
Movie spotlight
The Absurd Brave
The arrest and execution of the head of the outlawed Five Flower sect leaves his four offspring thirsty for revenge! But none of his children are more bloodthirsty than his eldest daughter. She leads her siblings on a murderous trail of vengeance, as they assassinate all of the officials involved in their father's execution, including the local governor. Chaos and lawlessness follow in their bloody wake. Somehow, Wu Liang, the governor's grown son, escapes the murderous wrath of the Five Flowers and finds his way to Master Ou, the absurdly deadly master of the martial arts. Can young Wu avenge his father and protect the public from the deadly Five Flowers when Master Ou treats the whole affair as a game? Find out in this wuxia classic!
Insights
Plot Summary
This avant-garde film, a fragmented exploration of revolutionary ideals and counter-culture, follows a group of young people in Paris as they navigate political activism, existential questioning, and their relationships. Through a series of often non-linear and surreal vignettes, the narrative delves into their search for meaning and authenticity in a rapidly changing world. The film is characterized by its experimental style, breaking the fourth wall and incorporating documentary-like elements.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'The Absurd Brave' was met with a polarized reception, characteristic of Godard's more experimental works. Critics were divided between those who lauded its innovative filmmaking and its bold political statements, and those who found its narrative structure and thematic density challenging and inaccessible. Audiences were similarly split, with some embracing its radical approach and others dismissing it as overly abstract.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its daring cinematic language and unflinching portrayal of youthful rebellion.
Criticized for its perceived obscurity and lack of conventional narrative coherence.
Seen as a significant, albeit challenging, artifact of its socio-political era.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'The Absurd Brave' are scarce, but those available often highlight its experimental nature, with some appreciating its intellectual depth and unique style, while others found it difficult to follow and too politically charged.
Fun Fact
The film's production was highly improvisational, with Godard often filming scenes based on immediate inspiration and the evolving political climate of Paris in 1968, the year it was largely conceived and shot.
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