The Ides of March

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Release date: 28 October 2011
Running time: 101 mins
Certificate: 15
Director: George Clooney
Starring: George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti

Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) is a young political idealist who's going places. He's clever, popular and has just landed the job of press agent for a candidate he really believes in. Suave, apparently honourable Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) is running in the presidential primary race for the Democrats.

But Stephen is about to fall prey to the devious power plays of veteran political operatives, including a rival campaign manager (Paul Giamatti). He's also seduced by a young intern (Evan Rachel Wood). As rules are bent and the contest gets increasingly dirty, Stephen could still come out on top. But at what cost to his soul?

Adapted from Beau Willimon's autobiographical play 'Farragut North', this is an engrossing political thriller with powerful performances by this year's hottest actor, Ryan Gosling, and the ever-charismatic George Clooney.

Screenplay: George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon

You should see it because: George Clooney and Ryan Gosling are at the top of their game, with a superb supporting cast.

See it if you liked: Syriana (2005), Michael Clayton (2007), The American (2010)