Tag: Social Commentary
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TOUT VA BIEN aka EVERYTHING IS FINE
Tout Va Bien (translated as Everything is Fine) is a 1972 French political drama directed by Jean-Luc Godard and Jean-Pierre Gorin that delves into the contradictions and disillusionments of modern life, particularly in the context of the political and social upheaval of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film explores the relationship between personal…
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THE HARDER THEY COME
“The Harder They Come” is a 1972 crime drama directed by Perry Henzell and written by Henzell and Trevor D. Rhone. Based in Jamacia, the film blends gritty realism, social commentary, and reggae music, starring reggae musician Jimmy Cliff in a career-defining role. The film follows a young country boy’s desperate struggle for success in…
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DRUK aka ANOTHER ROUND
Another Round (Druk, 2020) is a Danish drama-comedy film directed by Thomas Vinterberg, starring Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang, and Lars Ranthe. The film explores themes of midlife crisis, friendship, and the impact of alcohol on human behavior. The story follows four high school teachers—Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), Nikolaj (Magnus…
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DO THE RIGHT THING
“Do the Right Thing” (1989), directed by Spike Lee, is a powerful exploration of race relations and urban tension set on a hot summer day in the predominantly Black neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The film examines the buildup of racial tensions over a single day, ultimately erupting into violence. As a side note, I was…
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DEATH RACE 2000
“Death Race 2000” (1975) is a cult dystopian action film directed by Paul Bartel and produced by Roger Corman, known for his low-budget exploitation films. Starring David Carradine as the enigmatic anti-hero Frankenstein and a young Sylvester Stallone as his rival Machine Gun Joe Viterbo, the film blends dark comedy, satire, and high-octane vehicular action…
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SHORT FILM: CATHY COME HOME
“Cathy Come Home” is a British television drama first broadcast in 1966 as part of the BBC series “The Wednesday Play.” Directed by Ken Loach and written by Jeremy Sandford, the film presents a gritty, unflinching look at the realities of homelessness and social injustice in 1960s Britain. The film opens with Cathy (Carol White)…
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MUMSY, NANNY, SONNY AND GIRLY aka GIRLY
“Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny and Girly” aka “Girly” outside the UK, is a darkly comedic and subversive British film directed by Freddie Francis and released in 1970. The film offers a twisted take on the traditional family dynamic, blending elements of black comedy, horror, and social satire. The story centers around a dysfunctional family living in…
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WHO ARE YOU, POLLY MAGGOO?
“Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?” is a 1966 satirical French film directed by William Klein that offers a critical and comedic exploration of the fashion industry and the nature of beauty. The film takes a mockumentary approach, blending surrealism, satire, and social commentary elements. The story revolves around Polly Maggoo (Dorothy McGowan), a young American…
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SHORT FILM: LA CABINA (THE TELEPHONE BOX)
“La Cabina” is a Spanish short film directed by Antonio Mercero. It was released in 1972 and has become a classic in Spanish cinema. The film is known for its suspense, satire, and social commentary blend. The film opens with a seemingly ordinary day in a bustling city. A man (played by José Luis López…
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HONKY TONK FREEWAY
“Honky Tonk Freeway” is a 1981 satirical comedy movie directed by John Schlesinger. The movie takes a whimsical look at the transformation of a small Florida town when a freeway is planned to pass through it. The film boasts a large ensemble cast that features a unique blend of humor, satire, and social commentary. The…
The Other Cinema 