Jump to Content

Milk Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

Portrait of Amy Renner Amy Renner

Last modified: Nov. 30, 2009

Milk

Release Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 Limited

Director: Gus Van Sant

Starring: Sean Penn Emile Hirsch James Franco Josh Brolin Diego Luna

R Biography 2 hrs, 8 m

  • 3.9 / 5.0
32% 68%

Plot – What's the story about?

Copy link to Plot – What's the story about?
Plot
In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into public office in America. His victory was not just a victory for gay rights; he forged coalitions across the political spectrum. From senior citizens to union workers, Harvey Milk changed the very nature of what it means to be a fighter for human rights and became, before his untimely death in 1978, a hero for all Americans. During the last eight years of his life, while living in New York City, he turns 40. Looking for more purpose, he and his lover Scott Smith relocate to San Francisco, where they found a small business, Castro Camera, in the heart of a working-class neighborhood. Then, with support from Scott and from new friends like young activist Cleve Jones, Milk plunges headfirst into the choppy waters of politics. Bolstering his public profile with humor, Milk's actions speak even louder than his gift-of-gab words. When Milk is elected supervisor for the newly zoned District 5, he tries to coordinate his efforts with those of another newly elected supervisor, Dan White. But as White and Milk's political agendas increasingly diverge, their personal destinies tragically converge.
Biography Drama LGBTQIA+

Snap poll

Will you see Milk?

32% of people who rated this movie are planning to watch it.

68% of people have indicated they do not plan to see this movie.

Watched it? Share Your Rating!

Who stars in Milk – Cast List

Copy link to Who stars in Milk – Cast List

Who is making Milk – Crew List

A look at Milk behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's director Gus Van Sant last helmed Dead Man's Wire and Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot. The film's writer Dustin Lance Black last penned Rustin and Under the Banner of Heaven.

Producers
Bruce Cohen
Dan Jinks
Michael London
Production Companies

Production – What we know about the Milk

Copy link to Production – What we know about the Milk

Movie Filming Timeline: Production Status Updates

Completed

Changed Milk movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

Have updates about Milk? We'd love to hear from you!

Submit update

Additional Information

Parent Rating
R Restricted for language, some sexual content and brief violence
Runtime
2 hrs, 8 m
Tagline
Not available
Also known as
Harvey Milk Project

Language
English
ADVERTISEMENT

No trailers are currently available.

Milk Release Date: When was the film released?

Milk was released in limited movie theaters on Wednesday, November 26 , 2008. The film was released in approximately 34 theaters. There were two other movies released on the same date, including Four Christmases and Transporter 3. As a limited release, Milk was shown in select movie theaters in major markets.

Milk DVD & Blu-ray Release Date

Milk is scheduled to be released on DVD and Blu-ray on . Availability may vary by region. Pre-order your copy of Milk today on Amazon.

In Movie Theaters

  • United States

With Streaming Subscription

On DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Release

Buy or Rent Digitally (Ultra HD)

  • No digital purchase or rental options are available yet.


ADVERTISEMENT

Q&A: Asked about Milk

Ask question

Looking for more information on Milk?

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch Now

Watch in HD and 4K on your favorite streaming platforms.

Available to stream now. Watch on Apple, Fire TV, or Roku devices.

Buy Now

Check disc availability at your favorite retailers.

Shop Collectibles

Shop movie posters, toys, and collectibles.

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

ADVERTISEMENT

  • Added the Blu-ray release date of March 10, 2009

  • Added the DVD release date of March 10, 2009

  • Added the film release date of November 26, 2008

New trailer

Mercy Clip: Programmed Wrong

From Amazon MGM Studios.

ADVERTISEMENT

More to Explore

Find and discover more on Movie Insider.

30-Day Free Trial

Watch thousands of movies 24/7 on Amazon Prime.

Go now
Production Listings

Find and discover movies filming now.

Go now