Danton (1983)

 

In 1793, as the Terror begins in France, Georges Danton, a champion-of-the-people, returns to clash against Maximilien Robespierre and his extremist party.

From memory: Gerard Depardieu is fully convincing as Danton in conflict with Robespierre in this accomplished, but quite demanding depiction of a decisive moment of the French Revolution, clearly evoking similar events in Poland at the time (although denied by the director).

Halliwell*: "Vivid historical re-creation which finally exhausts the spectator and is a little too concerned to make political points."

Maltin****: "Literate, absorbing, knowing drama...A brilliant film, with obvious parallels to contemporary political situation in Poland. Depardieu is magnificent in the title role.