The Diplomat

The Diplomat takes the audience on a captivating cinematic journey through the life, career, and tremendous impact of Richard Holbrooke, one of America's most formidable diplomats. A film directed by his son, David Holbrooke, this 2015 documentary presents an intimate and compelling portrayal of a man who was instrumental in shaping U.S. foreign policy during some of the globe's most volatile conflicts. The film owes its unique perspective to the rich trove of corollary material, including personal journals, in-depth interviews, and never-seen archival footage.

Renowned figures from the spheres of politics and journalism, such as Madeleine Albright, Christiane Amanpour, and Rina Amiri, contribute intimate portraits of Holbrooke, further enriching the narrative of this documentary. Their personal and professional insights afford viewers with a vivid perception of Holbrooke’s accomplishments, incisive intellect, remarkable tenacity, as well as his distinctive charisma and sometimes brusque demeanor.

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright provides an inside look at crucial diplomatic negotiations surrounding the Balkans' conflict. She elucidates Holbrooke's invaluable contributions and his unwavering commitment to ending the Bosnian War, culminating in the landmark Dayton Agreement.

Renowned international correspondent Christiane Amanpour shares her encounters with Holbrooke during their respective careers. Her anecdotes and observations support an understanding of the sheer breadth of Holbrooke's global involvement, spanning from the heart of warzones to the pinnacle of international relations.

Rina Amiri, an expert in conflict resolution and former United Nations official, extends a more personal and psychological perspective on Holbrooke. She highlights the extraordinary balance between the diplomat’s resolute professional focus and his heartfelt compassion for the people affected by the areas of conflict in which he worked.

The Diplomat doesn't shy away from controversy and conflict that characterized American foreign policy – and Holbrooke’s career – painting an in-depth and balanced portrait of its subject. The film delves into various key points of Holbrooke's career, commencing with his early days as a foreign service officer in Vietnam, his mission of peace in the Balkans, right through to his final post as President Obama's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Diplomat is more than a tribute by a son to his father; it discusses significant historical events and poses trenchant questions about power, diplomacy, international relations, and the U.S.'s role in the world. It's particularly engaging for those interested in politics, history, and international relations, giving an insider’s view of the U.S. foreign policy machine.

This examination’s emotional core is David Holbrooke's struggle to reconcile the remarkable professional accomplishments of his father with the personal sacrifices that came alongside them. This deeply human approach creates a film that reaches beyond a historical or political study - into a son's journey of understanding and accepting his father.

The Diplomat provides a unique outlook on post-war U.S. foreign policy and the world of diplomacy, offering a tangible glimpse into the extraordinary challenges and burdens carried by those who devote their lives to resolving international conflicts. While doing so, it paints a multi-dimensional picture of Richard Holbrooke, a man of immense ability and ambition whose career triumphs and personal trials epitomize the intricate dance of diplomacy on the global stage.

With the Diplomat, David Holbrooke has created a moving tribute not just to his father's formidable career and the pivotal role he played on the global stage, but also to the man himself—a complex figure driven by deep and lasting commitment to public service. The film is a compelling narrative of personal discovery, a son understanding his father’s place in history and his personal legacy in a quest for peace.