X
  • 2003
  • First Run Features
  • 5 h 45 m
  • 2003
  • First Run Features
  • 5 h 45 m
La Commune (Paris, 1871)

Summary This epic chronicle of the Paris Commune of 1871 is an attempt to challenge existing notions of documentary film, as well as the notions of 'neutrality' and 'objectivity' so beloved by the mass media today. [First Run / Icarus Films]

Directed By: Peter Watkins

Written By: Agathe Bluysen, Peter Watkins

  • 2003
  • First Run Features
  • 5 h 45 m
  • 2003
  • First Run Features
  • 5 h 45 m

La Commune (Paris, 1871)

Metascore Universal Acclaim Based on 5 Critic Reviews
90
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 5 User Ratings
7.8
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Summary This epic chronicle of the Paris Commune of 1871 is an attempt to challenge existing notions of documentary film, as well as the notions of 'neutrality' and 'objectivity' so beloved by the mass media today. [First Run / Icarus Films]

Directed By: Peter Watkins

Written By: Agathe Bluysen, Peter Watkins

Top Cast

View All
View All Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 5 Critic Reviews
90
100% Positive
5 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 5 Critic Reviews
90
100% Positive
5 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
It takes time to grow accustomed to the docu- drama's stylized approach, influenced by Bertolt Brecht and Jean-Luc Godard. But this nearly six-hour movie is generous with time.
By David Sterritt FULL REVIEW
100
Watkins restages history in its own ruins, uses the media as a frame, and even so, manages to imbue his narrative with amazing presence. No less than the event it chronicles, La Commune is a triumph of spontaneous action.
By J. Hoberman FULL REVIEW
90
Taped in stark black-and-white and clocking in 15 minutes shy of six hours, invigorating pic is big, passionate and brimming with compelling human details and broad sociopolitical idealism.
By Eddie Cockrell FULL REVIEW
80
In these risk-averse times, it is a pleasure to see a film that fails by attempting too much. Frustrating and demanding as it may be, La Commune (Paris, 1871) is essential viewing for anyone interested in taking an exploratory step outside the Hollywood norms.
By Dave Kehr FULL REVIEW
75
Daring and unique, La Commune makes perfect viewing for the Fourth of July, which commemorates America's own revolution.
By V.A. Musetto FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 5 User Ratings
7.8
80% Positive
4 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
20% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 5 User Ratings
7.8
80% Positive
4 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
20% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

 View All
Production Company 13 Productions, La Sept-Arte, Le Musée d'Orsay, Institut National de l'Audiovisuel (INA), Cofimage 11, Ministère des Affaires Étrangères, Conseil Général de la Seine-Saint-Denis, Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication, Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC), Société des Producteurs de Cinéma et de Télévision (Procirep), SCAM
Release Date Jul 3, 2003
Duration 5 h 45 m
Genres
View All Details

Awards

Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Village Voice Film Poll
• 1 Nomination

Related Movies

Dekalog (1988)

100
Universal Acclaim

The Conformist

100
Universal Acclaim

Lawrence of Arabia (re-release)

100
Universal Acclaim

The Godfather

100
Universal Acclaim

The Leopard (re-release)

100
Universal Acclaim

Tokyo Story

100
Universal Acclaim

Casablanca

100
Universal Acclaim

Citizen Kane

100
Universal Acclaim

Boyhood

100
Universal Acclaim

Three Colors: Red

100
Universal Acclaim

Notorious

100
Universal Acclaim

Fanny and Alexander (re-release)

100
Universal Acclaim

Touch of Evil

99
Universal Acclaim

Army of Shadows

99
Universal Acclaim

City Lights

99
Universal Acclaim

Moonlight

99
Universal Acclaim

Intolerance

99
Universal Acclaim

The Rules of the Game

99
Universal Acclaim

Seven Samurai

98
Universal Acclaim

The Wild Bunch

98
Universal Acclaim

Au hasard Balthazar

98
Universal Acclaim

Pépé le Moko (re-release)

98
Universal Acclaim

Related News

Every Guy Ritchie Movie, Ranked

Every Guy Ritchie Movie, Ranked

Nick Hyman

We rank every one of the British director's movies by Metascore, from his debut Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels to his brand new film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

  • movie
2024 Movie Release Calendar

2024 Movie Release Calendar

Jason Dietz

Find release dates for every movie coming to theaters, VOD, and streaming throughout 2024 and beyond, updated weekly.

  • movie
April Movie Preview (2024)

April Movie Preview (2024)

Keith Kimbell

The month ahead will bring new films from Alex Garland, Luca Guadagnino, Dev Patel, and more. To help you plan your moviegoing options, our editors have selected the most notable films releasing in April 2024, listed in alphabetical order.

  • movie
DVD/Blu-ray Releases: New & Upcoming

DVD/Blu-ray Releases: New & Upcoming

Jason Dietz

Find a list of new movie and TV releases on DVD and Blu-ray (updated weekly) as well as a calendar of upcoming releases on home video.

  • movie
SXSW 2024 Recap: Best and Worst Films

SXSW 2024 Recap: Best and Worst Films

Keith Kimbell

Which films impressed reviewers during the 2024 edition of the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival? We recap the reactions of critics to all of this year's major SXSW premieres and tell you which titles won the festival's major awards.

  • movie