The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara

Name: The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara
Genre: War, Documentary
Released: December 19, 2003
Duration: 95 min
Rating: 87
Cast: Fidel Castro, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Robert McNamara

2003

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 36 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 44 Ratings

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7.5

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7.5	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 44 Ratings

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The Fog Of War: Lessons Of From The Life Of Robert S. Mcnamara

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The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara

Movie Details & Credits

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: December 19, 2003 | PG-13

Starring: Fidel Castro, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Robert McNamara

Summary: The Fog of War is a 20th century fable, a story of an American dreamer, Robert S. McNamara, who rose from humble origins to the heights of political power. (Sony Pictures Classics)

Director: Errol Morris

Genre(s): War, Documentary

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 95 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Errol Morris may have been put on earth to make The Fog of War, a stunning portrait of Robert S. McNamara that closes a year of outstanding nonfiction movies on a high note. Read full review

100

Mick LaSalle

Masterful documentary. Read full review

100

David Sterritt

The filmmaking is meticulous and the ideas are endlessly thought-provoking. Read full review

Lawrence Toppman

McNamara's too mentally adroit to let Morris pin blame or guilt on him, and the director's not interested in shaming him. Read full review

James Berardinelli

McNamara has a reputation for being intelligent and belligerent. The Fog of War validates the former characteristic, but not necessarily the latter. Read full review

Joe Morgenstern

Haunting, troubling documentary.

Jonathan Rosenbaum

The film is watchable as well as informative...But I wish I had a better notion of what story he's trying to tell. Read full review

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User Reviews

harrison

May 16, 2011

The best documentary ever made.

The music is beautiful and haunting, The film is a fantastic send off to McNamara, a man who is certainly going to hell when he dies.

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ShannonP.

Jul 10, 2006

This should be required viewing in every college and high school history class touching on American history. Those who would so readily crown WW II era Americans as "the greatest generation" can contemplate the little discussed fire bombing and burning of dozens of Japanese cities and tens This should be required viewing in every college and high school history class touching on American history. Those who would so readily crown WW II era Americans as "the greatest generation" can contemplate the little discussed fire bombing and burning of dozens of Japanese cities and tens of thousands of civilian women and children. If, as McNamara argues, "proportionality" is a key standard for judging war time behavior, then.… Expand

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WillieG.

May 22, 2006

Very well done, nearly every moment was gripping from start to finish. I'm not old enough to have experienced the periods of history covered in the film, yet this film hit home with me as a born & bred citizen. I would encourage and invite anyone to see this film at least once, Very well done, nearly every moment was gripping from start to finish. I'm not old enough to have experienced the periods of history covered in the film, yet this film hit home with me as a born & bred citizen. I would encourage and invite anyone to see this film at least once, particularly any fellow Americans old enough to comprehend the ultimate societal breakdown known as war.… Expand

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drlowdon

May 25, 2013

This film really plays out as a biography of the life of Robert S McNamara, former secretary of defence for both Kennedy and Johnson administrations. Unlike many current politicians though he comes across as both honest and sincere, readily admitting that he made mistakes during his time inThis film really plays out as a biography of the life of Robert S McNamara, former secretary of defence for both Kennedy and Johnson administrations. Unlike many current politicians though he comes across as both honest and sincere, readily admitting that he made mistakes during his time in office.

The main focus of the film is on WWII, Vietnam and the Cold War with some frightening insights into just how close seemingly reasonable people can come to nuclear war. McNamara discusses the role of himself and others in a frank manner communicating what he has learnt in his remarkable life.

It would have been nice to hear from others involved in the eras discussed but overall The Fog of War is a fairly intriguing watch.… Expand

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