The Second Civil War (1997)
In this sharp HBO political satire directed by Joe Dante, a national crisis erupts when the governor of Idaho refuses to allow a group of refugees into his state. As the standoff escalates, politicians, media personalities and military leaders turn a dispute over immigration into a chaotic confrontation that threatens to split the United States. Mixing dark comedy with pointed commentary on political opportunism, sensationalized news and regional divisions, The Second Civil War delivers an ensemble-driven look at how quickly public conflict can spiral out of control.
Movie Details
- Year: 1997
- Director: Joe Dante
- Writer: Martyn Burke
- Genre: Political Satire / Comedy / Drama
- Runtime: Approximately 97 minutes
- Original network: HBO
- Format: DVD
- Condition: Used DVD
Cast and Characters
- Beau Bridges — Governor Jim Farley
- James Coburn — Jack Buchan
- Phil Hartman — President of the United States
- Joanna Cassidy — Helena Newman
- Kevin Dunn — Jimmy Cannon
- Ron Perlman — Alan Manieski
- Dan Hedaya — Mel Burgess
- Denis Leary — Vinnie Frank
Five Movie Facts
- The film premiered as an HBO television movie in 1997.
- Joe Dante, director of Gremlins and Innerspace, directed the film.
- Martyn Burke wrote the screenplay.
- The story uses a fictional confrontation over refugees in Idaho to satirize political polarization.
- The ensemble includes Beau Bridges, James Coburn, Phil Hartman and Joanna Cassidy.
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