An American congressman decides to finance Afghani mujahidins against their Soviet invaders.

Picture gallery

More interested in wine, women and song than in politics, the American congressman from Texas Charlie Wilson becomes aware of the rising conflict in Afghanistan on a visit in the early 1980's. Supplied by the US with WWI weapons, the mujahidins are powerless in the face of the Soviet army's heavy artillery. Wilson convinces the American government to increase the $5 million Afghani aid package to $1 billion and to furnish them - via the Mossad! - with more modern and efficient weapons. Based on true events.

Mike Nichols approaches a serious subject with irony and levity. Starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, but co-star Philip Seymour Hoffman steals the show.