Vonia
Z (1969)
"Any similarity to real persons and events is not coincidental. It is intentional. And so the story begins." I love that this is displayed on screen at the beginning of the film. The letter Z, which means "He Lives", in Greek. A historically and politically significant film that was released at the most opportune time, political unrest in Mexico City, Martin Luther King, the election of Nixon, the Vietnam War. Costa-Gravas made extra character select a composer, Theodorakis, that would provide the perfect Greek soundtrack. Based on the 1963 assassination of left wing Greek Parliament member Gregory Lambrakis, as in the film, it inspired and evoked citizens enough to have in banned for a while. Appreciated the ending. Costa-Gavras did not take the easy way out. The last scene shows the inspiring Deputy's widow looking skeptical of the supposed success of the examining magistrate's indictments. Sure enough, truthfully documenting governmental corruption, the epilogue tells how all he is mysteriously removed from the case, and all the others involved in the prosecutor side die accidentally, are deported or incarcerated. The corrupt officials receive merely slaps on the wrist. Alas, the truth hurts. But the film manages to end on a positive note, with moving music and an explanation for the film's title. "He Lives"! Notably, the only film to date nominated by The Academy for both Best Picture & Best Foreign Language Film. It won in the latter category. Wonderful musical score. Costa-Gavras masterfully tailors in the perfect balance of intensity and suspense. A subtle thriller, with the protagonist a mysterious fighter, hiding behind his glasses, his partner photojournalist hiding behind his lens. We might never really get to know these characters in the details of their everyday lives, but we feel we know what constitutes their characters, what beliefs and values they fiercely adhere to, and ultimately what makes them the individuals they are. I am not usually into political thrillers, but this one is an exception. Well done, Costa-Gavras.
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ballju
Several of my favorite films were directed by Greek-French film director Costa-Gavras. Z, State Of Siege, Missing, and the Confession. The mixing of the thriller genre and universal political themes not only makes for very interesting films but also thought provoking ones.His first serious film was Z. A film that won Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. It follows an idealistic judge investigating the killing of left wing politician. A fatal club strikes said politician and a cover up story of a drunk driver emerges. The film appears to end on a positive ending however at the very end those about to be criminally charged seize power. This ending the result of frustration related to the US-backed coup in Greece.State of Siege was based on Costa-Gavras's and Franco Solinas (The Battle of Algiers Screenwriter) investigation into Daniel A. Mitrone. Mitrone was kidnapped and eventually executed by Tupamaros urban guerrillas in Uruguay. Costa-Gavras read news headlines that changed his description from Official to Policeman to Diplomat. Why would the Tupamaros be interested in an "traffic and communications" adviser?This movie has a similar outline as Z as both were meant to be frustrating critically commentary of events at the time. The actions look pointless but there are no alternative choices apparent. The urban guerrillas will continue to fight,the government will continue to use US taught torture methods, and US companies will continue to exploit the country.
steve-623-15461
I won't add anything regarding the films story as loads of other reviewers have done a better job than I could.All I will say is this film to me is designed like a funnel: From the start you have intense threads of action and discussion/consequences that slowly gather together and compress until the film is focused, charging towards the finish.Acting is fantastic - this film has a nervous energy and authenticity that is hard to match.When you watch it you realize you are not only seeing a great film, but also reliving an important slice of history.
McCamyTaylor
I re-watched this one recently, and (as usual) I was blown away by it. Once you start watching "Z" it is difficult to stop. There is a "what's going to happen next?!" feeling that grabs hold of you close to the film's beginning and does not let up until the very end. Which is strange, in a way, because you already know what it going to happen. "Z" is a lot like watching a Greek tragedy---"Antigone" or "Oedipus Rex". Or "Hamlet".So, how does "Z" manage to stay fresh even after multiple viewings? That was the question I asked myself as I sat down to watch it again. And because I was paying attention this time, I realized that the editing in this movie is godly! Anyone who thinks that actors (or special effects or music) make the movie, should watch "Z." This is no fictionalized documentary. This is poetry done in black and white that uses the visual language of documentary for additional visceral impact. And the film really is visceral. By its end, you feel that you have just watched your own country's political crisis, no matter where you are from.
AD
