Words of War

Play trailer

2:00

Words of War

R

2025

1h 57m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

75%

Tomatometer

24 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Based on a true story, WORDS OF WAR follows world-renowned journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya on her brave crusade, fighting to be an independent voice of truth for the Russian people, putting her own life in jeopardy despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence. While Anna was ultimately silenced, her legacy lives on and her story serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face and the importance of protecting their right to report the news without fear of death or reprisal.

Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Jul 2

3/5

Still, it works. Peake is that good. Isaacs is also that good. And the subject is compelling and timely.

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Mark Kermode

Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube)

Jun 27

The details of the material that was uncovered are just absolutely horrifying.

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Leslie Felperin

Guardian

Jun 24

3/5

The film deserves respect for the subject matter, even though this is a pretty basic rendition of Politkovskaya’s story, a little too sticky with hagiographic sentimentality and the cliches of crusading journalist-led movies.

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Peter Bodie

Film Ireland Magazine

Jul 12

This is a film that's definitely worth seeing and absorbing.

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Bobby LePire

Film Threat

05/29/2025

7.5/10

Words of War is a solid drama about a remarkable woman.

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Shannon P

05/14/2025

Tragic true-life tale about Russia's treatment of people in Chechnya and a journalist who became involved by documenting the crisis..

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Linda K.

@Wilddunes08 Feb 23

Powerful, timely storytelling that should be seen. It’s that good.

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Karen K

@ActressKaren Feb 22

This film is so moving and informative I wish every student if not all persons would watch this film. It’s so on point to what’s been happening and why it still goes on. Thank you for the reminder of why we need Free Speech and a Free Press.

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Sam R

@RT11055020 Oct 21

Words of War is a must-see. It's a story that challenges you to think about free speech, from the triumphs and adversities of those that fight for it to the real-world consequences of inaction.

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Rebecca W

@RT50913630 Jul 22

This film gave me chills. Its historic significance is astoundingly timely. I cannot recommend it enough.

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Pierre L

@RT47379204 Jul 15

The United States appears to be on the precipice of becoming an authoritarian state. If you're not worried about that possibility you will be after seeing this movie. Our democracy is fragile and we must all do whatever we can to protect it. Seeing War of Words will most definitely help you to share in the courage Anna had to do just that.

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James Strong

Director

Maxine Peake

Anna

Ciarán Hinds

Dmitry

Jason Isaacs

Sasha

Naomi Battrick

Vera

Harry Lawtey

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Words of War: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Based on a true story, WORDS OF WAR follows world-renowned journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya on her brave crusade, fighting to be an independent voice of truth for the Russian people, putting her own life in jeopardy despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence. While Anna was ultimately silenced, her legacy lives on and her story serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face and the importance of protecting their right to report the news without fear of death or reprisal.

Director: James Strong
Producer: Miriam Segal, Kia Jam, Mark Maxey, Paul Brennan
Screenwriter: Eric Poppen
Distributor: Amor Media
Production Co: Good Films Collective, Rolling Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 2, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 57m