Review of Z (1969) by Ricardo O — 16 Feb 2011

Costa-Gavras' Oscar winning political thriller, "Z", is based on true events surrounding the assassination of democratic Greek politician Gregoris Lambrakis in 1963. The film's beginning leads to the assassination of The Deputy, played by international star Yves Montand, after a rally opposing the government. The "accident" where The Deputy is clubbed by one of the opposing members of his party leads to his inevitable death and a long investigation of finding out the truth of what really happened and who was behind it. Explaining what happens throughout the film would not be justified, as it would take out the real experience of watching this highly charged political thriller. The letter Z in the Greek alphabet means "HE IS ALIVE.".

The film is based off of a novel of the same name, which is in turn based on the assassination in 1963. It was a film that struck a nerve in the audiences of that particular era where assassinations and cover-ups that unfortunately seemed like the norm, this is all the more obvious as it became the first film to be nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar as well as the Best Picture Oscar. Costa-Gavras gives us one of the most powerful and riveting political thrillers to ever be made. With a fantastic script and Costa-Gavras' incredible direction the film is simply unforgettable. He is helped out by the superb ensemble cast and the amazing editing, which earned an Oscar win. The unforgettable score and Raoul Coutard's verite style cinematography is also worth noting. "Z" is a film that will make the viewer angry at how such cover-ups and government hypocrisies could still be going on. It is filled with suspense from beginning to end. It is a universal warning to the possible rise of totalitarianism released in a time where it seemed so relevant especially in France and the United States. It is an absolute must-see, not to be missed. One that I hold in the highest regard. Some of the best filmmaking of the late '60s. 10/10.