Snowden (2016)

Sorry, we aren't able to watch and write up a full detailed plot yet. Check back in a few days.

In the ending of the movie "Snowden," Edward Snowden, after leaking classified information about the NSA's surveillance programs, finds himself in a precarious situation. He is in a hotel room in Hong Kong, where he meets journalists Glenn Greenwald and Ewen MacAskill. After revealing the extent of the NSA's spying on citizens, he faces the consequences of his actions. The film concludes with Snowden seeking asylum in Russia, where he remains in exile, reflecting on his choices and the impact of his revelations.

As the film approaches its conclusion, we find Edward Snowden in a dimly lit hotel room in Hong Kong, the atmosphere thick with tension and anticipation. It is June 2013, and he is anxiously awaiting the arrival of journalists Glenn Greenwald and Ewen MacAskill. The room is cluttered with papers and electronic devices, a testament to the weight of the information he is about to disclose. Snowden's internal conflict is palpable; he is both terrified and resolute, knowing that his actions could change the world but also put him in grave danger.

When Greenwald and MacAskill arrive, the mood shifts slightly. They are professional yet empathetic, understanding the gravity of the situation. Snowden begins to share the trove of documents he has gathered, detailing the NSA's extensive surveillance programs. As he speaks, his voice trembles with a mix of fear and conviction. He explains how the government has been monitoring not just foreign threats but also ordinary citizens, violating their privacy on a massive scale. The journalists listen intently, their expressions a mix of awe and concern as they grasp the enormity of what Snowden is revealing.

The scene transitions to a montage of news reports breaking the story, with headlines flashing across screens worldwide. The revelations spark outrage and debate, igniting discussions about privacy, security, and government overreach. Snowden watches the news coverage from his hotel room, a mix of pride and anxiety washing over him. He knows he has done something significant, yet he is acutely aware of the personal cost. The weight of his decision hangs heavily on him, and he reflects on the life he has left behind.

As the media frenzy escalates, the U.S. government begins to respond. We see scenes of officials discussing how to handle the fallout, with a sense of urgency and fear permeating their conversations. They view Snowden as a traitor, and the manhunt for him intensifies. Meanwhile, Snowden's relationship with his girlfriend, Lindsay Mills, becomes strained. She is in the dark about his actions, and when she finally learns the truth, she is both shocked and worried for his safety. Their emotional connection is tested as they grapple with the implications of his choices.

In the final scenes, Snowden is forced to make a difficult decision. With the U.S. government closing in, he realizes that staying in Hong Kong is no longer safe. He seeks asylum in Russia, a move that underscores the irony of his situation--he has exposed government surveillance but now finds himself under the watchful eye of another regime. The film closes with Snowden in a Moscow airport, looking out at the world with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. He is now a man without a country, living in exile, yet he remains steadfast in his belief that he did the right thing.

The fate of the main characters is sealed in this moment. Edward Snowden is left in Russia, continuing to advocate for privacy rights while living under the constant threat of being extradited. Lindsay Mills, having chosen to stand by him, joins him in Russia, embodying loyalty and love amidst the chaos. The film ends on a note of ambiguity, leaving viewers to ponder the implications of Snowden's actions and the ongoing struggle for privacy in the digital age.

In the movie "Snowden," there is no post-credit scene. The film concludes with Edward Snowden's departure from Hong Kong after leaking classified information about the NSA's surveillance programs. The final moments focus on his reflections and the implications of his actions, emphasizing his internal conflict and the weight of his decisions. The credits roll without any additional scenes or content following them.

Edward Snowden, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is driven by a deep sense of moral obligation and a growing disillusionment with the government's surveillance practices. His journey begins with his work at the CIA and later at the NSA, where he witnesses the extent of the invasive surveillance programs. The emotional weight of his experiences, particularly the realization that the government is monitoring innocent citizens, compels him to take action. His relationship with Lindsay Mills, played by Shailene Woodley, also influences his decision, as he grapples with the implications of his work on their future together.

Snowden's relationship with Lindsay Mills begins as a passionate romance, filled with youthful optimism and shared ideals. As Snowden becomes increasingly consumed by his work and the ethical dilemmas it presents, the strain on their relationship grows. Lindsay, who is supportive and loving, struggles to understand the secrecy surrounding Snowden's job and the toll it takes on him. Their bond is tested when Snowden's paranoia escalates, leading him to push her away for her safety. The emotional turmoil is palpable, showcasing Lindsay's frustration and concern, ultimately culminating in a poignant moment of connection when she learns the truth about his actions.

Several key events lead to Snowden's decision to leak the NSA documents. Initially, he is exposed to the inner workings of the NSA's surveillance programs, including the PRISM system, which collects data from major tech companies. A pivotal moment occurs when he witnesses a colleague's casual dismissal of privacy concerns, which deeply unsettles him. Additionally, a significant turning point is when he learns about the extent of the government's ability to monitor not just foreign threats but also American citizens. The emotional climax of his internal conflict is reached when he realizes that the only way to protect the public's right to privacy is to expose the truth, despite the personal risks involved.

Corbin O'Brian, played by Rhys Ifans, serves as a mentor and a catalyst in Snowden's journey. Initially, O'Brian represents the allure of the intelligence community, showcasing the power and prestige associated with their work. He encourages Snowden's talents and provides him with opportunities to excel. However, as Snowden becomes more aware of the ethical implications of their operations, O'Brian's character shifts to embody the darker side of the intelligence world. He becomes a symbol of the moral compromises that Snowden grapples with, ultimately pushing him further toward his decision to leak the information. O'Brian's pragmatic and often cold demeanor contrasts sharply with Snowden's growing idealism, highlighting the internal conflict that drives the narrative.

The film poignantly illustrates the profound impact of Snowden's actions on his personal life, particularly his relationship with Lindsay Mills. As he becomes more embroiled in the decision to leak classified information, the emotional toll is evident. Snowden's increasing paranoia and fear for their safety lead him to isolate himself from Lindsay, creating a rift between them. The film captures moments of tension and vulnerability, showcasing Lindsay's confusion and heartache as she grapples with the secrecy surrounding his work. The emotional stakes rise as Snowden's decision to go public not only threatens his freedom but also jeopardizes their future together, culminating in a heart-wrenching scene where they confront the reality of his choices.

The movie "Snowden," produced in 2016, contains several elements that may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:

1. Strong Language: The film features frequent use of profanity, which may be inappropriate for younger audiences.

2. Violence: There are scenes depicting violence, including physical confrontations and the portrayal of military operations that may be intense or disturbing.

3. Sexual Content: The film includes scenes of sexual intimacy and discussions about relationships that may not be suitable for children.

4. Themes of Surveillance and Paranoia: The overarching themes of government surveillance and the ethical implications of privacy invasion can be unsettling and may provoke anxiety in sensitive viewers.

5. Emotional Turmoil: The character of Edward Snowden experiences significant internal conflict, stress, and fear, which may resonate deeply and evoke strong emotions.

6. Political and Ethical Dilemmas: The film delves into complex political issues and moral questions that may be difficult for younger audiences to fully understand.

These elements contribute to a mature narrative that may not be appropriate for all viewers, particularly children.