It was a duel of wits. A match between a towering political figure fallen from grace, determined to put an honorable spin on his legacy, and a jet-setting TV presenter who sought to make a name for himself on a global scale. And although the outcome is history, the behind-the-scenes drama at how this duel came to be is what makes “Frost/Nixon,” Ron Howard’s latest directorial effort, such an engrossing film to watch.

This is not the first time Howard takes on real-life stories. Having done remarkable films out of historical events such as “Apollo 13,” and biopics “A Beautiful Mind” and “Cinderella Man,” Howard takes on a new chapter of American history, showing audiences how the controversial Nixon Interviews happened.

Penned by Peter Morgan and based on his award winning play of the same name, “Frost/Nixon” begins in the days after President Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) exits the White House over his role in the Watergate scandal in August 1974. Watching with the rest of the world as Nixon’s helicopter takes off from the White House’s lawn is TV presenter David Frost (Michael Sheen), who is best known at the time as an entertainer rather than a journalist. Having seen the worldwide viewing figures for the event, Frost decides to contact Nixon for a series of sit down interviews, discussing his time in office and, of course, his role in the Watergate scandal. Three years later, the deal comes together and Nixon accepts Frost’s offers over those from the networks, thinking he could outsmart the affable British TV host easily and repair his damaged legacy.

Frost’s research team, comprised of journalists Bob Zelnick (Oliver Platt) and James Reston Jr. (Sam Rockwell), doesn’t have much faith in Frost’s abilities as an interviewer. Both expect Frost get an admission of guilt from Nixon and grow frustrated with his apparent aloofness, fearing the project’s outcome. Frost’s producer and friend John Birt (Matthew Macfadyen) struggles to keep the interviews on track and the team from falling apart.

The movie does a great job of recreating the period and the event itself. But even more noticeable is how both Sheen and Langella manage to create compelling characters out these real-life figures without turning them into caricatures. Both actors had portrayed these roles on the London and Broadway versions of the play and receive multiple accolades for their work, so it’s no surprise that both Sheen and Langella have received BAFTA and Oscar noms for their work here.

Sheen is smooth and believable as the playboy, jet-setting Frost, but he’s even more engaging as his character faces growing dire circumstances—a possible bankruptcy after bankrolling the interviews out of his own pocket while struggling to sell the project to American television and cancellation of his own shows. Having so much at stake, Frost is determined to prove to the naysayers he can do the job.

Langella may not look a lot like Nixon but he does get his voice, his awkward body language, smugness and cunningness through beautifully. It would have been too easy to portray the fallen president as an unsympathetic, scheming politico, but Langella’s Nixon is far more complex and human. This Nixon has just as much to lose as Frost does. He believes he did the right thing for the good of the country and is just as determined to defend his legacy as president. He also chafes in retirement, desperately looking for some meaning in his remaining days.

The supporting cast is very entertaining in their parts, particularly Platt and Rockwell as the spirited journalists digging for Watergate dirt. Just as compelling is Kevin Bacon as Nixon’s loyal post-resignation chief of staff Jack Brennan. Rebecca Hall, who portrays Frost’s then-girlfriend Caroline Cushing, is merely the pretty thing in hanging in Frost’s arm, with not that much else to do except being sultry and supportive.

For those fascinated by history and the inner workings of the media, “Frost/Nixon” is a must see. Whether you are willing to go to catch it on the big screen or DVD, catch it you must.

“Frost/Nixon” is a Universal Pictures release and runs 122 minutes. The film premieres in Puerto Rico on Feb. 19 at the Caribbean Cinemas Fine Arts Café in Hato Rey.