Films increasingly have different roles in the world. There are some films that are pure entertainment. There are some that have a political mission or agenda. And then there are some that are surprisingly pure of heart.

Adam Del Deo's "So Goes the Nation" could have taken the easy way out. There is such anger at the outcome of the 2004 election, and such a popular rumor that Ohio was rife with election fraud, that a film that played to the fears of a rigged election would have been a welcome romp. But this film doesn't grab the low hanging fruit.

Instead, a film that presents itself as a take on Ohio in fact is a illuminating view of the 2004 election. The film records thoughtful post-election interviews with Ken Mehlman... Paul Begala....Mary Beth Cahill....Ed Gillespie....Terry McAuliffe....

And there is no doubt that this film is an even handed - eye opening - look at 2004. The Republican's don't gloat. The Democrats don't whine - much. And the result is a pretty honest look at what happened.

It's not fun. but it is gripping. And it should be required viewing for Democrats. The film opens in NY at the IFC Center.