The Company You Keep (2012)

Summary
"The Company You Keep" is a political thriller launched in 2012. Directed by Robert Redford, based on the book of the exact same name by Neil Gordon, its plot revolves around a former member of the Weather Underground, who goes on the run from a journalist who has found his identity.

Plot
The film represents the story of a widowed attorney in Albany, New York, called Jim Grant (Robert Redford). Grant, who's actually a previous member of the radical group 'Weather Underground', has been living under a false identity for 30 years. His past comes to light when a zealous, industrious press reporter called Ben Shepard (Shia LaBeouf) uncovers his identity while examining the arrest of Sharon Solarz (Susan Sarandon), another former Weatherman.

Solarz had actually turned herself in to the FBI after three decades of being a fugitive due to her involvement in a bank break-in that resulted in a guard's death. Shepard dives deep into Solarz's past connection with Grant, setting off a nationwide manhunt for Grant. The once-respected civil liberties attorney ends up being a fugitive as he attempts to clear his name.

Characters and Themes
Grant's estranged daughter with his deceased spouse, Isabel Grant (Brit Marling), is kept in the dark about her dad's past. Several other former Weathermen appear in the film, consisting of Mimi Lurie (Julie Christie), who had initially escaped with Grant, however kept her identity hidden.

The film astutely demonstrates how time does not necessarily heal all injuries, particularly those that are self-inflicted. The characters face their past actions and their impacts on their existing lives, provoking ideas on the expenses of advocacy, specifically when it turns violent. The character of Ben Shepard, intrigued by the excitement of unveiling tricks, represents the perseverance of journalism.

Last Act
Grant's quest ultimately leads him to reconcile with Lurie, who exposes she had given up their kid for adoption. Grant encourages her to turn herself in, therefore securing a future for their daughter. In the end, surrounded by the FBI, Grant surrenders, however not before ensuring that the reality about his past is revealed and his daughter is safe.

Conclusion
"The Company You Keep" offers a potent reflection on the repercussions and moral quandaries of violent political activism. This gripping tale merges elements of political history, journalism, and individual drama, as it deals with intricate characters and their efforts to fix up with their pasts. Through a captivating narrative, the film explores subtleties of guilt, honor, loyalty, and redemption, compelling audiences to question their own convictions and the lengths they would go to maintain them.

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