Charlie Wilson(Hanks) is a womanizing, drug-using, alcoholic Congressman from Texas, but none of this will stop him from making his mark on history. Beginning in the early 1980′s, Charlie realizes the potential of the people of Afghanistan in the battle against Soviet Russia. Using his sway in Congress, and his influence around the world, Charlie Wilson starts a covert war with Russia, using the Afghan people as his soldiers.
By giving money to Pakistan, Charlie plans to equip tribesmen in Afghanistan with Soviet-made weapons supplied by Israel. Meanwhile, Charlie is under investigation for drug use in Las Vegas. Being a smart man, Charlie uses this to his advantage; he knows that the American public will be distracted by his misgivings and not notice the entirely immoral actions he’s perpetrating behind their backs. (more…)