We're Giving Away a Whistleblower DVD 6-Pack

Just Tell Us Your Favorite Movie About Government or Politics

When our esteemed blog editor Bryan Rahija departed for graduate school, he left a few surprises for us in  his desk -- a stained coffee mug, a stack of old inspector general reports and ... a drawer full of new, unopened DVDs of movies that celebrate whistleblowers and their critical role in society. We're talking the mother lode of whisteblower movies.

Now we'd like to give a DVD six-pack to one lucky POGO supporter.

To enter our drawing for the Whistleblower DVD six-pack:

1. Go to this link and sign up to receive POGO emails. Be sure to use a valid email address (this is what we'll use to contact the winner). If you already receive our emails, you can skip this step.

2. Leave a comment on this blog post naming your favorite movie about government or politics.  Make sure to fill out the email field when you leave a comment (don't worry, your email will never be shared publicly but it needs to match the email address you entered here).

3. Click on the Facebook and Twitter links above to help spread the word about the drawing. This will have no impact on your odds at winning the drawing for the DVDs.

We'll choose the winner July 2 in a random drawing from those who have both commented on this blog post and signed up for our email updates. Feel free to leave as many comments as you like, but you'll only be entered once in the drawing.

DVD Whisteblower Six-Pack Includes One DVD Each of:

The Whistleblower

The horrifying true story of a Nebraska cop, who while on a U.N. peacekeeping mission to post-war Bosnia discovers a sexual slavery and human trafficking ring involving the international community. A gripping thriller starring Rachel Weisz as a woman fighting for justice in the face of an international cover up.

 

 

 

All the President's Men

A classic film about the kind of momunmental change that can come from the meeting of the right whistleblower and the right journalists. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman star as Woodward and Bernstein in the story of how the Watergate scandal brought down the most powerful man in America.

 

 

 

The Insider

Russell Crowe and Al Pacino star in this critically acclaimed thriller about the true story of a chemist who decides to appear in a 60 Minutes report criticizing Big Tobacco. When word gets out, suspicious incidents turn into outright threats against the chemist and his family in an effort to suppress his story. An amazing look into what happens when one man goes up against on of the world's most powerful industries armed only with the truth.

 

 

The Constant Gardener

A fast-paced thriller about a diplomat investigating a pharmaceutical conspiracy after the death of his wife. The story is based on the real-life scandals that have surrounded some clinical trials in Africa. The movies star Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz and is a must-see

 

 

 

Silkwood

An amazing film with a stellar cast, Silkwood is based on the true story of Karen Silkwood, a worker at a plutonium plant who died in a suspicious car crash while investigating the radiation exposure she and others had received. Meryl Streep and Cher were both nominated for Academy Awards for their performances.

 

 

 

The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers

Go behind the scenes of the famous leak that led to Nixon's downfall and the end of the Vietnam War. This Academy Award-nominated documentary tells the story of Daniel Ellsberg, one of the most important whistleblowers in American history.

 

 

 

Comments

[POGO]

We held our random drawing this afternoon and Mark Safron was chosen as the winner. Congratulations Mark! We will contact you by email to send you your DVDs.

Thank you to everyone who entered our drawing. It was a great response, and we hope to do another drawing like this in the future. In the meantime, there are a ton of great whistleblower movie suggestions on this thread to keep you occupied.

[Cathleen]

Gotta be Bullworth!

[bishalthapa]

nepalese serpico

[MO]

Brave Heart--- A Man becomes the cause to the end !!

[Eleanor Brookins]

Born on the Fourth of July

[jim]

All The Presidents Men is a classic old film.

[Kate Logan]

Silkwood will always be my favorite!

[Jeri]

Brave Heart, not so much that it was, or could be considered a "whistle blower" film but to recognize the character of the man and or women that would be needed to challenge the status quo. Everyone wants to be William Wallace on the movie screen, but few have the fortitude to do it in every day life. In public we may actually shun or exile those same figures and excuse their actions as insane, reckless. Well, here's to you the William Wallace of today:

"I am William Wallace. And I see a whole army of my countrymen, here in defiance of tyranny! You have come to fight as free men. And free man you are! What will you do without freedom? Will you fight?”

„Two thousand against ten?” – the veteran shouted. „No! We will run – and live!”

"Yes!” Wallace shouted back. „Fight and you may die. Run and you will live at least awhile. And dying in your bed many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance, to come back here as young men and tell our enemies that they may take our lives but they will never take our freedom!”

[Penny]

PBS: My Lai Massacre....

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/vietnam/trenches/my_lai.html

[Jeff]

"Oh, don't give me that bullshit about friends. I've been putting cops away for thirty years. My name's an obscenity to every shithouse wall in every precinct in the city."

Serpico

[Krystle]

Erin Brockovich

[Sarah Cookiemonster]

"Lion King"

[Beverly K]

one word: Frank Serpico!

[Beverly K]

Serpico!

[Sean]

I vote for Serpico by far the best movie of all time

[Irene]

I love Silkwood, also Food, Inc.

[Beverly Kuechenmeister]

All The Presidents Men

[Stephen Schwartz]

"Silkwood" is very good, but another important nuclear whistleblower film is "The China Syndrome." Jack Lemmon's performance as a control room shift supervisor who questions the safety of a nuclear power plant following an earthquake, shares his concerns with a local television reporter, and then pays for his actions with his life is still powerful three decades later.

Continuing with the nuclear theme, but switching to nuclear weapons, two British films deserve mention: "Defence of the Realm" (1985) and "A Very British Coup," which aired on the BBC and then PBS in 1988. In "Defence of the Realm," a newspaper reporter investigates a government cover-up regarding a nuclear accident at a US air base in the United Kingdom. "A Very British Coup" focuses on what happens when a left-wing member of the Labor Party is elected Prime Minister and, among other things, calls for transparent government, the removal of all US air bases, and unilateral nuclear disarmament. The establishment is, shall we say, not amused.

"The Constant Gardener" is a beautiful and haunting film that didn't get the recognition it deserved (in large part because of its oblique title). As with "Silkwood" and "The China Syndrome," it demonstrates that corporations can be as powerful, and dangerous, as governments when their profits are on the line.

I'll give the nod to "The Constant Gardener," but it's hard to pick just one!

[Dekortage]

I really liked The Constant Gardener, in part because it showed how "First World" corruption was impacting "Third World" countries. Crazy.

[john helsom]

I have not seen the Whistleblower. But this was the issue that introduced my wife and I to POGO. About 10 years ago POGO held a Whistleblower recognition that was broadcast on CSPAN. Hearing their stories and learning about the work that POGO does has made us lifetime supporters.

[Kj95955]

I Will Fight No More Forever

[Kathy Jones]

I Will Fight No More Forever

[Mark Safron]

Erin Brockovich. Part of the story is about Whistle Blowing but also, we get to see the development of a woman into a strong and powerful presence with conviction.

[Carl N Oerke Jr]

To Kill A Mockingbird was great as was Serpico. All The President's Men and Silkwood were very good also. Missing by Costa Gavras was also very good. Hrd to choose they were all such very poweerful movies.

[Michael Swanson]

Documentary: The Corporation
FIction: All the President's Men

[Sylvester]

"All the President's Men" was one of many great political films

[Whitney]

All the President's Men

[Diana Stewart]

This is a tough one, but I am going to say "Food, Inc." is one you should see if you haven't. This documentary covers one of the most important and challenging issues I can think of -- the lacking/excessive/misdirected/corrupt/corporate-owned government oversight of how food is grown, processed, sold and distributed in this country. Scary but very necessary viewing for all of us who eat. Which would be all of us.

[Dennis F Doran Jr]

My favorite movie isn't a made in hollywood product it's the constant ongoings of our failed government being broadcasted each and every night on tv for all the word to see. Hopefully there will be a happy ending but don't hold your breath. Only time will tell if the Americaqn dream will come back to reality and the rest of the world can begine to respect us again.

[Joan Reyes]

Missing is still timeless, since that kind of incident can still happen around the world.

[jennifer t. schultz]

I love silkwood out of all of these. The other one which is just as good is all the presidents men

[jeff condit, ph.d.]

The Insider and Silkwood. Two great movies that contained exceptional acting and directing . The scripts were awesome as well.

[Evelynn Brown, J.D., LL.M]

To Kill A Mockingbird is my all time favorite movie. Like Atticus Finch, whistleblowers are models for integrity. This is a good idea to put these movies together, not just for entertainment but as a teaching moment. I'd be willing to sponsor a 6 pack donation to a high school.

[Kernan Manion]

Favorite and most poignant for me remains: "Z" a 1969 French language political thriller directed by Costa Gavras. The parallels to the present are haunting. Won a Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.

see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z_%28film%29

From above article:
"... film critic Roger Ebert, who named Z the best film of 1969 ... wrote, “[Z] is a film of our time. It is about how even moral victories are corrupted. It will make you weep and will make you angry. It will tear your guts out...When the Army junta staged its coup in 1967, the right-wing generals and the police chief were cleared of all charges and ‘rehabilitated.’ Those responsible for unmasking the assassination now became political criminals. ... Z is at the same time a political cry of rage and a brilliant suspense thriller. It even ends in a chase: Not through the streets but through a maze of facts, alibis and official corruption.”[4]

[Rashid Patch]

"Gladio" dir. Alan Francovich (1992, three-part BBC documentary film)

"Operation Gladio" was the codename for a clandestine NATO "stay-behind" operation in Europe after World War II. Although Operazione Gladio specifically refered to the Italian branch, "Operation Gladio" is used as an informal name for all the stay-behind organizations that formed "shadow security apparatus" operation throughout NATO and even neutral countries. Gladio was first coordinated by the Clandestine Committee of the Western Union (CCWU), founded in 1948. After the creation of NATO in 1949, the CCWU was integrated into the Clandestine Planning Committee (CPC), founded in 1951 and overseen by SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe), transferred to Belgium after France’s official withdrawal from NATO's Military Committee in 1966 — which was not followed by the dissolution of the French stay-behind paramilitary movements.

The role of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in sponsoring Gladio and the extent of its activities during the Cold War era, and its relationship to right-wing terrorist attacks perpetrated in Italy during the "Years of Lead" (late 1960s to early 1980s) and other similar clandestine operations is the subject of ongoing debate and investigation. Italy, Switzerland and Belgium have had parliamentary inquiries into the matter.

[Rashid Patch]

"Victory Through Air Power" by Walt Disney - 1943

Most important, most effective, most influential, and least-known propaganda film of all time. Promoted the idea of long-range bombing as primary military strategy in WWII. Based on a book of the same name by Polish aircraft designer Alexander P. de Seversky. Disney decided that de Severesky's strategic approach was so important that he personally financed the animated production of "Victory Through Air Power". The film was primarily created to express Seversky’s theories to government officials and the public. Disney sent a print to Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt to view when they were attending the Quebec Conference. According to American film critic and historian, Leonard Maltin, "it changed FDR's way of thinking — he agreed that Seversky was right... it was only after Roosevelt saw 'Victory Through Air Power' that our country made the commitment to long-range bombing."

This single film determined both U.S. and Soviet strategic military strategy for the next 50 years: long-range, strategic bombardment of industrial infrastructure by long-range aircraft, and later by long-range ballistic missiles.

Despite the many trillions of dollars spent on fleets of bombers and ICBMs because of this film, it was not shown again for 60 years after it's original release in 1943 and 44, apparently because it was so clearly propaganda, and could be offensive to Japanese and Germans.

[Rashid Patch]

"The Maltese Falcon"

Gutman: "What do you know, sir, about the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, later called the Knights of Rhodes and other things?"

Spade: "Crusaders or something, weren't they?"

Gutman: "Very good... In 1539 these Crusading Knights persuaded the Emperor Charles V to give them the Island of Malta. He made but one condition: they were to pay him, each year the tribute of a falcon in acknowledgement that Malta was still under Spain. Do you follow me?"

Spade: grunts

Gutman: "Have you any conception of the extreme, the immeasurable wealth of the Order at that time?..."

[PortiaChalifoux]

I'm living the life of a socially murdered whistleblower in the unregulated and unprotected private sector, and so I don't find this particularly entertaining. If anyone truly supports whistleblowers/people who have been ostracized, that can be done on a personal direct basis and can be literally life saving as it affirms the worth and dignity of a person whose life has been destroyed.

Otherwsie, go enjoy yourselves - what entertaining stories.

[Sheila]

When I want a laugh and to see a great depiction of politics? Dr. Strangelove.

When I want to show a friend something that will blow up their understanding of our economic situation? Inside Job.

[Steve Terral]

My favorite is The Rainmaker

[David]

Serpico is a powerful little movie about a very important whistleblower. Pacino really was a great actor before he decided he had to be over the top in every role...

[Felicia]

JFK

[James Russell]

I personally liked "Gas Land" because it might wake America up to a possible danger in our persuit of another energy source. We may love cheap electric bills but we may lose more if we infect our water supplies with gases. I found your website thru surfing and I am pleased that your out there watching over our government for us, keep up the good work and GOD bless.
USAF Retired Raven

[aaron horner]

Trudell, Zeitgiest, The Network.

[Nut Mylk]

All the President's Men is a great film; however, unfortunately the paranoiac and hubristic egotism of the ruling class perpetually works more cloudiness into the translucency of our government. Thankfully, the Project on Governmental Oversight continually adds clarity. Thank you for your empowerment!

[GA]

the documentary "Why We Fight" for showing just how powerful the military-industrial complex is

[David Stewart]

Conspiracy Theory......

[John Browne]

I don't know if "Bad Day at Black Rock" was political... but it did involve local attitudes that had been shaped by war (and racism, and....)
But, there will Always be "Dr. Strangelove"... right?
^..^

[Arthur Hawley]

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1330567/plotsummary

[Erin]

The Constant Gardner, great book as well!

[alan kent]

Green Zone

[redlenses]

Atlas Shrugged Part 1

[Ronni]

All the President's Men.

Great story, lots of impact, and a really fun date that night.

[Rudi Affolter]

"Missing" remains my favourite.

[somewhere in ME]

Perhaps a little satire to lighten the load: Being There (1979). "Life is a state of mind."

[John Schellenger]

I agree that Serpico and Silkwood are great, and would add Z to the list. Although its choppy editing hasn't aged well, it still eerily portrays the ways ideologues speak a non-political language, talking only to each other, and act to destroy the opposition as much as to gain power. If anything more were needed about justifying the use of torture against movements that rely on terrorist tactics, The Battle of Algiers is still out there as well.

[Scott Kuechenmeister]

just one more... in the event my earlier submission is not allowed.

the greatest of all time, the one that Hollywood could neither minimize or over embellish: Serpico

a classic about one man who went undercover to expose corruption in the NYC police dept. a man that took a bullet in the face, and is still vilified by those elements of power that cherish nepotism and back room deals to conduct business.

these evil forces will always be there when transparency is not required. we can only hope that men and women like Mr. Serpico will be there at those times to fill the void.

[Scott Kuechenmeister]

2012

it was a terrible movie, but perfect in exposing the true nature of man. let's build these arks. keep them secret from 99% of the world's population (omg, 1% ers win again) and just jump on board at the 11th hour dispensing prozac to all for the remainder of the journey. i especially like when D.C. is taken out by the tsunami. fav line from the movie: You're telling me that the North Pole is now some where in Wisconsin?

[James Curtis]

"A Cat Without a Grin" Le Fond de l'air Est Rouge by Chris Marker 1977 and revised in 1982 is an amazing documentary photomontage with left political analysis of pivotal world events in the 1960's and 1970's. Mysterious times from our perspective which set the background for struggles which continue today. The territory includes international support for the Vietnamese Republic, the death of Che Guevara, the soviet invasion of Prague, the May protest in France 1968, the Chinese Cultural revolution, the watergate hearings in the U.S., etc.

[Mallory]

Norma Rae, Dick and All The President's Men

[Allizabeth Collins]

Mr. Smith goes to Washington. Total classic! Learned more from that movie than college US Government class.

[Rusty T]

Freedom to Fascism. My fav. by far.

[POGO]

@Stan if this was a contest and not a random giveaway, Dr. Strangelove might have to be declared the winner. Still stands up well after more than 40 years!

[kriste]

the contender!

i loved that movie!

[Stan]

The Insider was a gem with all the essential ingredients...insider politics, the power of big business, & the manipulation of the media. Along with a great cast, story, & writing; making this a film worth watching over & over again....

Of course the all time best is "Dr. Strangelove"; providing undoubtedly the most realistic depiction & hard hitting provocative insider information about government ever done... :)

[Kim D]

Silkwood, song at the end makes me cry every time!

[Lindsey]

The American President

[Joe Newman]

@AmyinMerida David Burnham is that you?

(Inside joke: David Burnham, the ace New York Times reporter who broke the stories about Serpico and Karen Silkwood, has an office at POGO headquarters and is just a few doors down).

Joe Newman
POGO Communications Director

[AmyinMerida]

WOW - that is really hard because I am old and there is a couple that I can think of that might not even register with most 1) Silkwood - it was based on a true story - filled with so much emotion and raw drama and being from the north in the 80's hit very close to home as we were in the beginning stages of understanding how serious Nuclear Power could be environmentally and physically to those close to the plants. 2) would be Serpico

[Robert MacLean]

"A Few Good Men"

A Marine blows the whistle and gets killed for it. "Colonel Nathan Jessup" insists that the Marine should not have called his congressional representative and Naval Criminal Investigative Service to report the wrongdoing he witnessed on Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba.

http://youtu.be/6jWwh58oNbE

[Joleen Chambers]

Erin Brockovich. She was the unlikely heroine in a world of business and law. Her tenacity in the face of adversity and family complications remains inspirational. Julia Roberts portrayal was poignant and compelling on repeated screenings.

[The Truth is Out There]

How about Conspiracy Theory starring Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts? We all know our government is very capable of doing terrible things and covering up or deflecting blame. It's not paranoia if they REALLY are out to get you.

[Sum Guy]

@David ....that was a great movie. I had forgotten about that one.

[David Grossman]

My favorite political movie is Breach, a small movie from 2007 starring Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillipe, and Laura Linney. Cooper plays Robert Hanssen, a CIA spy who sold secrets to the Soviets, Phillipe the agent assigned to bring him down. But that film isn't about that, not really. It's about the bureaucratic process, and how it's protected Hanssen and how it eventually, with great prodding, can be used to take him down.

What really makes the film is the mise-en-sene, there's hardly been a more drab depiction of D.C. It seems to be a city entirely made up of gray clouds and low lighting. Essentially it's a spy-game with desks instead of foreign locales, but the film makes the case that the former is much more dangerous then the latter.

[stephany]

All the President's Men is my favorite, along w Silkwood and I still haven't seen the Constant Gardener! would love to win this!

[Sum Guy]

Inside Job, the documentary that won an Oscar and exposed wall street crimes!