Z (2009)

Dreadfully Boring

Absolutely the worst movie.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

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. #FilmReview

Well, I always want to watch movies that set significant world records and this was one of them. This set the record for shortest movie title to ever win an Oscar. It was weird because watching this, it just seemed to have no meaning. I thought maybe it was meant to represent finality. You know with "Z" being the last letter of the alphabet. Well, it did reveal its meaning at the very end of the film, so I was at least partly right. It says that the letter "Z" has been banned from Greece. Well, nobody used it anyway. The ending is easily the most noteworthy thing about the movie too.The film tells the real life story of a Greek senator who was killed with everyone investigating his death and discovering it was not an accident as originally thought but an assassination. Then we find out that the country of Greece has lost tons of its freedom after his death with too many things to list now banned. Roll credits. Wow, that was a depressing ending. Well, it was based on a true story so I can sadly assume the same thing happened in real life. It's always great to watch a movie based on real life events, especially one as great as this. I feel bad for having no idea that this event ever even happened.Then again, I'm not familiar with modern Greek history at all. Maybe I did hear about this guy sometime but just forgot about him. At least we have this great movie to remember him by. Speaking of real life, I really am glad I saw this on the day of Donald Trump's inauguration. I didn't go through all the effort of watching it, but instead learned a real life story about civil unrest and the loss of freedom. I'm always optimistic, but we really need to be hopeful for this situation. As with most films like this, the acting is fantastic. Everything is so realistic because well, the people worked so hard to honor these brave people who lost their lives in real life. While not as good as "Saving Private Ryan" or "United 93", it's still a true gem.I thought that a movie in French would talk about the history of France. It took me awhile to realize it was about Greece! Well, I'm sure countries can make movies about other country's history. This is one of the most accoladed foreign language films ever made. It's great that we open ourselves up to the great things other countries have given us and even other countries that those countries honor. I didn't know how long this movie was, but I was certainly sad when it ended. Whatever situations give us downer endings in any story, just know there's always the potential for something better up the road, just like right now. ****

You can get the synopsis and summary, and a lot of good reviews here in IMDb... For someone unfamiliar with Z - this is perhaps the best political intrigue film ever done. Taut, fast moving, exciting... It is a period piece in that it celebrates the height of the image of the investigative photographer as a romantic figure, with a serious role to play. Trintignant portrays the honorable civil servant as an even more unlikely hero in the present- respecting the law and enforcing it in the face of intimidation.As far as its relevance in 2014: Don't get hung up on the fact that it mirrors real life events from the 60's. Think about the concerns today about who has the power, what personal information is available to governments - even the US - and government-contracted - intelligence experts. Consider, too, how public opinion is manipulated. Finally consider how much of this process is conducted out of sight of the press or public. Chilling.

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.