Review of Punishment Park (1971) by Benjamin S — 24 Jul 2007
An interesting but empty film. Battle Royale, though more bloody and violent, had a stronger thematic approach and a more lasting impact than this film, which was mostly filmed with painful political rants and a pretty ugly view towards police officers and the national guard without a healthy bias.
The idealism presented in the story from the viewpoints of the prisoners is just as empty as the idealism for a "better world" that is expressed today, and although our arguments against those haven't grown much, the alternatives still are sparse.
A brave and interesting film, though a tad insipid. My favorite character was the prisoner who quoted Aquinas and Augustine: he definitely had his head on the straightest.
This review of Punishment Park (1971) was written by Benjamin S on 24 Jul 2007.
Punishment Park has generally received very positive reviews.
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