New Americas Cinema Series: REDS

Immense in intellect and scope, Reds is simultaneously an intimate study of the rightfully idealistic and a sweeping epic chronicling the tumultuous revolutionary change and the passion of those dedicated to it. Based on the real life of journalist John Reed (author of Ten Days That Shook the World), Reds follows Warren Beatty (who directed and co-wrote the film) as Reed. Radicalized by injustice, he commits his personal and professional life to progressive politics, leading him to feminist icon and activist Louise Bryant, played ferociously by the late Diane Keaton. Reds is a rare film that seamlessly blends the literary, the political, and the romantic for a deeply complex and eminently watchable portrayal of those who demand change. Also starring Jack Nicholson, Maureen Stapleton, Paul Sorvino, Gene Hackman, and Edward Herrmann. [195 min; drama; English]