Rent Danton (1983)
3.5 of 5 from 102 ratings
2h 10min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Gerard Depardieu stars in this dramatic recounting of the power struggle between the leading figures of the French revolution, Danton and Robespierre. With the new republic in place Robespierre heads the 'Committee for Public Safety' and has begun his 'Reign of Terror', flushing out any dissenting voices and sending them to Guillotine. Danton returns to Paris after his self-imposed exile to call an end to the bloodshed, but in doing so makes a dangerous enemy of his former ally.
- Actors:
- Gérard Depardieu, Wojciech Pszoniak, Anne Alvaro, Roland Blanche, Patrice Chéreau, Emmanuelle Debever, Krzysztof Globisz, Ronald Guttman, Gérard Hardy, Tadeusz Huk, Stéphane Jobert, Marian Kociniak, Marek Kondrat, Boguslaw Linda, Alain Macé
- Directors:
- Andrzej Wajda
- Writers:
- Jean-Claude Carrière, Stanislawa Przybyszewska
- Others:
- Margaret Ménégoz, Barbara Pec-Slesicka
- Studio:
- Second Sight Films Ltd.
- Genres:
- Drama
- Collections:
- New waves of Polish Cinema, What to watch by country
- Countries:
- France
- Awards:
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Reviews (3) of Danton
The French are Revolting - Danton review by JD
If you did the French Revolution at school or at least know the key players, I bet it is very interesting. It was a bit lost on me I'm afraid. I had heard of Robespierre but couldn't remember anything else. Depardieu of course is brilliant, dramatic and charismatic, but I just didn't get caught up in it.
2 out of 3 members found this review helpful.
Superb Historical Drama - Danton review by GI
If you like historical drama then you'll not get better than this one set at the height of the French Revolution and telling the story of the political rivalry between top revolutionary leaders, Georges Danton (Gérard Depardieu) and Robespierre (Wojciech Pszoniak). It's based on real events and superbly recreates 17th Century Paris at the height of the 'Reign Of Terror'. Both the main leads are exceptional and this is a good film to see the talents of Depardieu, then at the height of his fame. Danton, a popular leader of the revolution with the mob, is considered a threat by the radical and despotic faction led by Robespierre, who decides he must bring Danton down even though to do so risks the revolution itself. A show trial is held at which skilled orator Danton soon gets the upper hand. All the while the guillotine awaits to losers. If you are versed in this period of history or indeed know someone studying the French Revolution at school or college then this is a must see. Admittedly it may not be for everyone but it's definitely a film that draws you into the visual accuracy and the complexities of the times. An interesting study of these famous French historical figures.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Helps if you know the historical background - Danton review by Pete W
If you have an interest and some background knowledge of the French revolution, then you will be interested in this film. If, like me, your prior knowledge is sketchy, you might struggle to retain your interest as the film doesn't explain the historical background and it is assumed that you know who the main characters are and what they stand for. When it was released, the film had relevance to the existing political situation east of the Iron Curtain but that has faded now. Good performances by Depardieu in the role which I think bought him to international knowledge and by Pszoniak as a creepy Robespierre.
1 out of 3 members found this review helpful.