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red t Powerful, Angry, Defeating, and Thought Provoking. This film is filled with fury unlike any other film I have seen complimented with fast edits, gritty realistic cinematography, and lightning speed pacing with a lot of information thrown at the viewer. This film does demand investment but rewards it with a thought provoking look at power and the cost of protecting government. The acting is phenomenal in this as well filled with angry and passionate line delivery and memorable interactions rather than rich characters. This is a film that every person should see once. The subtitles can be a issue for some but still this is so powerful it can't help but leave an effect and leave you thinking long after the credits roll. An All Time Classic. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Outstanding... but very depressing, Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member We can't just look at the movie and evaluate it. Yves Montand and Irene Papas are starring but they don't seem to be there. Trignitant is always perfect. The movie is better at first, then it goes into a classic analysis. It's not a big movie. Disappointment for me. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review William L In the modern day, the greatest weapon any group has to maintain their influence can't be found in any arsenal; it's the manipulation of information, and the ability to twist reality to fit a narrative. Before the modern day when we have access to so much information that many can't tell fact from fiction, it was possible to control what little was released to much the same effect. A classic political thriller that has aged well with time, as the dirty work of governments globally has in actual practice shifted from clandestine organizations with blank checkbooks, no fingerprints, and itchy trigger fingers to loose networks linked by tenuous connections and several degrees of separation, allowing hands to be washed easily. Z taps into a deeply-rooted fear - how can we confirm what we hear to be true, and can noble institutions actually withstand true tests of strength when action is required? In the end, anti-fascists still hang onto the naive belief that ideals have the opportunity to prevail over injustice; Costa-Gavras' film plays into that assumption, delivering a procedural investigation where logic and morality gradually cause a conspiracy to be undone, only for the ruling party to flex its metaphorical muscle by flipping the chessboard over when mate looks likely. It's composed brilliantly, investing much of its runtime into the development of its characters and the establishment of the investigation itself, before delivering a darkly comic twist ending that negates the sacrifices made to initiate change. Absolutely love the delivery of final punishments by Perrin's photojournalist, only to have his own read out by a different newscaster immediately afterward. Saddening, intense, and still as relevant today as it was in the turbulent geopolitical world of 1969. (4/5) Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/31/21 Full Review Audience Member An enjoyable French Algerian film mimicking the rise of Greek fascists in the 60s. Thriller, action and dollops of black comedy thrown in for good measure, with a quick bit impactful ending. Worth a watch and a good version can be found on YouTube with multiple subtitle languages to choose from. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review lucca b A powerful, nuanced, layered, thrilling and emotionally resonant criticism of fascism, extremism, radicalism, social disparities and political corruption, themes that are still relevant to this day. Its excellent performances, confident and expert direction, effective blend of action and drama, and engaging narrative help make this political thriller one of the best of its genre and a cinematic gem. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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