Chuck Norris vs Communism

2015

1 hr. 18 min.

Documentary

List

100%

8 Reviews

Tomatometer

78%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

The effects of film and the power it has to change lives.

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David W

Fascinating, entertaining and thought provoking. Who knew that American action movies would have such an unintended profound impact? Go Chuck!!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/24

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matthias s

"Chuck Norris vs. Communism" is a fascinating and unexpected journey into the heart of Cold War-era Romania, where American action films led by the legendary Chuck Norris take on an entirely new and profound significance. This documentary is a nostalgic yet eye-opening exploration of how these movies became an unexpected source of inspiration and rebellion in the face of communist oppression. The film is masterfully crafted, blending personal stories of Romanian citizens who watched and dubbed these films in secret with a dose of humor and poignant interviews. The archival footage and reenactments transport you to a time when watching a Hollywood action flick could be an act of defiance. The narration is crisp, and the storytelling is engaging throughout. While the documentary delves deep into the cultural impact, it also touches on the importance of freedom of expression and the power of cinema. However, I would have appreciated a more comprehensive look at the broader context of Romanian history during this period. Nevertheless, "Chuck Norris vs. Communism" is an entertaining and enlightening documentary that offers a fresh perspective on the role of pop culture in political resistance.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/16/23

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Audience Member

A fantastical story about the power of cinema and storytelling told by the ones that were truly part of it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

A stunning little documentary - that should remind the west the freedoms we have are worth fighting for.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

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Audience Member

A documentary about how American films on bootleg VHS tapes contributed to the fall of communism in Romania. What started small, grew large, and private movie parties changed Romania. Very interesting.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Although it is very interesting to learn about how those people living in a heavily controlled Communist regime silently rebelled against the status quo by watching movies, the conclusion it draws in the end sounds more like a silly, unfounded jump than anything else.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

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Scott Foundas

Variety

Stylish, breezily entertaining documentary explores the little-known role played by Hollywood movies - and one heroic film dubber - in toppling Romanian communism.

Feb 6, 2015

Full Review

Jorge Ignacio Castillo

The Canadian Crew

This doc is a testament to the power of community.

Rated: 4.5/5

Jan 30, 2020

Full Review

Jennifer Heaton

Alternative Lens

Chuck Norris vs. Communism shines a light on a little known part of history and illuminates how the power of cinema can inspire a nation ...

Rated: 8.5/10

Nov 2, 2018

Full Review

Alison Rowat

The Herald (Scotland)

Ilinca Calugareanu's documentary does a superb job of tracing how the movement grew from a few film lovers to almost an entire nation, rebelling in one of the few ways they could, one Chuck Norris film or Dirty Dancing at a time.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 23, 2018

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Diego Maté

Clarín

The playful title barely conceals the interest of the subject: the clandestine viewing of films banned by communism... for many represented a subtle act of resistance. [Full review in Spanish]

Nov 9, 2017

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Cynthia Fuchs

PopMatters

The film shows protestors in the street, news footage of the effects of watching "those video tapes". The archival footage is inspiring, now, much as the fiction movies were inspiring, then.

Rated: 8/10

Feb 5, 2016

Full Review

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Synopsis

The effects of film and the power it has to change lives.

Director: Ilinca Calugareanu
Executive Producer: John Battsek, Dan Cogan, James Packer, Jenny Raskin
Screenwriter: Ilinca Calugareanu
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Romanian
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 18, 2017