Shall we try to broaden our views and strive to understand that some things and individuals in the past left an unyielding mark on the present and, why not, on the future? Certainly, you agree. However, if this is how things go, why are some people unaware of Harvey Milk’s contribution to the changes in nowadays society? And why do few people remember him?

Thirty-one years ago, San Franciscans decided that they needed a transformation. Therefore, they helped Harvey Milk become member of the Board of Supervisors, in spite of the fact that he was a homosexual and faced bigotry at every step.

Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man who was elected to public office in America and his merits are palpable even now, more than three decades later.

Nevertheless, only a year after his historic political success, Harvey Milk was murdered by fellow supervisor Dan White, who was grudgingly angry on his colleague’s rising popularity and influence. The same day, Dan White also killed the city’s mayor, George Moscone, in a shooting that took place behind the doors of City Hall.

In spite of the fact that Harvey Milk did not live to see his plans fulfilled, his figure represented a major source of inspiration for the gay community and gay rights advocates.

Director Gus Van Sant recreated the last eight years in the life of Harvey Milk for those who do not know who the political figure really was and, most of all, for his admirers and followers. Inspired by a 1984 documentary, the filmmaker created a marvelous biopic, whose incredible charm comes also from the fact that Sean Penn plays Harvey Milk in an adorable manner, managing to emanate both cheerfulness and determination, without falling into the trap of stiffness or artificiality.

“Milk” not only focuses on the political and social affairs that surrounded the main character’s career, but also on Harvey’s personal relationships, including the romance between him and Scott Smith (James Franco).

Besides being Milk’s lover, Scott Smith was his campaign manager as well and stayed next to him even after their love story ended. Following his breakup from Scott Smith, Harvey Milk began a relationship with Jack Lira (Diego Luna), but that did not work either.

Josh Brolin delivers a striking performance in “Milk” and while filling the shoes of Dan White, he displays a somberness that one would have never associated with his persona, even after he portrayed George W. Bush in Oliver Stone’s much talked about “W.”

As for Sean Penn’s acting, it’s awe-inspiring. He manages to enthuse and magnetize, offering an incessant source of emotion and force that gives life to the stunning biopic.