Snowden Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy quits his job after finding out the government is basically Big Brother, and then runs away to Russia with his girlfriend after copying all the homework.

🍿 Snowden: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Military Aspirations

The film opens in 2013 with Edward Snowden meeting journalists Laura Poitras and Glenn Greenwald in Hong Kong to leak classified information. Flashbacks reveal Snowden’s early life, including his attempt to join the U.S. Army Special Forces in 2004. His military aspirations are cut short by a leg injury during basic training, leading him to explore other avenues of service within the intelligence community.

Recruitment and Training in the Intelligence Community

Snowden’s aptitude for computers leads him to the CIA, where he undergoes rigorous training in cyber warfare and intelligence gathering. He is mentored by Corbin O’Brian, who recognizes his potential. During this time, he meets Lindsay Mills, a free-spirited artist with contrasting political views, and their relationship develops amidst Snowden’s increasingly secretive work.

Growing Disillusionment with Mass Surveillance

As Snowden progresses through various roles in the CIA and NSA, he becomes increasingly aware of the extent of global surveillance programs. He witnesses firsthand the collection of vast amounts of data on ordinary citizens, raising ethical concerns. This growing disillusionment strains his relationship with Lindsay, who struggles to understand the nature and implications of his work.

The Decision to Leak Classified Information

Haunted by the ethical implications of mass surveillance, Snowden makes the decision to leak classified documents to the press. He secretly copies the data and arranges the meeting in Hong Kong with Poitras and Greenwald to expose the NSA’s activities. This marks a pivotal point, transforming him from an intelligence operative into a wanted fugitive.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Edward Snowden (Joseph Gordon-Levitt): A former NSA contractor who leaked classified information about the agency’s surveillance programs, becoming a controversial figure.
• Lindsay Mills (Shailene Woodley): Snowden’s girlfriend who struggles with the secrecy surrounding his work and their relationship.
• Laura Poitras (Melissa Leo): A documentary filmmaker who helps Snowden reveal classified information to the public.
• Glenn Greenwald (Zachary Quinto): A journalist who works with Snowden to publish classified information about NSA surveillance.
• Corbin O’Brian (Rhys Ifans): A high-ranking CIA official who recruits and mentors Snowden, representing the agency’s perspective.
• Hank Forrester (Nicolas Cage): A cryptography teacher who educates Snowden and influences his perspective on the intelligence community.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Edward Snowden: “I don’t want to live in a society that does these sort of things. I just don’t.” – Snowden expresses his moral conflict regarding government surveillance to his girlfriend, Lindsay.
• Corbin O’Brian: “The internet is the street corner of the 21st century.” – O’Brian explains the importance of online intelligence gathering to a young Snowden.
• Edward Snowden: “Terrorism is just an excuse.” – Snowden is explaining that he sees the mass surveillance as overreach and questions the motivations of those who employ it.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,587,519
• Worldwide Gross: $37,357,216

💥 Snowden Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Snowden’ to be a compelling and thought-provoking film. JGL did an amazing job portraying Snowden. I left the theater pondering the balance between security and personal freedom, and what one is willing to sacrifice. I was thoroughly engaged in the film and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted political thriller.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Individuals interested in political thrillers”
  • “Viewers concerned about privacy and government surveillance”
  • “Those fascinated by true stories and whistleblower narratives”
  • “Fans of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Oliver Stone’s films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Language”
  • “Some intense thematic elements related to surveillance”
  • “Brief depictions of potentially disturbing content related to intelligence operations”

Professional Reviews

• Rama’s Screen: “Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers an Oscar-worthy performance in this riveting thriller about Edward Snowden. Stone upgrades his film’s look, making it seem more digitally advanced, capturing Snowden’s mannerisms and the film portrays the US surveillance program. A conspiracy thriller, part relationship drama, part heist.
• N/A: “The film portrays Edward Snowden, a young man who worked his way up into the highest circles of the U.S. intelligence community. What makes this a great film is Joseph Gordon-Leavitt is a near dead-ringer for the real-life Edward Snowden. This film highlights the injustices of the American government.
• N/A: “Joseph Gordon-Levitt portrays Snowden as a very likable guy, who loves his country and felt what they were doing to its citizens was wrong. As Snowden, Levitt had the biggest chunk of screen time in a film filled with well know actors taking small, but important roles. The ensemble cast is well put together and the movie provides for a lovely portait of the whistle blower himself.

Audience Reactions

Gordon-Levitt’s performance is amazing, especially the way he mimics Snowden’s voice and mannerisms.: Many viewers felt Joseph Gordon-Levitt gave a stellar performance, capturing Snowden’s essence.

The movie creates thought provoking questions about government surveillance and individual rights.: Lots of people thought the film makes you question the balance between national security and our privacy rights.

Overall Consensus: Overall, ‘Snowden’ is seen as a thought-provoking film, carried by strong performances but can be slow.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Oliver Stone wrote the script on a single computer with no Internet connection to prevent hacking or leaks.”
• “The film is based on both Luke Harding’s book “The Snowden Files” and Anatoly Kucherena’s book “Time Of The Octopus”.”
• “Melissa Leo who plays Laura Poitras, also, played herself in Laura Poitras’s Academy Award-winning documentary, ‘Citizenfour’.”
• “Joseph Gordon-Levitt worked extensively to mimic Edward Snowden’s mannerisms and voice.”

🖥️ How to Watch Snowden?

As of [Current Date], Snowden is available for streaming on platforms such as [e.g., Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu] through rental or purchase. Check your local listings for broadcast availability. Physical copies, including Blu-ray and DVD, can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Snowden, you might like these similar films:

• Citizenfour (2014): A documentary providing a real-time account of the Snowden leaks as they unfolded, featuring the actual people involved.
• All the President’s Men (1976): A classic film about journalists uncovering a major government scandal, highlighting the importance of investigative journalism.
• The Fifth Estate (2013): A dramatic telling of Julian Assange and the rise of WikiLeaks, dealing with similar themes of information, transparency, and government secrets.

🛒 Snowden Related Products

• Citizenfour [Blu-ray]: Laura Poitras’s Oscar-winning documentary that captured the real-life events of Snowden’s leaks as they unfolded. A must-watch companion to the dramatized film.
• No Place to Hide: Edward Snowden, the NSA, and American Surveillance: Glenn Greenwald’s account of working with Snowden and publishing the leaked documents. An essential read for understanding the political and ethical implications.
• Rubik’s Cube: A classic puzzle used by Snowden to discreetly transport the microSD card. A fun, engaging game for puzzle enthusiasts.
• Snowden Movie Poster: High-quality print of the movie poster, featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Edward Snowden. Perfect for fans of the film and political thrillers.

🎧 Soundtrack

Snowden features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Secret Downloading” – performed by Craig Armstrong

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden: ‘I don’t want to live in a society that does these sort of things’

In this compelling interview, Edward Snowden himself explains his reasons for leaking classified information, offering a firsthand perspective on the events central to the movie.

‘Vladimir Putin on Edward Snowden’ Official Clip w/ Oliver Stone | SHOWTIME

Tune in to hear Russian President Vladimir Putin discuss his views on Edward Snowden, offering insights into the complex diplomatic dynamics surrounding the case.

Edward Snowden on Pegasus spyware: ‘This is an industry that should not exist’

Join Edward Snowden as he delves into the dangers of Pegasus spyware, highlighting its impact on privacy and civil liberties. His unique insights make this interview not to be missed.

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