubois
May 3, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Harvey Milk’s story is one of immense courage and historical significance, and this film does it justice. Sean Penn’s performance is a masterclass, conveying Milk’s infectious energy and his profound commitment to equality. The film expertly navigates the…

L
Liam O'Connell
May 3, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is a triumphant film, anchored by Sean Penn's extraordinary embodiment of Harvey Milk. The direction is assured, balancing the personal with the political, and creating a palpable sense of time and place. It’s a story that demands…

S
Sophia Chen
May 3, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'Milk' offers a well-acted and earnest look at Harvey Milk's groundbreaking political career. Sean Penn is compelling in the lead, capturing the spirit of a man determined to make his voice heard. The film succeeds in portraying the…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 3, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Gus Van Sant’s 'Milk' is a meticulously crafted portrait of a man who became a symbol. Penn’s portrayal is magnetic, capturing Milk’s infectious optimism and his unwavering resolve. The film effectively conveys the vibrant, often tumultuous, political landscape…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 3, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Sean Penn delivers a career-defining performance as Harvey Milk, imbuing the icon with a captivating blend of charisma and conviction. The film, directed with a keen eye for historical detail and emotional resonance, charts Milk's meteoric rise from…

FAQs

The tone of 'Milk' is largely inspirational and hopeful, while also acknowledging the gravity of the struggles faced. It balances moments of genuine warmth and humour with the serious and often dangerous fight for civil rights. The film manages to be both a celebration of Milk's achievements and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made, fostering a sense of urgency and determination throughout its narrative.