Julia
Julia

Movie spotlight

Julia

1977
Movie
117 min
English

At the behest of an old and dear friend, playwright Lillian Hellman undertakes a dangerous mission to smuggle funds into Nazi Germany.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users85%
Director: Fred ZinnemannGenres: Drama, War, Biography

Plot Summary

Julia tells the story of Lillian Hellman's return to Europe after World War II to reunite with her lifelong companion, the wealthy and aristocratic Julia. As their past is revealed through a series of flashbacks, it becomes clear that Julia was involved in dangerous anti-Nazi activities in occupied Europe, risking her life for the cause. Lillian grapples with her own complicated feelings and the immense bravery of her friend, ultimately finding inspiration in Julia's commitment to fighting fascism.

Critical Reception

Julia was critically acclaimed, particularly for its powerful performances by Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave, and its poignant exploration of friendship, courage, and political resistance. The film was lauded for its sensitive direction and its ability to weave a personal narrative into the larger context of historical events.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong lead performances, especially from Fonda and Redgrave.

  • Commended for its sensitive portrayal of an intense female friendship and political bravery.

  • Seen as a powerful anti-fascist statement set against a backdrop of personal history.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's emotional depth and the compelling dynamic between the two lead actresses, finding the story of courage and friendship inspiring.

Awards & Accolades

Vanessa Redgrave won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Jane Fonda was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film received a total of three Academy Award nominations.

Fun Fact

The film is based on a chapter from Lillian Hellman's memoirs, 'Pentimento,' which details her relationship with Julia and her involvement in anti-Nazi resistance.

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TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
tmdb76622195

tmdb76622195

The great filmmaker Fred Zinnemann, in the twilight of his career, proved he could still direct with the best of them. Jane Fonda plays writer Lillian Hellman. Hellman is living a quiet life with her lover, Dashiell Hammett (Jason Robards),...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Julia" and "Lillian" have been best friends since childhood. Even as time has passed, the two have stayed in touch and remained affectionate. The former (Vanessa Redgrave) has found herself in Germany in the 1930s and is determined to do w...

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