Words of War Parent Guide

Where does courage come from? Why are some people willing to risk their lives to expose the truth? Are they driven by belief in a cause or concern for others? The impressive biopic Words of War explores these questions as it depicts the life and work of Anna Politkovskaya (Maxine Peak), a real-life Russian journalist.

Anna is an empathetic interviewer whose popular column shakes up her readers by exposing governmental corruption and human suffering. Fortunately, she works for an independent newsmagazine and isn’t smothered by the blanket of censorship imposed on government-controlled media. But when her editor, Dmitry (Ciaran Hinds), agrees that she can travel to the secessionist republic of Chechnya and see how the war with Russia is impacting the lives of Chechens, Anna comes to the attention of the Russian government – and its controlling president, Vladimir Putin.

After the fall of Communism and the collapse of the Soviet Union, reporters enjoyed a period of press freedom, but that window is closing fast in the early 2000s. Putin launched his career in the KGB (the USSR’s security agency), and now that’s president, he isn’t afraid to use violence against anyone who threatens him – even if that someone is an unassuming reporter whose convictions are stronger than her sense of caution.

For a biopic, Words of War feels a lot like a thriller thanks to its unrelenting tension. From the first scene in which Anna is poisoned, to her harrowing encounters in Chechnya, to the intimidation tactics employed against her, this film is designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. I am already familiar with Anna’s story, and I was still stressed out, which tells you how well the movie is written and paced.

From my perspective as a critic, it’s a rare treat to watch a film that I feel no need to criticize. The story is moving, the script compelling, the acting superb. The cast is a reminder of the depth of the British acting bench – Maxine Peak is a superb Anna, humane and driven; Jason Isaacs is her husband, Sasha, crumbling under the strain of her work; Ciaran Hinds is her editor, burdened by the losses of brave reporters, and Harry Lawtey is her son, Ilya, who is both terrified and furious about the risks Anna takes. This film has the power to rip your heart out – and it’s all thanks to the cast.

The only issue I need to raise is that of negative content, primarily violence and profanity. The violence is not a surprise, given the movie’s subject. However, it is not gratuitous or gory and even when it is shown on screen, violence tends to be brief. As for profanity, the movie has sixteen sexual expletives and an assortment of other profanities. The Restricted rating is fair, but this is a pretty soft “R” and is suitable for mature teens who are interested in journalism or the devolution of a society into authoritarianism.

While the negative content isn’t ideal, I think this film’s positive messages make it worth watching. Anna’s determination, courage, and devotion to the truth are inspiring, and her words are prophetic: “I dislike Putin because he despises his people. He sees us simply as a means to his ends, a means for the achievement and retention of power. He believes he can do with us as he sees fit because we are nobody while he who chance has enabled to clamber to the top is today Tsar and God. In Russia we have had leaders with this outlook before. It led to tragedy, to bloodshed on a vast scale and to civil wars.”

I only wish that history had not proved her right.