The Fog Of War

December 2003

(57)

Synopsis

The Fog of War is a 20th century fable, a story of an American dreamer who rose from humble origins to the heights of political power. Robert S. McNamara was both witness to and participant in many of the crucial events of the 20th century: the crippling Depression of the 1930s; the industrialization of the war years; the development of a different kind of warfare based on air power and the creation of a new American meritocracy. He was also an idealist who saw his dreams and ideals challenged by the role he played in history. 2003 Sony Pictures Classics Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Reviews

4.7

57 total

5 44

4 11

3 1

2 0

1 1

Stephen Hunter

For those of my generation, the true resonance in the film may be in the constant juxtaposition between the then and the now of the McNamara life.

Robert Denerstein

Mesmerizing documentary.

Jay Boyar

What's genuinely suspenseful about the movie is its journey into the heart and mind of McNamara.

Lisa Kennedy

A provocative case study in power and the powerful.

Eric Harrison

Fascinating documentary about Robert S. McNamara.

Rene Rodriguez

An insanely timely cautionary tale about American omniscience and the fallible belief that rationality will always win out.

Critic reviews

Stephen Hunter

For those of my generation, the true resonance in the film may be in the constant juxtaposition between the then and the now of the McNamara life.

Full Review

Robert Denerstein

Mesmerizing documentary.

Full Review

Jay Boyar

What's genuinely suspenseful about the movie is its journey into the heart and mind of McNamara.

Full Review

Lisa Kennedy

A provocative case study in power and the powerful.

Full Review

Eric Harrison

Fascinating documentary about Robert S. McNamara.

Full Review

Rene Rodriguez

An insanely timely cautionary tale about American omniscience and the fallible belief that rationality will always win out.

Full Review

Carrie Rickey

McNamara, a robust conversationalist, is so lively that he bursts out of what is essentially a talking-head documentary.

Full Review

User reviews

Bethany Hamilton March 4, 2013

So Good One of the best documentaries I have ever seen. Just happens to be one of the most controversial figures of the Vietnam era. Hated at the time, here he comes off as the brilliant man that he was, simply another victim of the times.

Dan Hargest September 15, 2014

If everyone saw this, the world would be a little better It's a crime that wisdom of the years is ignored. These people made mistakes that could've ended life as we know it, yet their testaments are almost completely unheard

Allan Herrera November 26, 2013

The War from a Different Perspective A fascinating look at the reasoning and thought that goes into very complicated decision making.

Cast and credits

Actors	Robert McNamara
Director	Errol Morris

Additional information

Rotten tomatoes® score

98%

Audio language

English (Stereo)

Subtitles

English

Run time

107 minutes

Rating

PG-13

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