The popular view of movies as mere escapsim and the threat of official disapproval have not discouraged determined filmmakers from exploring politcally-charged subjects, as evidenced by tonight’s program – films from different countries and eras, each of which sparked controversy upon release and continue to provoke debate.
Don’t miss this week’s movies:
Alexander Nevsky
It is the 13th century, and Russia is overrun by foreign invaders. Now the great Russian Prince Alexander Nevsky must battle the invaders.
(USSR, 1938, 107 mins, dir. Sergei Eisenstein, with Nikolai Cherkassov & Nikolai Okhlopkov, Russian with English subtitles)
Zulu
Epic film based on the true story of how 140 british soldiers defended a military hospital, against 4,000 warring tribal Africans.
(UK, 1964, Color, 138 mins, dir. Cy Endfield, with Stanley Baker and Michael Caine)
Animal Farm
British cartoon adaptation of George Orwell’s satirical fable of communist corruption. When the farm animals lead a revolt against the farmer, they become communists where all animals are equal … “but some animals are more equal than others” …
(UK, 1955, 75 mins, dir. John Halas & Joy Batchelor, Animated)
Visit World Cinema Saturdays on UCSD-TV to see what’s playing in the weeks ahead.