SummaryThe Fog of War is a 20th century fable, a story of an American dreamer, Robert S. McNamara, who rose from humble origins to the heights of political power. (Sony Pictures Classics)
Directed By:Errol Morris
The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
87
User score
Generally Favorable
8.0
My Score
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Metascore
Universal Acclaim
92% Positive
33 Reviews
33 Reviews
8% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
The film's status as must-see documentary of the year is indisputable.
100
Probing... haunting.
100
Errol Morris may have been put on earth to make The Fog of War, a stunning portrait of Robert S. McNamara that closes a year of outstanding nonfiction movies on a high note.
88
The most compelling -- and horrifying -- portion of the film, which interweaves archival footage and stylish graphics with the interview segments, centers on the firebombing of Japan during World War II.
80
Simultaneously offers priceless insight into the nation's past and a worrisome take on the future.
75
The S in Robert S. McNamara stands for Strange, which is an unusual middle name and perhaps an apt description of the man at the centre of documentary filmmaker Errol Morris's gripping character study, The Fog of War.
50
More often McNamara comes across as Exhibit A in Morris's latest metaphysical creepshow.
User score
Generally Favorable
83% Positive
30 Ratings
30 Ratings
11% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
6% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
May 16, 2011
10
The best documentary ever made. The music is beautiful and haunting, The film is a fantastic send off to McNamara, a man who is certainly going to hell when he dies.
May 25, 2013
6
This film really plays out as a biography of the life of Robert S McNamara, former secretary of defence for both Kennedy and Johnson administrations. Unlike many current politicians though he comes across as both honest and sincere, readily admitting that he made mistakes during his time in office. The main focus of the film is on WWII, Vietnam and the Cold War with some frightening insights into just how close seemingly reasonable people can come to nuclear war. McNamara discusses the role of himself and others in a frank manner communicating what he has learnt in his remarkable life. It would have been nice to hear from others involved in the eras discussed but overall The Fog of War is a fairly intriguing watch.
Production Company:
- Sony Pictures Classics
- RadicalMedia
- SenArt Films
- The Globe Department Store
Release Date:Dec 19, 2003
Duration:1 h 35 m
Rating:PG-13
Website:
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Cinema Eye Honors Awards, US
• 3 Wins & 3 Nominations
National Board of Review, USA
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
