1871 (1990)
Ken McMullen's bold historical drama traces one woman's political awakening amid the revolutionary fires of the Paris Commune.
1871 - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Ken McMullen
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 9, 1990 (Canada)
- Production Companies: Animatógrafo, Film4 Productions, La Sept Cinéma
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, France, Portugal
1871 - Plot
A young actress becomes politically aware within the Paris Commune of 1871.
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1871 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ken McMullen
Main Cast
- Ana Padrão
- Roshan Seth
- John Lynch
- Timothy Spall
- Jack Klaff
- Maria de Medeiros
- Dominique Pinon
- Med Hondo
- Figueira Cid
- Marcello Urgeghe
Writers
- Ken McMullen
- James Leahy
- Terry James
Producers
- Stewart Richards
1871 - FAQs
What is 1871 about?
1871 centers on a young actress named Séverine who finds herself swept up in the revolutionary upheaval of the Paris Commune. As the working-class insurrection unfolds around her, she undergoes a profound political awakening, with the film blending theatrical spectacle and historical drama to explore ideas of power, resistance, and solidarity.
Who directed the film 1871?
1871 was directed by Ken McMullen, a British filmmaker known for his intellectually ambitious, politically engaged cinema. McMullen also co-wrote the screenplay alongside James Leahy and Terry James, bringing a distinctive artistic vision to this portrait of the Paris Commune.
Who are the main actors in 1871?
The cast is a fascinating ensemble. Ana Padrão leads as Séverine, joined by Roshan Seth, John Lynch, Timothy Spall, Jack Klaff, and Maria de Medeiros. Dominique Pinon appears as Napoléon III, while Med Hondo takes on the striking role of Karl Marx.
Is 1871 based on a true story?
Yes, 1871 is rooted in real history. The Paris Commune — the radical socialist government that briefly controlled Paris in the spring of 1871 — forms the backdrop. While the central character of Séverine is fictional, the film weaves in historical figures like Karl Marx and Napoléon III alongside the documented events of the Commune.
When was 1871 released?
1871 had its initial release on September 9, 1990, premiering in Canada. The film is a co-production between the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal, brought together by production companies Animatógrafo, Film4 Productions, and La Sept Cinéma.
How long is the film 1871?
1871 runs for 100 minutes — just under an hour and forty minutes. It's a compact but dense historical drama that packs a great deal of political and theatrical energy into its runtime, making it a rewarding watch for fans of European art cinema.
What are films similar to 1871?
If 1871 appeals to you, you might enjoy Man of Iron (1981), Suffragette (2015), Munich – The Edge of War (2021), The Weeping Meadow (2004), Hammamet (2020), and Zama (2017). These films share a similar interest in political struggle, historical upheaval, and morally complex characters navigating turbulent eras.
What languages is 1871 spoken in?
1871 is spoken in both English and French, reflecting its multinational co-production origins spanning the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal. The bilingual nature of the film adds an authentic texture to its portrayal of the cosmopolitan revolutionary milieu of 1871 Paris.
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