There are countless unsung heroes in American history. You may never have heard of Harvey Milk in textbooks, history class or even PBS specials, but this is a name you should know. It is a name that should jump to mind when one mentions the fight for universal human rights. Harvey Milk is a legitimate American hero, and this film proves it with gusto, class and inspiration.

Sean Penn tackles the role of Milk in Gus Van Sant’s new biopic “Milk.” Milk was ashamed of his homosexuality when he lived in New York. When he turned 40, he decided to make a change. He moved to San Francisco and soon became a leader in the fight for homosexual rights, not just in San Francisco but also across the world. Harvey Milk was the first openly homosexual man to hold a major public office. However, his life was ended in a tragic and degrading fashion by a bullet fired by a man named Dan White (Josh Brolin).

Van Sant has always been known as an auteur of film, and his newest film is further testament to his incredible gift with film. Penn will most likely win an Oscar for his portrayal of Milk, and the supporting cast is absolutely perfect. Few films have taken on such a hot-button issue at a time of political polarization (gay marriage was rated as the No. 1 issue determining voting patterns in the 2004 presidential election).

The film’s timing is no mistake, and it brings to light one of the foremost heroes in the fight for homosexual rights. This movie portrays one of the champions of one of the chief political movements of our generation. See this movie as soon as you can. You’ll find a new hero in Harvey Milk.