Movie Review: The Communist 1957
Usually, a 1950s movie looks dated. It might be a classic, but nevertheless, it is a product of that time. Not this movie, The Communist; it rings as fresh now as it did then. And it has metamorphosed into a different message, perhaps even more useful for us today. Messages such as letting go of selfish materialism, being patriotic, and serving those around you are themes that easily can be found in the best of Soviet & Communistic philosophy and practice, as seen in this film.The filming is spectacular, and the acting is natural. You indeed feel as if you've stepped back and are witnessing real events. There's no feeling of actor egoism either; none are trying to portray themselves as bigger than life either. Easily matching the best drama shots of Western films and light years ahead in message, except maybe a Capra film, The Communist will help you explore the troubled state of Russia after WWI.The film exposes the corruption in the church at that time as well. A priest is in charge of the village resources and making money as well. Speculators are cashing in on scant food supplies at that time. Robbery and laziness, love and brutality, while the Communist Party is shown as a haven of stability. The film explores a single village area, but not a sweeping look at the entirety of Russia. It looks into the corruption of a priest and some of the peasantry who used sacred words carelessly and had no difficulty cheating and exploiting. Not infrequently, at that time, priests were even atheists, as they merely took their father's job, having no other work open to them. The roles of priests then could be filled by someone absolutely not suited to that. A film that criticizes general unbelief at that time and corruption of a local priest is not to be dismissed, in short, as anti-religious propaganda. And it speaks to us today, as it speaks to the church again today, to ensure that priests uphold a strict moral conduct and avoid a materialistic life.The movie is a great work of art, in short, with superior filming shots and rigorous drama. A romance is woven along into the story, and how one man sacrificed himself to be a true communist. Today, we can reflect on the same issues and value the rich history of Russia.
Usually, a 1950s movie looks dated. It might be a classic, but nevertheless, it is a product of that time. Not this movie, The Communist; it rings as fresh now as it did then. And it has metamorphosed into a different message, perhaps even more useful for us today. Messages such as letting go of selfish materialism, being patriotic, and serving those around you are themes that easily can be found in the best of Soviet & Communistic philosophy and practice, as seen in this film.The filming is spectacular, and the acting is natural. You indeed feel as if you've stepped back and are witnessing real events. There's no feeling of actor egoism either; none are trying to portray themselves as bigger than life either. Easily matching the best drama shots of Western films and light years ahead in message, except maybe a Capra film, The Communist will help you explore the troubled state of Russia after WWI.The film exposes the corruption in the church at that time as well. A priest is in charge of the village resources and making money as well. Speculators are cashing in on scant food supplies at that time. Robbery and laziness, love and brutality, while the Communist Party is shown as a haven of stability. The film explores a single village area, but not a sweeping look at the entirety of Russia. It looks into the corruption of a priest and some of the peasantry who used sacred words carelessly and had no difficulty cheating and exploiting. Not infrequently, at that time, priests were even atheists, as they merely took their father's job, having no other work open to them. The roles of priests then could be filled by someone absolutely not suited to that. A film that criticizes general unbelief at that time and corruption of a local priest is not to be dismissed, in short, as anti-religious propaganda. And it speaks to us today, as it speaks to the church again today, to ensure that priests uphold a strict moral conduct and avoid a materialistic life.The movie is a great work of art, in short, with superior filming shots and rigorous drama. A romance is woven along into the story, and how one man sacrificed himself to be a true communist. Today, we can reflect on the same issues and value the rich history of Russia.