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Movie spotlight

The square

Movie
21 min
English

The Square is a response to the events of early 2011 that became known as The Arab Spring. Confronting us with an array of reactions and impressions displaced from their original context, The Square asks us to reappraise our own relationship with dissent, democracy and revolution and responds to the increasing importance of online social networking sites to those demanding an alternative future for themselves and their country.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic66/100
Google Users73%
Director: Ruben ÖstlundGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

In "The Square," Christian, the respected curator of a contemporary art museum, finds himself in a precarious situation when a public appeal for a donation goes awry, leading to a series of chaotic and increasingly absurd events. As he navigates the world of avant-garde art and its often-pretentious patrons, Christian grapples with his own moral compass and the blurred lines between art, commerce, and social responsibility.

Critical Reception

Ruben Östlund's "The Square" received widespread critical acclaim for its sharp satire, bold themes, and unsettlingly humorous depiction of the contemporary art world and societal hypocrisy. Critics lauded its fearless exploration of complex issues and its ability to provoke thought and discomfort in equal measure, though some found its length and provocative nature challenging.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its incisive and often uncomfortable satire of the art world and modern society.

  • Applauded for its bold, provocative, and darkly comedic tone.

  • Noted for its ambitious scope and challenging, thought-provoking themes.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciate "The Square" for its intelligence and unique satirical approach to the art world, finding it thought-provoking and memorable, though some suggest it can be quite polarizing and intense.

Awards & Accolades

Palme d'Or at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Fun Fact

The film's iconic "ape man" performance, often cited as a highlight, was realized through the incredible physicality and dedication of performer Terry Notary, known for his work on motion capture for creatures in films like "The Hobbit" and "Planet of the Apes".

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