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Poster for La Commune (Paris, 1871)

La Commune (Paris, 1871)

Seen it?

2003 | 345 min | War, Drama, History

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Great for lovers of period drama and history buffs. The costumes and settings are a feast on their own. Fans of Inglourious Basterds or Napoleon should feel right at home. Paris does a lot of the work, and it looks wonderful.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Long and immersive, at 5 hr 45 min.
What might put you off
  • It's long: 5 hr 45 min.
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.

In 1871, a journalist for Versailles Television broadcasts a soothing and official view of events while a Commune television is set up to provide the perspectives of the Paris rebels. On a stage-like set, more than 200 actors interpret denizens of the Commune, especially the Popincourt neighborhood in the XIth arrondissement. They voice thoughts and feelings concerning the social and political reforms.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 90 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 28K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Peter Watkins

  • Eliane Annie AdaltoLaundress
  • Pierre BarbieuxChild in Cour Popincourt
  • Bernard BombeauBaker
  • Maylis BouffartigueMarie-Louise Théron
  • Geneviève CapyDoctor's wife
  • Anne CarlierLaundress
  • Véronique CouzonMarie-Louise Beauger
  • Piotr DaskiewiczPolish Officer
  • Nicole DeferOwner of dressmaking workshop & laundry
  • Patrick Dell'IsolaEmile Léonard Morterol