What Can 'A Man for All Seasons' Tell Us About Today?

In this special episode of The Bulwark, host Mona Charon and culture editor Sonny Bunch explore the enduring relevance of the 1966 film *A Man for All Seasons*, a dramatization of Sir Thomas More’s principled resistance to King Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church. The discussion traces the film’s historical roots, its critical acclaim—including six Academy Awards—and its status as a cultural touchstone for conservative thinkers, particularly for its portrayal of moral integrity, religious conviction, and the individual’s duty to conscience over political expediency. Charon reflects on the film’s personal impact, recalling her childhood awe, while Bunch unpacks the film’s artistic legacy, the controversial critical reception of director Fred Zinneman, and the philosophical depth of Robert Bolt’s screenplay. The episode draws parallels between the film’s 16th-century conflict and modern political pressures, especially around loyalty, truth, and the cost of dissent, highlighting how the film continues to resonate in an era of ideological polarization and moral compromise.