Watch The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers

In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg, a former U.S. military analyst, released the Pentagon Papers to the press. This massive leak exposed decades of government deception regarding the Vietnam War and became one of the biggest security breaches in U.S. history. The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers tells the story of how Ellsberg came to make this courageous and controversial decision.

The movie begins by introducing viewers to Ellsberg and his background as a military analyst for the RAND Corporation. Ellsberg was initially a strong supporter of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, but as he saw more of the war firsthand, his views began to change. He became disillusioned with the government's handling of the conflict and began leaking classified documents to the press in the hopes of ending the war.

At the same time, the movie explores the role of the press in this story, particularly the New York Times and the Washington Post. Reporters at these papers risked imprisonment and ruin by publishing the Pentagon Papers, which revealed a pattern of government deception and cover-ups. The film highlights the journalistic ethics and bravery of these reporters who were willing to risk everything to publish the truth.

The movie also delves into the legal and political ramifications of Ellsberg's leak. He was charged with espionage and faced the possibility of life in prison. The trial became a battle between the government and the press over issues of free speech and government secrecy. The film follows the twists and turns of this legal drama, including a key moment when Ellsberg's case was thrown out due to government misconduct, leading to a public backlash against the Nixon administration.

Throughout the film, Ellsberg's personal journey is interwoven with the political and legal drama of the story. He is portrayed as a complex figure who struggles with the weight of his actions and the consequences they bring. The film explores his relationships with family, friends, and his wife, as well as his own personal transformation as he becomes a whistle-blower and an important figure in the anti-war movement.

The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on an important moment in American history. The film offers a nuanced look at the complexities of this story and the many players involved, from Ellsberg himself to the journalists who risked their careers to uncover the truth. It raises important questions about the role of the press, the limits of government power, and the importance of transparency and accountability in a democracy. Overall, this film offers a compelling and timely reminder of the power of whistleblowers and the need for a free, independent press to hold the government accountable.

The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 75.