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

Director:

Writers:

(novel) (as Vassili Vassilikos), (dialogue) (as Jorge Semprun)
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Won 2 Oscars. Another 9 wins & 12 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Z
...
Hélène (as Irène Papas)
...
François Périer ...
Le procureur
...
...
...
Georges Géret ...
Bernard Fresson ...
...
Vago (as Marcel Bozzufi)
...
...
La soeur de Nick
...
Yago
Habib Reda
Clotilde Joano ...
Shoula (as Clotilde Joanno)
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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 ... Written by Huggo

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis


Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

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Language:

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Release Date:

8 December 1969 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Z - A Orgia do Poder  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

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

Gross:

$83,305 (USA) (11 September 2009)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The fighting scene between the two men, on the tricycle carrier platform, is performed under the same soundtrack we have in Georges Lautner's Le Pacha, just before the armored truck heist sequence. The soundtrack is named "Batucada Meurtrière", inspired from Brazilian music, and performed by Michel Colombier. It has never been mentioned anywhere, so only a close attention can notice it. See more »

Goofs

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

Quotes

The General: Dreyfus was guilty!
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Crazy Credits

Any resemblance to actual events, to persons living or dead, is not the result of chance. It is DELIBERATE. (Signed by) Jorge Semprún, Costa-Gavras See more »

Connections

Featured in Montand à la rencontre de Pagnol (1986) See more »

Soundtracks

To Palikari Echi Kaimo
Piano and vocals by Mikis Theodorakis
Composed by Mikis Theodorakis
Arranged By, Conducted by Bernard Gérard
Published By April Music
(p) CBS Records / Columbia
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User Reviews

 
conspiracy, tension and
7 January 2005 | by (Campina Grande, Brazil) – See all my reviews

This is a great Costa-Gavras' masterpiece about a political confusion caused by a murder of a politic. Costa-Gravas again shows his talent in this interesting film that is full of conspiracy, tension and confusion. The plot is complex but you can follow it and, once you do it, you enjoy the film a lot. There's this dark atmosphere in the whole length of the movie that gives it a nice and enchanting look. I think the best way to watch "Z" is in total silence, with your eyes glued to the screen and your mind turned towards the frames and all the great actions and dialogues.

My rate 8 out of 10


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