Based on the life of Harvey Milk, this terrific film features a stellar performance by Sean Penn as the title character, the first openly gay man elected to political office. Milk traces the well known figure's early days as an eager politician and activist, to his eventual rise to power.

Milk's road to success was not always a smooth one. And in fact, this animated politician would go on to lose three elections before finally gaining the respect of the people. Through the aid of several key supporters however, Milk would ultimately reach his hefty goal. Along the way, he would do battle with religious extremists determined to rid the world of so called deviates.

Yes, Milk is extremely pro gay–if you hadn't already been able to tell. But Milk stood for so much more than gay rights. He stood for equal rights, period! This is the real message at the heart of Milk. And given the current political climate, the film couldn't be any more timely.

Sean Penn proves yet again that he is one of our great actors. Sure, his off screen antics and constant political posturing can be a bit much, but his performances speak for themselves. As Milk ended, I was convinced that Sean Penn is gay, and you couldn't pay a better compliment to an actor. The previous statement might sound like an off color remark, but it really isn't. It's a compliment of the highest regard. Penn is simply stunning in this movie, slipping into the life of Harvey Milk with effortless ease. His look, his posture, his dialect. This is a brilliant performance.

As unforgettable as Penn is in this movie, he's surrounded by a spectacular roster of supporting players. Josh Brolin continues his impressive film streak as Dan White, a God fearing Texan faced with the daunting task of working alongside a man he's not terribly fond of. Where this union ends, is absolutely tragic for both men. While some would be quick to call White a monster, it's a testament to Brolin's incredible work that he's able to make this sympathetic character, human. James Franco follows his hilarious turn in Pineapple Express with an outstanding performance as Scott Smith, Milk's companion and proudest supporter. As a pillar of strength, Franco is completely convincing as a man who ultimately realizes that perhaps he can't compete with Milk's ambition. Emile Hirsch is a virtual scene stealer as Cleve Jones, a teenager who would go on to head Harvey Milk's political campaign. It's a funny, sweet, highly energized performance.

Milk was penned by Dustin Lance Black, an openly gay writer who grew up in the Mormon church, but the film doesn't come across as angry or whiny. And in fact, its pretty even keel. There are certainly moments in the film that feel a tad underdeveloped, including a rushed union between Milk and a wildly flamboyant Jack Lira (played by a wildly flamboyant Diego Luna), but this doesn't take away from the overall emotional impact of the film.

Director Gus Van Sant is a true cinematic treasure shifting between unforgettable independent gems (Drugstore Cowboy, My Own Private Idaho), strange experimental efforts (Elephant, Last Days) and more commercial fare (Good Will Hunting, Finding Forrester). With the stirring Milk, he's working in all three areas. This picture takes place in 70's San Francisco, but Van Sant has the deft ability to make the film feel as if it were shot in the 70's. The blending of his footage and actual 70's archival footage is seamless.

Quite clearly, this will be a tough movie for some folks to watch. It does feature a fair share of sexual situations, and such scenes will, no doubt, be discomforting for some viewers. Wisely, Van Sant showcases an intimate scene between Milk and Smith early on so that the film can get to the real issues at hand. Hopefully, more conservative crowds will be able to see this film for what truly is; a story about accepting people for who they are. You certainly don't have to understand one's given lifestyle, but in the end, acceptance is vital. Harvey Milk preached of love, equality, and respect, and these messages come through loud in clear in this heartfelt film.

Grade: B