Steven Spielberg’s latest project, “The Post,” is a captivating, accurate depiction of a major event in journalism that shaped the powers of the press to this very day.

This suspenseful drama follows Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep), the first female publisher of The Washington Post. Along with her sidekick, editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks), they compete viscously with rival newspaper, The New York Times to publish newsworthy stories.

The movie is based off of true events which makes it an engaging plot line.

It follows Graham and Bradlee as they work to expose a monumental blemish on United States history that has been a hidden issue for the past four presidencies: the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam war.

With this information being such a high profile government secret, as Graham decides to publish these stories, she puts her career — and the life of The Washington Post — at risk.

The retelling of these events portray rich and politically influential factors that resonate within the field of journalism and the world. With the heat of current political and cultural events, the First Amendment right guaranteeing the freedom of the press seems to be more important now than ever.

Not only does this film touch on the importance of the nation’s First Amendment rights and the press’ duty to the public, but Katharine Graham’s dynamic personal journey and rise to professional respect is incredibly empowering to women — especially in the field of journalism.

At first, Graham is a reluctant publisher. She acts cautiously, and is constantly pushed aside by the men in the industry. She puts the men in charge of making any “big decisions” for the newspaper.

When Graham finally decides (against the opinions of many of her male “partners”) to publish the Pentagon Papers, her personal character makes a dramatic shift.

She becomes empowered, stunningly confident and respected by everyone around her. Graham takes serious risks that have proven to define her, her career and The Washington Post for years to come.

In plain terms, “The Post” is a fantastic movie. Whether the audience is interested or educated in the events in journalism or not, the movie is engaging from start to finish.

Streep, a strong actress herself, portrays such a strong woman in a way that makes it impossible to picture anyone else in her role. With Hanks as her partner in crime, the duo is unstoppable.

The Washington Post is a very well known, and powerful newspaper. From the Pentagon Papers, to the Watergate Scandal, their fearless reporting has granted them well deserved publicity that is not easily attained.

“The Post” very accurately displays that, making it an enjoyable must see for all.

Maria McGinnis is an entertainment reviewer. Contact her at [email protected].