Watch The Special Relationship

The Special Relationship is a political drama film based on actual events that took place between 1992 and 2008. It is a continuation of the story that began in the television films The Deal and The Queen, which focuses on the political relationship between Tony Blair (Michael Sheen), the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and President Bill Clinton (Dennis Quaid) of the United States.

The film tells the story of how Blair and Clinton's relationship is tested during the Clinton presidency. This starts with their first meeting in 1992, where Blair is impressed with the charismatic Clinton and his passion for reforming healthcare. Blair becomes even more enamored of Clinton when he wins the 1992 presidential election. Fast forward to 1997, and Blair wins the British election, becoming the youngest Prime Minister in over 150 years.

As Blair takes office, he realizes that Clinton is more interested in his own political agenda than supporting Blair's. This leads to conflicts as Blair tries to gain more autonomy in setting policy, particularly regarding foreign affairs. Blair is also tasked with trying to repair the broken relationship between Northern Ireland and Britain while dealing with the crisis in Kosovo.

Throughout the film, the relationship between the two men is tested in both professional and personal ways. Blair's private life is put under scrutiny when his young son is diagnosed with cancer, and Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky puts both men in difficult positions when it comes to public opinion.

The film is notable for the excellent performances by the cast, with Michael Sheen once again embodying Tony Blair with the perfect mix of charisma and vulnerability. Demetri Goritsas, playing Clinton's advisor and speechwriter Sidney Blumenthal, also stands out in his portrayal of a political insider trying to navigate the complex nature of both personal and political relationships.

The Special Relationship offers a fascinating portrayal of a critical period in recent political history, one that continues to shape international relations to this day. The film sheds light on the ways in which personal relationships between world leaders can influence the outcomes of major political decisions and provides a nuanced exploration of the complex nature of political relationships.

Overall, The Special Relationship is a richly detailed and thought-provoking political drama that offers plenty of insights into the motivations and personalities of two of the world's most influential leaders. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in politics, history, and international relations.

The Special Relationship is a 2010 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.