This article reviews some of the best films of 1970/71, revealing their profound impact on capturing the anxieties of 1970s politics and society. From powerful explorations of state violence to poignant portrayals of human agency and memory loss, these films showcase the enduring power of cinema as a medium for storytelling and social commentary.
This article reviews some of the best films of 1970/71, with a focus on Brazilian director Walter Salles’ “I’m Still Here”, Korean filmmaker Kim Sung-su’s “12.12: The Day”, Belgian multimedia artist Johan Grimonprez’s “Soundtrack to a Coup d’etat”, and others. The author praises the films for their power, emotion, and prescience in capturing the anxieties of 1970s politics and society.
The article highlights several key themes and motifs, including:
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The struggle against state violence and despotism, as seen in “I’m Still Here” and “12.12: The Day”.
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The use of music as a powerful force for change, as seen in Grimonprez’s “Soundtrack to a Coup d’etat” and Guadagnino’s “Challengers”.
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The exploration of fluid sexuality and authenticity, as seen in Guadagnino’s film.
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The quiet, still power of films like Mielants’ adaptation of Claire Keegan’s novel “Small Things Like These”, which tackles systemic cruelty and the struggle for human agency.
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The comfort and nostalgia of stop-motion animation, as seen in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
The article also touches on the theme of memory loss and the power of cinema to heal and connect us, as seen in Víctor Erice’s “Close Your Eyes”. The author reflects on their personal experience with losing a mother to Alzheimer’s disease, and how these films helped them process their grief and find empathy for others who have suffered similar losses.
Overall, the article celebrates the diversity and power of film as a medium for storytelling and social commentary, and highlights some of the most important and influential films of 1970/71.
- observer.com | The Year’s Best Films: Changes in Perspective—And Heroes
