Sean Penn turns in an astounding performance as Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man in America to be elected to a major public office when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, and who was murdered in 1978. James Franco is affecting as Milk's lover, Scott Smith, and Josh Brolin turns in a staggering portrayal as Dan White, Milk's nemesis on the Board. Emile Hirsch, Alison Pill, Diego Luna, Victor Garber. Directed by Gus Van Sant.

R, 128 mins, 2009

Director: Gus Van Sant

Stars: Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Diego Luna