Z (1969) was directed by Costa-Gavras. It's a story about a "democratic" government slipping down into a military dictatorship. (In this case the country was Greece, from which democracy was slipping away until it became a military dictatorship in 1967.)
Early in the movie we see the murder of a popular progressive politician. (Based on a real event.) The politician was portrayed by Yves Montand. Montand was a great actor, and got top billing. However, the real stardom belongs to Jean-Louis Trintignant as the investigating judge.
Trintignant's acting is a tour de force. He slowly becomes aware that the death was a murder, not an accident, and he keeps pushing forward, despite flattery and threats. He's thorough, competent, and fearless.
Even though this movie is over 50 years old, it has a particular relevance in our country today. Democracy is not inherent in any nation. If we don't protect it, we can lose it.
People at the time recognized the importance of this film. It was nominated in five Oscar categories, and won the Oscar for Best International Film.
The movie has an extraordinarily high IMDb rating of 8.3. I thought it was even better than that, and rated it 9.
P.S. Watch for the incomparable Irene Papas in the supporting role as Montand's wife. When she's on the screen, you can't watch anyone else.
Early in the movie we see the murder of a popular progressive politician. (Based on a real event.) The politician was portrayed by Yves Montand. Montand was a great actor, and got top billing. However, the real stardom belongs to Jean-Louis Trintignant as the investigating judge.
Trintignant's acting is a tour de force. He slowly becomes aware that the death was a murder, not an accident, and he keeps pushing forward, despite flattery and threats. He's thorough, competent, and fearless.
Even though this movie is over 50 years old, it has a particular relevance in our country today. Democracy is not inherent in any nation. If we don't protect it, we can lose it.
People at the time recognized the importance of this film. It was nominated in five Oscar categories, and won the Oscar for Best International Film.
The movie has an extraordinarily high IMDb rating of 8.3. I thought it was even better than that, and rated it 9.
P.S. Watch for the incomparable Irene Papas in the supporting role as Montand's wife. When she's on the screen, you can't watch anyone else.