Tag Archives: fascism
Lacombe Lucien (1974)
As I watched the marvellous Louis Malle film, Lacombe Lucien, I remembered Simenon’s account of living under the German occupation of Belgium in WWI. Simenon fictionalised this period in perhaps his most autobiographical novel, Three Crimes. In the novel, Simenon … Continue reading
Filed under (Anti) War, France
Mosley (1998)
“Pardon me for asking, but what do you know about the working class?” I never thought I’d find myself watching a film about Oswald Mosley–let alone that I’d really, really enjoy it. I recently came across Mosley, a four-part made-for-British television biopic … Continue reading
Filed under British, British television
A Month By the Lake (1995)
Fans of British films set in the picturesque tourist destinations of Italy should really enjoy the engaging and highly entertaining film, A Month By the Lake from director John Irvin and based on a story by H.E.Bates. And while nothing much really … Continue reading
Filed under British
The Kaiser’s Lackey (1951)
“If your political dilettantism continues, there will be an explosion.” Director Wolfgang Staudte’s marvelously understated satire, The Kaiser’s Lackey, a 1951 film, was recently released on DVD. Set mainly in the 1890s, the film is based on Heinrich Mann’s novel … Continue reading
Filed under German, Political/social films
Pinochet’s Last Stand (2006)
“I’m hounded by Communists.” You wouldn’t catch me cozying up to a right-wing fascist dictator responsible for the murders and torture of 1000s of people, but apparently good old Margaret Thatcher couldn’t wait to squeeze in for a photo shoot in … Continue reading
Filed under British television, Political/social films
Una Pasion Singular (2003)
“My patriotism is for the human race.” Based on the true story of Blas Infante, the Spanish film Una Pasion Singular explores the life of the man known as “the father of Andalucia.” The film begins with the arrest of … Continue reading
Filed under Political/social films, Spain
Silencio Roto (2001)
“Strangers fight for a short time–families for a lifetime.” The Spanish film, Silencio Roto begins in 1944 when Lucia (Lucia Jimenez) arrives in a remote mountainous village. Lucia left the village as a child, and she’s returning to work in … Continue reading
Filed under Political/social films, Spain
Land and Freedom (1995)
“Revolutions are contagious.” In 1936, unemployed working class labourer, Dave Carr (Ian Hart) attends a Communist meeting in Liverpool and is recruited to fight the Fascists in Spain. He heads out with little idea where he is going, but with … Continue reading
Filed under Ken Loach, Political/social films
The Nasty Girl (1990)
“The roadblocks of a stubborn and guilty bureaucracy.” Director Michael Verhoeven’s film The Nasty Girl is the story of Sonja (Lena Stolze). Raised in the small Bavarian town of Pfilzing, she attends convent school as her mother doesn’t want Sonja … Continue reading
Filed under German, Political/social films
Despair (1978)
“Intelligence would take the bloom off your carnality.” On the surface, Hermann Hermann, a well-to-do chocolate factory owner, appears to lead an envious life. He lives in a beautiful Berlin apartment, drives around in a chauffeur driven car, dresses immaculately … Continue reading
Filed under Fassbinder, German
