Robespierre led the government afterward with his infamous Reign of Terror. Being a person well versed in the the period I was amazed at the level of detail. May be it is but as a french historian i could not care less....what struck me is the complete lack of truth in this film....it is crystal clear that Wajda has never studied his subject (much complicated i must say) and repeats brillantley all the lies told about the leaders of the French Revolution This movie may not be an accurate record of the events of 1793 and 1794, and indeed in Paris the critics are up in arms over its inaccuracies. The last scene in the film, when a child reads the "Rights of Man" proclamation to Robespierre, is an eerie omen for what will come next. a parable. Danton's true achievement is as elaborate period pageantry. Easy on the eyes but not always on the mind. So says author Boris Pasternak, in his novel, Dr. Zhivago. Anyways, there're both good cinemas! Interview: Colman Domingo on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Euphoria, & More. Everything else in the film is first class....Ceratinly Depardieu best movie.. It adds up to an overwhelming indictment of government oppression. The film Danton tells a different story. Danton is confident of the support of the ordinary people and tries to persuade Robespierre to curb the bloodletting. Great actorship and scene setting. a manifesto for freedom from a Polish director for who a play is perfect instrument to discover a regime behind its masks. If you are looking for total accuracy do not watch this film, but if you are only seeking a couple hours of fascinating historical drama, look no further. Why not let your students watch a movie and choose for themselves? It was a joint Polish French production filmed at the time of the beginning of the end of the Soviet system. Rotten Tomatoes, home of the Tomatometer, is the most trusted measurement of quality for Movies & TV. This is a great movie to look at, since it so nicely directed by Andrzej Wajda but at the same time I wished the movie would had some more depth in it, in terms of its story. DANTON, 1983 Movie Reviews Directed by Andrzej Wajda Starring: G rard D pardieu, Wojciech Pszoniak, Patrice Chereau, Boguslaw Linda, Ronald Guttman, Emmanuelle Debever Review by Leslie McMurtry. The film begins with Danton’s arrival in Paris, passing the ominously shrouded guillotine, he is then swarmed by a mob of admirers, who had been waiting in line for bread. The last desperate days of Danton and the so-called Moderate faction of the French Revolution is given an excellent treatment by Polish director Andrzej Wajda. Watch Danton movie trailer and get the latest cast info, photos, movie review and more on TVGuide.com. This was the first French language film made by Andrzej Wajda after he had arrived in France from Poland. I think this film was designed specifically to snap my heartstrings one by one. He proposed creation revolutionary committees as the Public Salvation Committee which he presided but was substituted by Robespierre , starting a period of revolutionary dictatorship known as ¨the Terror¨(1793) . George Jacques Danton was like this exactly. It doesn't feel ultra-modern, since most movies nowadays over-use the handheld technique, even in period pieces when it feels jarring. a superb movie in the great tradition of a sweeping, dramatic historical epic. 1.3 K views classic world cinema cranky hanke Danton movie review movies. Danton is a joint French/Polish production and it's interesting to see the French Revolution portrayed by someone other than in the English speaking world which is always so heavily influenced by the work of Thomas Carlyle and the Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. the lies about people needs - only form to survive. Get Movies. This movie is set five years later and the revolution has morphed into something ugly. Besides , in the film appears other historic personages as Camille Desmoulins (Patrice Chereau , nowadays a famed filmmaker ) , Louis David (the prestigious painter) , Saint Just (a famous Jacobino) , Tallien... French cinema had always been very strong when comes the time to present historical subjects. it is shadow of each regime for who people are pieces on the chessboard. because it is a honest work about illusion and ambition and need to control the power. At least they're up front about it. He evokes the period beautifully without being too obvious about it. Danton feasts while the people of Paris starve... but he is the one man who can challenge the tyranny imposed by the dreaded Committee of Public Safety in the name of 'freedom', and he is presented as the hero of the film -- despite the fact that the source play practically idolises his opponent Robespierre! He distrusts Danton, whose lifestyle and ideas are contrary to his own, but he's afraid that if he executes the man, he will enrage the people of France, whom he believes he's serving. The 20 Best Film Performances of 2020. Review: Monster Hunter Lacks the B-Movie Spark of Paul W.S. and Danton of Depardieu remains one of his greatest roles. A dark somber film about a dark somber period in the world's history. but the axis is the vision of director. Watch Deadline's video review of 'Downton Abbey,' the movie sequel to the landmark series that changed British television. Danton's Death -- Theater Review. Sign up here. It brought out all the proper emotions. and subjects for experiments. Film Review: Danton (1983) Directed by Andrej Wajda, the 1983 historical film Danton profiles the fiery revolutionary Georges Danton (Gérard Depardieu), a bombastic, self-proclaimed “man-of-the-people,” who was also one of the leading figures in the early stages of the French Revolution. This makes sense as you see the movie unfold--especially when the government destroys all dissent "in the name of the people". Julian Fellowes' "Downton Abbey" movie brings Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville and company to the big screen. What I do know about it are the basic causes, the main factions and the end result. Stanley Kubrick believed Andrzej Wajda's Danton, about the conflict between the titular figure and Robespierre during the death throes of the Reign of Terror, was possibly the finest historical film ever made.It's not, so long as we're not limiting "historical film" to one that depicts actual historical events (Kubrick's own fictional Barry Lyndon takes the overall prize). This feels like director Andrzej Wajda snuck a camera into a time machine and travelled back in time to the 1700s. Robespierre is portrayed as a person who does not care about the feelings and needs of the citizens. This movie developed the characters of the French Revolution so well, it is unbelievable. does not give us easy grounding, but instead constantly challenges us to see each character within the context of both his convictions and the necessities of his political position. 'They are a very intelligent people, the French'. For students of the Reign of Terror and anyone else interested in this volatile time in history, this movie is a must. An in-depth review of the film Danton (1983) directed by Andrzej Wajda, featuring Gerard Depardieu, Wojciech Pszoniak, Anne Alvaro. It's very realistic without any modern gadgets to remind viewers they're watching a movie rather than a documentary. Danton tries to reach the man in Robespierre but … Danton is the only object in the shot touched by sunlight, clearly being portrayed as a … ...uncompromising and impassioned. I'll be the first to admit I am far from an expert on the French Revolution. DVD Review: Danton. Eventually, Robespierre (the leader of the committee) and his cronies trump up charges, have a show trial and get rid of the dissent. Set in the 1794, the second year of the French republic formed after the execution of Louis XVI, this film portrays the power struggle between the revolutionary leaders Danton (Gerard Depardieu, at his finest) and Robespierre (a commanding performance by the Polish actor Wojciech Pszoniak). If there were two parts that the physically towering, ugly-charismatic actor Gérard Depardieu was born, as a Frenchman, to play, it must surely have been Cyrano de Bergerac and the orator Georges Danton. By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy Robespierre - just piece of a huge machine. French Revolution is not an excuse for present realities from Jaruzelski regime but way to remember the root of all Communism sins. Read more. Indeed, the devious plots, counter plots and murderous intentions of all involved is designed to unearth history from deep within it's bloodiest pages.****. Solidarity began the end of the system. The film … Hubby and I are fans of Marvel movies. Some have mentioned that the Polish director, Wajda, also intended this to be a criticism of his own nation--which, at the time, was Soviet-dominated and very repressive as well. [Wajda] has made a great historical picture, and one with sweat and grime all over it. There are a few factual errors and much is omitted due to the film's narrow focus, (for instance, the considerable role played by the East India Company scandal in the proceedings was hardly mentioned) but it remains an excellent piece of production. To him, it's not about the costumes or sets, but the people inhabiting them. This French film from a Polish director explores a famous friendship soured by politics and corruption. The bloody aftermath of the French Revolution is brought to vivid life in the confrontation between its two architects, Maximillian Robespierre and Georges Danton, progressive thinkers in a primitive age who became bitter adversaries when Robespierre elevated the good of the State over the good of the people. About Ken Hanke. While my minor in college was history and I read regularly on the subject, the dismaying period of upheaval and chaos doesn't fit into the narrative of clean-cut history defined by the reigns of Kings and the administrations of Presidents. I've never felt one way or another about Gerard Depardieu - I can confidently say he's never ruined a film for me, but I can't remember particularly loving him in anything either. I felt this was a well presented, well acted and well scripted film that told the story about a confusing time in history. Danton/Walesa are the voice of reason opposed to Robespierre/Jaruselski who continue dictatorial rule despite having lost the support of the people they claim to represent. [Full Review in Spanish]. The UGC Odeon has 3 screens and the UGC Danton should have around 5 screens! yes, France of Robespierre is Poland of Jaruzelski . The story is taken from the first five years after the nightmarish 1589 revolution in France which consumed the lives of thousands of Aristocrates and their supporters. As an American living in France who has access to the sites in the movie through his membership in various historical associations such as the Napoleonic Alliance I can not over state how impressed I was with the visual accuracy of the film. It probably helped spur the Solidarity movement's union activity. Wajda's intelligent and complex drama could be appreciated as a period piece about the french Revolution as well as a parable of modern politics in Poland and elsewhere. Review: 'Downton Abbey' movie … There’s no deceit in this. Rack up 500 points and you'll score a $5 reward for more movies. If the time stamp was 1993 or 2003, I would absolutely believe it. While initially the revolution promised freedom, at this point the small committee running the country is extremely repressive and is a dictatorship. Review: ‘Kingdom of Silence’ starkly explores Jamal Khashoggi’s life and murder, and the U.S. response. Director Patrice Chereau and German actress Angela Winkler also have nice, big roles. This movie is incredible, even more so when you remind yourself when it was made. Let the good films roll- vive Wojciech & Depardieu! Danton is the passionate, vulgar, not entirely honest man of the people, a hugely popular leader of the Revolutionary left who becomes increasingly moderate as the … Danton (1983) Directed by Andrzej Wajda. Rarely have such provocative ideas been expressed with such bold, physical vitality; director Andrzej Wajda captures the anarchy of the period with powerful immediacy, showing how absolute power corrupts even the most honorable intentions. His previous film "Man Of Iron" (1981) had dealt with the Solidarity union and its leader Lech Walesa, and it is easy to draw comparisons between the relationship of Walesa and the Polish leader General Jaruselski, and that between Danton and Robespierre. Gérard Depardieu and Wojciech Pszoniak star in Andrzej Wajda’s powerful, intimate depiction of the ideological clash between the earthy, man-of-the-people Georges Danton and icy Jacobin extremist Maximilien Robespierre, both key figures of the French Revolution. Danton is a 1983 French language film depicting the last weeks of Georges Danton, one of the leaders of the French Revolution. Overall, an astonishing movie. Danton was a hero and one of the founders of the French Revolution of 1789. Danton and his friends were angry at how the country wasn't better off in 1794 than it was BEFORE they got rid of their king, so they begin criticizing the government. SHARE. Helpful. Please enter your email address and we will email you a new password. If you are a bit familliar with this era then you will enjoy this movie very much. The film is based on the Polish play "The Danton Affair" written by Stanislawa Przybyszewska in the 1930s, and on its release the film was criticised by some for being static and theatrical. "Danton" finds itself comfortable at those two extremes and leaves the parts in the middle -- the facts, the issues, the minor personalities -- to the historians. Anderson’s Best Work. Don't have an account? Here he dominates the film both through the breadth of his shoulders and the power of his voice; his charisma carries the part despite the fact that it is made clear that the character has as much blood on his hands as any of the rest of them. The viewer would benefit from prior knowledge of the Revolution, though it is not necessary to enjoy the drama of the story. So, as a result of being silenced this way, Danton et al begin publicly criticizing the government. Wojciech Pszoniak is also great as Robespierre. Copyright © Fandango. We always want to watch on the 1st showing day or movie pre-screening. Georges Danton is given a full blown and full blooded portrayal in the film Danton by Gerard Depardieu. Historic film about the struggles among two greatest figures of French revolution, aside from a less than perfect ending, it's an excellent film, shattering political drama, and even more relevant now, " Article four: Freedom is the right to do anything, not harmful to others ". History / Biography / Drama. The people are not to be seen except in a bread line grumbling about Robespierre and the Revolutionary government until … about dictatorship and its colors. Their meeting over dinner comes to nothing. Film Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Adapted by Jean-Claude Carriere from a Polish play, Andrej Wajda's Danton was one of the high points of the 1983 New York Film Festival. Forgot your password? because Wajda knows the importance of testimony about the evil of a political system. All rights reserved. its universal message about price of revolution, about power of a small group, about the way of good intentions, about people's interest as excuse for use the force for preserve the power . Wojciech Pszoniak is truly outstanding as the icily determined Robespierre and Gerard Depardieu brings the full-bodied Danton to life. It seems word has reached Danton that the Committee system, or more precisely, the Safety committee, in Paris has become lethal to the very people it's suppose to protect. 95 % of the time, they never make errors. If I were to take a class on the subject I'd probably fail. Danton is a 1921 German silent historical film directed by Dimitri Buchowetzki and starring Emil Jannings, Werner Krauss and Ossip Runitsch.It premiered in Berlin on 4 May 1921. Despite Wajda's denials, it's hard to resist the superficial comparison between Robespierre and Danton, Jaruzelski and Lech Walesa. [Depardieu's] throat-scraping, rage-against-the-machine speech in court -- "the Revolution is devouring its children!" Despite, their long friendship, differences of political opinion soon make it apparent the deadly revolution with its connection to the Guliotine, will soon destroy their goals, promises and even their lives. and, in this case, purpose is not to create an impressive work but to give the dimension of truth. -- makes Jimmy Stewart's in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington look like a monk's benediction. I have to say, the score of this movie was incredible. I've never liked anything else I've seen from Wajda, but this is a near masterpiece. This movie truly brought these incredible men to life. The definitive site for Reviews, Trailers, Showtimes, and Tickets I am familiar with the names Maximillian Robespierre, Jean-Paul Marat, Louis XVI and Jean-Jacques Rousseau but I have never heard the name of Georges Danton. Sidney Poitier’s 7 Most Memorable Performances, All Harry Potter Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, The lack of clarity of the ideological debate weighs heavily on the film. and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango. He is a dictator who approves the execution of many people for the good of the country. NPR's David Greene talks to Kenneth Turan, film critic for Morning Edition and the Los Angeles Times, about the new movie based on the popular TV series: Downton Abbey. This film is more than the story of Danton. Danton (Gérard Depardieu) has returned from his countryside estate to meet with his old friend Robespierre (Wojciech Pszoniak). This film itself is historical by it's very existence....the rest is History. Neither character survives the conflict, and when Danton is finally executed the bloody guillotine becomes symbolic not only of the Reign of Terror, but of the Revolution's most noble ideas severed at their source. history is only vehicle for ideas. You can feel the tension so well. Danton is popular because he’s loved and trusted by the people. Danton is the first French-language film by Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda, directing, in the wake of recent tragic events in his homeland, a historical film about the French Revolution. Being a Wajda fan, I was disappointed, and that may be an understatement. It ENTRAPPED the personalities of all those great, complex, astounding men that gave this extraordinary period of time its distinct shape. Danton (1983), on first glance, might seem to be one of these straightforward period films, and, strangely, not about Poland at all. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! Date of experience: February 2016. Confident in the people's support, Danton clashes with his former ally, but calculating Robespierre soon rounds up Danton and his followers, tries them before a revolutionary tribunal and dipatches them to the guillotine. It's an historically relevant movie about the last days of the French revolution but yet the movie forgets to focus on the character's motivations making the movie perhaps a tad bit too shallow to consider this a brilliant and relevant movie to what. The movie begins as the printer who makes critical pamphlets concerning the government is beaten and his business is destroyed. Earn 125 points on every ticket you buy. The enthusiastic style of actors makes you feel like you are watching a theatre. Learn more A richly suggestive French film about power, liberty, and bureacracy. A long-winded and overlong period costume drama. 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