Invigorating ‘Milk’

Harvey Milk’s courageous efforts to galvanize the gay communities of San Francisco and beyond in the late ‘70s are recreated in the empowering biopic directed by Gus Van Sant. Sean Penn delivers a heartening portrayal of Milk, an openly gay businessman and elected Supervisor who became the voice of fellow gay men struggling for equality. The last years of his life--its glorious milestones and painful tragedies--recount the joys and difficulties of standing up and speaking out. The tale reflects the issues’ timelessness (sadly, some struggles for rights have yet to be won today). But Harvey Milk inspired hope, and the film does the same. “Milk” is insightful, and reiterates that, no, there’s nothing wrong with being gay, or protesting when people say it is.