Snowden (2016) Review in 2025
Snowden is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee who leaked classified information about the US government's surveillance programs.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to mature themes and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
Snowden is a thought-provoking film that's worth watching for anyone interested in politics and surveillance. It's a bit slow, but the payoff is worth it.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The film follows Snowden's journey from his early days as a young NSA employee to his decision to leak the classified information, which led to his exile in Russia. The film explores the consequences of his actions and the impact it had on his personal life.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-researched, but it feels a bit rushed at times. The film tries to cover a lot of ground, but it doesn't always succeed.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt giving a standout performance as Snowden.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, especially Snowden. The actors do a great job of bringing them to life.
direction8.00/10
Oliver Stone does a great job of directing the film, but it feels a bit heavy-handed at times. The pacing is a bit slow, but it's worth it for the payoff.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with some stunning shots of the NSA headquarters and the streets of Hong Kong.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film is well-researched and engaging, with excellent cinematography and acting. The story is complex and thought-provoking.
Cons
The pacing is a bit slow, and the film feels a bit heavy-handed at times. The story is also a bit rushed, which can be frustrating.
Notable Quotes
"The NSA has built an infrastructure that allows them to intercept almost everything: satellite communications, computer networks, oceanic cables."
"You can't have 100% security and 100% privacy. That's just not the world we live in."
