Manifesto (1988)
A darkly comic romantic farce from Dušan Makavejev, set in a deceptively tranquil European village hiding secrets, desire, and conspiracy.
Manifesto - Movie Information
- Original Title: Manifesto
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Dušan Makavejev
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 27, 1988 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: A Night of Love (US)
- Production Companies: The Cannon Group, Golan-Globus Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Manifesto - Plot
In a small European country, the king is scheduled to visit a small, quiet and "safe" village. It turns out that while the village may indeed be small, it's neither as quiet nor as safe as it's expected to be.
Manifesto - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the mischief brewing in this singular 1988 comedy.
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Manifesto - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Dušan Makavejev
Main Cast
- Camilla Søeberg
- Alfred Molina
- Simon Callow
- Eric Stoltz
- Gabrielle Anwar
- Lindsay Duncan
- Rade Šerbedžija
- Svetozar Cvetković
- Chris Haywood
- Patrick Godfrey
Writers
- Dušan Makavejev
Producers
- Menahem Golan
- Yoram Globus
Manifesto - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Manifesto?
The cast is a real treat. Camilla Søeberg leads as Svetlana Vargas, joined by Alfred Molina, Simon Callow, Eric Stoltz, Gabrielle Anwar, Lindsay Duncan, and Rade Šerbedžija. It's a wonderfully eclectic ensemble that brings this offbeat European village comedy to vivid, unpredictable life.
What is Manifesto about?
Manifesto is set in a seemingly sleepy European village bracing for a royal visit. Beneath the calm surface, the community is a hotbed of desire, conspiracy, and dark comedy. Director Dušan Makavejev weaves together romance and political satire in his signature irreverent, anarchic style.
Who directed Manifesto and what is his style?
Dušan Makavejev directed Manifesto. The Yugoslav filmmaker was celebrated for blending political provocation with eroticism and dark humor. His work consistently challenged social norms and cinematic conventions, and Manifesto is a prime example — playful on the surface, subversive at its core.
Is Manifesto based on a true story or book?
Manifesto is loosely inspired by "For a Night of Love," a short story by Émile Zola. Makavejev used Zola's tale as a springboard, transforming it into a satirical comedy set in an unnamed European country, infusing it with his own political and erotic sensibilities.
When was Manifesto released?
Manifesto was released in the United States on January 27, 1988. It was also known under the alternate title A Night of Love in the US market, a nod to the Émile Zola short story that loosely inspired the film's premise.
What genre is Manifesto?
Manifesto blends comedy, drama, and romance into something genuinely hard to categorize — which is very much the point. It's a darkly playful film that uses the trappings of farce and romantic intrigue to deliver sharp political satire, very much in keeping with Makavejev's distinctive filmmaking voice.
How long is Manifesto?
Manifesto runs for 96 minutes, or about 1 hour and 36 minutes. It's a compact, briskly paced film that packs a surprising amount of character, intrigue, and subversive humor into its runtime without ever overstaying its welcome.
What are some movies similar to Manifesto?
If you enjoyed Manifesto's mix of romance and offbeat comedy, you might also like What's Love Got to Do with It? (2023), Happiness for Beginners (2023), Which Brings Me to You (2023), or Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025) — all films that balance warmth, wit, and romantic charm.
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