French Revolution Film “Danton”

My all time favourite film on the French Revolution is "Danton" by Polish director Andrzej Wajda, starring Gérard Depardieu (who else?) in the title role!

The movie only covers the Terror phase of the Revolution and shows the complexity of this turning point, with the figures of Danton and Robespierre having emerged as leaders and then rivals.

Released exactly 40 years ago on 12 January 1983, this movie has not aged at all! Young Gérard Depardieu is absolutely remarkable and delivers a stellar performance.

When watching this movie, one should be aware at that moment, Poland was under the Russian martial law since the leaders of a young federation of unions named "Solidarnosc" had been arrested by the Communist regime. So for Polish director Andrzej Wajda, the movie was more than a historic film, it was a political vehicle. Enjoy!