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Chuck Norris vs Communism

Play trailer Poster for Chuck Norris vs Communism 2015 1h 18m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
The effects of film and the power it has to change lives.

Critics Reviews

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Scott Foundas Variety 02/06/2015
Stylish, breezily entertaining documentary explores the little-known role played by Hollywood movies - and one heroic film dubber - in toppling Romanian communism. Go to Full Review
Jorge Ignacio Castillo The Canadian Crew 01/30/2020
4.5/5
This doc is a testament to the power of community. Go to Full Review
Jennifer Heaton Alternative Lens 11/02/2018
8.5/10
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 ... Go to Full Review
Alison Rowat The Herald (Scotland) 08/23/2018
4/5
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. Go to Full Review
Diego Maté Clarín 11/09/2017
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] Go to Full Review
Cynthia Fuchs PopMatters 02/05/2016
8/10
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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David W 01/25/2024 Fascinating, entertaining and thought provoking. Who knew that American action movies would have such an unintended profound impact? Go Chuck!! See more matthias s @Thescreenasvor 11/15/2023 "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. See more 03/21/2020 A fantastical story about the power of cinema and storytelling told by the ones that were truly part of it. See more 02/05/2020 A stunning little documentary - that should remind the west the freedoms we have are worth fighting for. See more 01/19/2019 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. See more 02/02/2017 One personal documentary coming right up! See more Read all reviews
Chuck Norris vs Communism

My Rating

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Movie Info

Synopsis The effects of film and the power it has to change lives.
Director
Ilinca Calugareanu
Producer
Mara Adina, Brett Ratner
Screenwriter
Ilinca Calugareanu
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
Romanian
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 18, 2017
Runtime
1h 18m