Z (1969)

Following the murder of a prominent leftist, an investigator tries to uncover the truth while government officials attempt to cover up their roles.

Director:

Costa-Gavras

Writers:

Vasilis Vasilikos (novel), Jorge Semprún,

Stars:

Yves Montand, Irene Papas, Jean-Louis Trintignant

Won 2 Oscars. Another 10 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Yves Montand	...	Z
Irene Papas	...	Hélène
Jean-Louis Trintignant	...	Le juge d'instruction
Jacques Perrin	...	Le photojournaliste
Charles Denner	...	Manuel
François Périer	...	Le procureur
Pierre Dux	...	Le général de gendarmerie
Georges Géret	...	Nick (as Georges Geret)
Bernard Fresson	...	Matt
Marcel Bozzuffi	...	Vago (as Marcel Bozzufi)
Julien Guiomar	...	Le colonel de gendarmerie
Magali Noël	...	La soeur de Nick
Renato Salvatori	...	Yago
Habib Reda
Clotilde Joano	...	Shoula (as Clotilde Joanno)

Storyline

In a mid-sized metropolis (population 500,000) in a right-wing military led country, a pacifist organization, which supports the opposition party in the government, is planning on holding an anti-military, nuclear disarmament rally. The organization's charismatic leader - the deputy - is scheduled to arrive in the town from the capital the day of the rally. Beyond the problems arranging the rally due to the probable incitement of violence at such a rally, the organization learns of an unconfirmed report that there will be an attempt on the deputy's life. The rally does happen, after which a three-wheeled kamikaze runs over the deputy, who eventually passes away from his injuries. The official report is that the incident was a drunken accident. In reality, the deputy's death was murder orchestrated by the secret police, the general for who likens the pacifist organization to mildew killing off agricultural crops. A magistrate is assigned to the case. Although he does have political ...

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Plot Keywords:

rally | cover up | right wing | government | police | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | History | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

M

Details

Country:

France Algeria

Language:

French Russian English

Release Date:

8 December 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

Z - A Orgia do Poder

Filming Locations:

Algeria

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$10,144 (USA) (13 March 2009)

Gross:

$83,305 (USA) (11 September 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Office National pour le Commerce et l'Industrie Cinématographique, Reggane Films, Valoria Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie is based on the events surrounding the assassination of democratic Greek politician Grigoris Lambrakis. On May 22, 1963, Lambrakis was attacked and struck on the head (in the same manner depicted in the film) by right-wing extremists after giving an anti-war speech in Thessaloniki. He died of brain injuries from the attack on May 27, 1963. Following Lambrakis's assassination, a military junta of right-wing generals seized control of the Greek government in 1967. During this time, the letter Z (meaning "He is alive") became a common piece of protest graffiti in Greek cities, in memory of Lambrakis and his democratic ideals. The military junta banned the use of the letter "Z" as graffiti, in response to these protests. The Greek junta collapsed in 1974, following a disastrous invasion of Cyprus by Turkey (which led to the occupation of almost half Cyprus by the Turkish army), and democracy was restored to Greece. In the film, the Examining Magistrate (played by Jean-Louis Trintignant) is in reality Christos Sartzetakis, who later served as President of the Hellenic Republic (1985-1990).

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Goofs

After Georges Géret as Nick is hit on the front of the head, he holds the back of it.

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Quotes

Z: [Z to his wife in flashback] Want to tell them the truth? They'll live the truth later.

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Crazy Credits

Mikis Theodorakis (the film's composer) having been deported, the orchestration is by Bernard Gérard.

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Connections

Remade as Shanghai (2012)

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Soundtracks

"Messe Pour le Temps Présent--Psyché Rock"
(uncredited)
Composed and Performed by Pierre Henry
Courtesy of Philips/PolyGram Records
by arrangement with PolyGram Special Markets
© 1967 Philips Classics Productions

User Reviews

A great film.

One of the best political/muck-wracking films ever made, it set the stage for the great US political films of the 70's. Costa-Garvas at his finest, it's filled with detailed performances and camera work, a memorable score, and breathtaking content. If only they made films like this now, I'd be a happy camper. By the way, it was the first foreign film (French) to be nominated for Best Picture. That should tell you something.......