Read Positive User Reviews for Snowden

10

CorvinSep 24, 2016

Well done, informative, and entertaining, but with the sad ending that Snowden himself predicted: His worst fear was that nothing would change (except to get worse).

And so it is.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

GloryofPushkinSep 28, 2016

Support this movie and Snowden's cause by spreading the message and helping this movie get the popularity it deserves. This movie embodied the great quest Snowden had to take quite factually correct and it was done excellently well! Want toSupport this movie and Snowden's cause by spreading the message and helping this movie get the popularity it deserves. This movie embodied the great quest Snowden had to take quite factually correct and it was done excellently well! Want to be inspired to fight against corruption? Watch Snowden.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

IllegalDefenseSep 25, 2016

A much better film than many of the reviews suggest. The movie is provocative and retells a very significant development in recent history. Some of the criticisms of this film seem to be that the movie is at times slow and relatively dull--IA much better film than many of the reviews suggest. The movie is provocative and retells a very significant development in recent history. Some of the criticisms of this film seem to be that the movie is at times slow and relatively dull--I think that stems at least in part from the fact that the real-life Snowden is not the most exciting person and his life, while interesting, was not particularly compelling until 2013. He is not an action hero, but a real life person who made a series of decisions that are bound to attract both praise and scorn. I think that dynamic is captured by the movie, perhaps to its detriment with some reviewers.The movie is a bit long, but, in my view, there weren't scenes that warranted obvious cutting. A very good film and I'm glad I saw it.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

BigDegs29Sep 20, 2016

Great movie that doesn't make factual sacrifices for the sake of entertainment. This is a political drama, not an action movie, so I'm not sure why people would complain about the lack of action...?

While it's hard to know exactly whereGreat movie that doesn't make factual sacrifices for the sake of entertainment. This is a political drama, not an action movie, so I'm not sure why people would complain about the lack of action...?

While it's hard to know exactly where on the hero/traitor line Edward Snowden actually falls, it feels like the movie did mostly a good job of presenting the justifications of both sides of the argument. Obviously, you're seeing the movie through Snowden's perspective, so it does make certain assumptions we can't be sure of. Such as his motivation. The movie presents Snowden's motivation as patriotism for his fellow Americans and, simply, the existence of a moral compass.

Obviously people will view this movie through a political lens. The movie presents the quandary as a freedom versus security scale. Are you okay with the government invasively spying on you in the name of greater security? Or are your rights and freedoms of greater importance? Personally, I skew to the latter. I think it is deplorable what the intelligence agencies of the States did to its own citizens and to its allies. I understand why they did it, I just believe sacrifices (including security) need to be made to protect our basic human rights.

Those who feel otherwise may be a little annoyed by the general leaning of the movie. But, I don't see how they could have leaned the other way when they're viewing the situation through the eyes of the protagonist, Snowden.

Definitely worth seeing if you're either open-minded or lean towards the freedom side of the scale I mentioned. If you believe security trumps everything else, you should probably skip this movie.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

smiyamotJan 25, 2017

Well done movie by Oliver Stone. Showed the man as well as the headlines. Gave insight into his life and how he lived his life. Question: at the end, you hear Hillary's voice saying he should stand trial and be punished, etc, which mayWell done movie by Oliver Stone. Showed the man as well as the headlines. Gave insight into his life and how he lived his life. Question: at the end, you hear Hillary's voice saying he should stand trial and be punished, etc, which may have cost her votes with the target audience of this film. Is Oliver Stone anti-Hillary?… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

Darro25Sep 17, 2016

This film is the must see of the summer. It tackles important political topics and sheds light on the mass information debacle a few years back. Joseph Gordon Levitt pulls of an outstanding performance playing the complex Edward Snowden.

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

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9

LaSh4wn328Dec 18, 2016

I really liked how they take his story and turn it into both a cyber-espionage thriller, and a love story. That wasn't what I expected, but it worked really well in the end. I think of this dude every time I glance at the masking tape over myI really liked how they take his story and turn it into both a cyber-espionage thriller, and a love story. That wasn't what I expected, but it worked really well in the end. I think of this dude every time I glance at the masking tape over my laptop camera...… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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10

StanleyKubrickOct 11, 2016

An important film about the politics of surveillance in our times. It has fantastic cinematography, editing, directing, cast, acting, very good scenes and good music. My only complaint is, that it's too much in too little time, so someAn important film about the politics of surveillance in our times. It has fantastic cinematography, editing, directing, cast, acting, very good scenes and good music. My only complaint is, that it's too much in too little time, so some sequences in the middle don't really pop, because you have no time to process them. This film should have been longer, because it's too dense. It could have been a good TV series, too. I hope we'll get a longer Director's Cut with more character moments and more scenes on the inner workings of the NSA surveillance complex. It's still a very good film & everyone should check it out, especially those who don't agree with Snowden. If you can, see it in 4k and at least two times, otherwise you'll miss a lot of visual and dramatic details. It's Oliver Stone's best film since "JFK" !… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

fmguitarsSep 16, 2016

The Snowden movie is both entertaining and eye opening. I was worried the film would not do justice to the story but Oliver Stone got it right! This story line could easily become a franchise as this film only covered the beginning of theThe Snowden movie is both entertaining and eye opening. I was worried the film would not do justice to the story but Oliver Stone got it right! This story line could easily become a franchise as this film only covered the beginning of the tale and there is so much more. Thank you Oliver Stone, cast and crew for making a great film, and thank you Edward Snowden for the great sacrifices you have made.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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7

TVJerrySep 20, 2016

As the famous/notorious Edward Snowden, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is quietly compelling (even though he adopts the flat delivery of Keanu Reeves). This biopic alternates between his covert meetings with the reporters who released the NSA documentsAs the famous/notorious Edward Snowden, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is quietly compelling (even though he adopts the flat delivery of Keanu Reeves). This biopic alternates between his covert meetings with the reporters who released the NSA documents and the career events that lead up to it. The details are interesting, but his relationship with his girlfriend (Shailene Woodley) drags on the momentum. Sure, the paranoia message is requisite, but director Oliver Stone let it become too didactic and too constant. As a result, the basic story is still fascinating and well told, but it's power is diluted by the film's 134 minute length.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

TheQuietGamerMar 17, 2017

A compelling topic based on true events, there's perhaps a bit too much fat around the edges for it to be a total knock out of the park. Yet, the performances are satisfying and the insights shocking enough to make for an entertainingA compelling topic based on true events, there's perhaps a bit too much fat around the edges for it to be a total knock out of the park. Yet, the performances are satisfying and the insights shocking enough to make for an entertaining biographical political drama/thriller. It just that it's tendency to dive to deep into Snowden's personal struggles leads to mixed results.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt's once again gives another fantastic performance, even if his choice in voice is questionable. It's him that keeps you going even when things slow down to focus on the rather tedious to watch relationship drama. The movie also feels overstuffed with side-characters that stick around just long enough to clue Snowden in on some new shady information and then disappear for the rest of the movie. It makes sense for Snowden to lose track of these people over the course of his life and even for the movie to send them packing after they've served their purpose in the plot, but it's still disappointing to see them go as they are usually among the film's more interesting characters and are played by great actors. The likes of Timothy Olyphant and Nicolas Cage are here and gone in an instant, but who sticks around? Snowden's annoying freaking girlfriend. At least she's portrayed by Shailene Woodley who gives a very good performance despite not being given anything interesting to do. The little side excursions into Snowden's personal troubles don't due much to further the plot and at times give the movie a plodding feel. However, they are a necessary evil as they do a lot to humanize Snowden. Something I feel was one of Oliver Stone's big directions here.

A good concept and great cast help make up for some shortcomings in the pace and writing. At the end of the day it's still an interesting story, even if it probably could have been told better. If the topic interests you or you are just in the mood for some political drama, Snowden may be for you.

7.5/10… Expand

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7

3ebfan511Jul 20, 2017

I liked this better than Citizenfour actually, where I found Snowden to just be annoying and wanting to be famous. This film shows a lot of Snowdens relationship with his girlfriend, and what he was actually doing day to day, and inI liked this better than Citizenfour actually, where I found Snowden to just be annoying and wanting to be famous. This film shows a lot of Snowdens relationship with his girlfriend, and what he was actually doing day to day, and in different countries, for the CIA which was all very interesting, and which I had not seen in any film before quite like that. It also actually showed what Snowden was talking about better than the documentary did itself, which I found to be somewht funny and mostly luddite in nature. (I think he is an idiot and might as well be Amish if he thinks there will never be cameras in the future...) But, this was a better film than I thought as it looked bad and uninteresting based on the commercials and already knowing the story, but yet this film showed me much of his personal life and actual work which you do not get from just reading about the story in the news, so it was definitely worth seeing for those reasons.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

Brent_MarchantSep 18, 2016

Though sometimes flat in its tone and drawn out in its pacing, this important piece of cinema nevertheless does an excellent job of detailing what happened and explaining the implications of the protagonist's actions. This biopic, though aThough sometimes flat in its tone and drawn out in its pacing, this important piece of cinema nevertheless does an excellent job of detailing what happened and explaining the implications of the protagonist's actions. This biopic, though a somewhat fictionalized account, ranks far superior to the "Citizen Four" documentary that captured history as it happened but became so bogged down in technical jargon that its impact was lost on virtually anyone not fluent in tech-speak. This may not be Oliver Stone's best cinematic effort, but it's arguably one of his most significant productions.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

moviecritic68Sep 21, 2016

I always start my critiques by judging did the director keep my interest throughout the entire film. Oliver Stone accomplished that. Granted it's a little long in length but the story stayed in focus, The ending leaves the audience with theI always start my critiques by judging did the director keep my interest throughout the entire film. Oliver Stone accomplished that. Granted it's a little long in length but the story stayed in focus, The ending leaves the audience with the choice of hero or traitor. Everyone can judge that for themselves. As for me I give it a 2 thumbs up & refute the negative ratings some are giving it. GO SEE FOR YOURSELF… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

P4inskillerMay 19, 2018

Simply the true story about the first and maybe biggest hero of the 21st century! A must see for everyone who is interesting for the topics of freedom and human rights. Snowden is a world hero and I am as German shamed that the germanSimply the true story about the first and maybe biggest hero of the 21st century! A must see for everyone who is interesting for the topics of freedom and human rights. Snowden is a world hero and I am as German shamed that the german government didn't give him asylum - of course, because she is sill involved in hurting the rights of german (and foreign) people. In the year 2018 even more Lies, surveillance and criminal activities by the german government! Also shame on Angela Merkel as puppet of the Obama government! My highest respect for this young american guy, Edward Snowden! Truly a hero!… Expand

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10

willothenightSep 16, 2016

Great film making, and politically relevant. I saw this at the Arclight, Hollywood during a preview night. I had seen the HBO documentary on Snowden already, so knew what to expect. I admit this was my most anticipated movie of the year, soGreat film making, and politically relevant. I saw this at the Arclight, Hollywood during a preview night. I had seen the HBO documentary on Snowden already, so knew what to expect. I admit this was my most anticipated movie of the year, so my expectations were very high. It met my expectations in every regard. I'll be seeing it again, and I hope everyone does. At the Arclight on Wednesday, there was a Q/A video that happened afterword and that was very enlightening. Or should I say mind blowing. Our privacy, or lack there of, are both taken for granted. Let's keep this conversation, and others, open.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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8

judahjsnSep 19, 2016

Not Oliver Stone at his peak but definitely a solid entry in his cannon. Everybody gave great performances. This story is essential viewing. My biggest complaint was a weak musical score and a somewhat miscast Nick Cage. Otherwise, INot Oliver Stone at his peak but definitely a solid entry in his cannon. Everybody gave great performances. This story is essential viewing. My biggest complaint was a weak musical score and a somewhat miscast Nick Cage. Otherwise, I recommend without reservations.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

pie314159265358Sep 18, 2016

I was actually surprised by this movie. The trailer did not make it seem all that appealing, but as a supporter of Snowden, I went ahead and watched it anyways. The movie was actually well produced. Obviously, the movie is heavilyI was actually surprised by this movie. The trailer did not make it seem all that appealing, but as a supporter of Snowden, I went ahead and watched it anyways. The movie was actually well produced. Obviously, the movie is heavily political, so if that is not a genre-base that one enjoys, then they should not watch it. All in all, I really enjoyed it, both as a movie and as a philosophy.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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7

LeZeeDec 24, 2016

He who became a people's hero by betraying his own nation!

I had like to begin by saying I'm not an American and I haven't seen the Oscar winning documentary 'Citizenfour'. But I'm very much aware of everything about it through the all kindsHe who became a people's hero by betraying his own nation!

I had like to begin by saying I'm not an American and I haven't seen the Oscar winning documentary 'Citizenfour'. But I'm very much aware of everything about it through the all kinds of coverages. So my perspective about the film will be true and about the content will be neutral. I have known about what this film dealt since the day it all began. I did not care much, but there are things to concern about it. Like if it is necessary to tap to prevent the serious threats, there's nothing wrong it that. Because, even if they have our private contents, they are not going to publish it or make money out of it. So that makes what Ed did was unethical and betrayal for his own country.

In another angle, NSA's illegal surveillance questionable in many ways, but wrong is only a tiny thing. Because eyeing every single one of us seems wrong, though without examining all, nothing confirms, differentiate between right and wrong. So coming to the film, it was decently made one. The main reason is it was too long and many parts were boring. The theme was powerful like it was a one liner, but the film contents were very weak. Except Snowden passing the security, the rest of the story like why he did, including his personal life, particularly his romance was not good enough to make a film. This is very much suitable for a documentary than a feature film.

But I liked the actors. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was good, but not great. If he gets the Oscars nod, that's only because of the issue which the film inspired by, not because his phenomenal character display. The direction was decent, but not the screenplay. The film is not for everyone, but I recommend it to all as a must see. The main reason why you should watch it is to educate yourself. To learn what they are doing and how. Particularly, you will definitely come to know how to avoid being eyed by the government in a simple way. So that's a good thing than whining over what homeland security does to protect the nation. It is not an inspiring biopic, or a masterpiece, but don't miss it for any cost.

P.S. Whatever the form of the governments, the nations won't stop doing what in this film they said was wrong. Because there's no Edward Snowden in every nation to expose it. In that perspective, the US was really embarrassed for their own man letting them down. The China is the number one in this kind of activity. The point is, these things happening right now or not, but should never come to public notice like that happened in here, never should leave the compound. Suppose if we come to know, we will protect, at least in the democratic countries that's what we do. But not to forget it also safeguards us. That means it is like the stars and planets on the sky that we watch and take notes, but they are untouchable. We only monitor them for threats like asteroids and fractionally thinking about the alien invasion.

7/10… Expand