Watch The Contender

The Contender is a gripping political drama released in 2000 that captures the essence of democracy, morality, and gender politics. Directed by Rod Lurie and produced by Marc Frydman, the movie stars Joan Allen in the lead role of Senator Laine Hanson, alongside Gary Oldman as Republican Congressman Shelly Runyon and Jeff Bridges as Democratic President Jackson Evans.

The movie starts with the sudden death of Vice President Jackson Evans, forcing President Evans to nominate a new Vice President. Following the advice of his staff members, President Evans decides to nominate Senator Laine Hanson, a strong-willed and accomplished woman who stands for gender equality, education reforms, and human rights.

However, the nomination process soon turns into a fierce political battle when Congressman Shelly Runyon, the chief of the House Judiciary Committee, launches a personal attack on her past. Runyon accuses Senator Hanson of being involved in a lewd and unethical act while in college, without any substantial evidence, and demands a full-scale investigation into her conduct.

As the hearings proceed, Senator Hanson faces the toughest challenge of her life, having to defend her reputation and integrity under the constant scrutiny of the media and the public. She finds herself trapped in a web of lies and deceit, fueled by a sexist and patriarchal society that believes women are not capable of holding high office.

Through the course of the movie, Senator Hanson's character is shown to be a woman of strength and resilience who stands up for her beliefs and confronts the injustices of the system head-on. Joan Allen's performance as Senator Hanson is exceptional, capturing the character's vulnerability and strength with conviction, adding to the overall realism and grittiness of the movie.

Gary Oldman's portrayal of Congressman Shelly Runyon is also noteworthy, as he brings out the character's ruthless ambition and cunning political tactics while highlighting the hypocrisy of the political system. Jeff Bridges's portrayal of President Jackson Evans is dignified, and his calm demeanor helps in creating an atmosphere of political drama and tension.

The Contender also touches upon several contemporary political issues, such as the role of the media in shaping public opinion, the impact of religion on politics, and the challenges that women face in a male-dominated world. It is a movie that educates and inspires, showing us that standing up for our values requires courage and resilience, and sometimes, it is the right thing to do, regardless of the personal cost.

The Contender is a movie that appeals to anyone interested in politics, human rights, gender equality, or societal norms. It is a thought-provoking and engaging watch, with powerful performances and a storyline that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers.

The Contender is a 2000 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 59.