Themes: Political Unrest, Fall From Power, Miscarriage of Justice
Main Cast: Gérard Depardieu, Wojciech Pszoniak, Patrice Chéreau, Angela Winkler, Boguslaw Linda
Release Year: 1982
Country: FR/PL
Run Time: 136 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Plot
In 1982, legendary Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda fled his homeland and relocated in France to direct this powerful story about the ethical boundaries of power and leadership, which had many parallels to Poland's volatile political situation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Danton (Gérard Depardieu) and Robespierre (Wojciech Pszoniak) were close friends and fought together in the French Revolution, but by 1793 Robespierre was France's ruler, determined to wipe out opposition with a series of mass executions that became known as the Reign of Terror. Danton, well known as a spokesman of the people, had been living in relative solitude in the French countryside, but he returned to Paris to challenge Robespierre's violent rule and call for the people to demand their rights. Robespierre, however, could not accept such a challenge, even from a friend and colleague, and he blocked out a plan for the capture and execution of Danton and his allies. Wajda remained in France until 1989, when the collapse of Communist rule made it possible for him to return to his homeland. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Review
In this historical drama, Andrzej Wajda draws a parallel between the tumult of the French Revolution and contemporary crises in his native Poland. The film features what is often regarded as Gérard Depardieu's finest performance, as the compassionate rebel leader who tragically fails to mitigate the Reign of Terror of his friend-turned-enemy Robespierre (Wojciech Pszoniak). The French historical setting and political parallels to contemporary events make this one of Wajda's most accessible films for English language audiences. Igor Luther's cinematography gives the film's settings an authentic feel, as do Yvonne Sassinot de Nesle's costume designs. Among the screenwriters was Agnieszka Holland, who parlayed this and other prominent credits into a career directing films in the United States. ~ Richard Gilliam, All Movie Guide
The Orchestra Conductor (1980) ·Man of Iron (1981) ·Danton (1983) ·Love in Germany (1983) ·A Chronicle of Amorous Accidents (1985) ·The Possessed (1988)
1990s
Korczak (1990) ·The Crowned-Eagle Ring (1992) ·Nastasja (1994) ·The Holy Week (1995) ·Miss Nobody (1996) ·Pan Tadeusz (1999)
2000s
The Condemnation of Franciszek Klos (2000) ·Broken Silence (2002) ·The Revenge (2002) ·Czlowiek z nadzie (2005) ·Katyń (2007) ·Sweet Rush (2009)
