Review of The Company You Keep (2012) by Ajk D — 11 Sep 2013

Wow at 77 years old, Robert Redford is still alive and well, not only starring but directing his own film and may I say it was engaging, educational, interesting and loosely based on real events because back in the late 60's and early 70's there was a radical group at the Univ of Michigan campus called The Weather Underground whose mission was the overthrow of our government.

The script is based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Neil Gordon. Redford plays Jim Grant, a former Weather Underground anti-Vietnam War militant wanted for a bank robbery and murder, who hid from the FBI for over thirty years posing as an attorney in Albany, New York.

He becomes a fugitive when his true identity is exposed by Ben Shepard (LaBeouf), an aggressive young reporter. Along the journey Jim comes across several of the Weather Underground players (also in hiding) to seek help.

One major thing this film teaches is how these adults must live with the consequences of their radical past. Other questions are posed like ethical journalism, how far would you go to sell a story, loyalty and the consequences of your actions.

I definitely applaud the effort of the entire cast and crew on this one and for being a man at 77 years old, I scream at the top of my lungs "well done Mr. Redford". He may have been a year younger when the film was completed and shown nationwide but the fact remains he can still act and direct very well.

Recommended!