Review of The Great Dictator (1940) by Mikey P — 27 Mar 2013
Chaplin couldn't have picked a more pressing issue in 1940 for his first talkie than Nazism and the racial laws, as in this film he satirises and even jokes about them in his portrayal of a Hitler-type dictator and a Jewish barber.
Bitingly funny and admirably daring, this film is another testimony to Chaplin's greatness, as well as a wish to communicate clearly with the audiences at the end of the film with the famous final speech, which could easily be considered as one of the most important and inspirational speeches and not only as far as cinema history is concerned.
As powerful in its message of international brotherhood as it is downright funny, with a very creative brand of satirical comedy that sees not only Chaplin take on his Hitler inspired role in an iconic way, but also Paul Oakie as the Mussolini inspired figure a worthy support act.
This review of The Great Dictator (1940) was written by Mikey P on 27 Mar 2013.
The Great Dictator has generally received very positive reviews.
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