Movie spotlight
1958: Those Who Said No
On October 4, 2018, France celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Fifth Republic. It is a republic born in the throes of the Algerian War and one which—from the day it was founded by General de Gaulle until the presidency of a very Jupiterian Emmanuel Macron—has been assailed as a “Republican monarchy” by partisans of a more assertive parliamentarian state. By revisiting the struggle of those who dared oppose the new regime — only to suffer a crushing defeat on September 28, 1958, when they were barely able to garner 20% of the vote against the constitutional text — this film shines a powerful new light on the origins of the Fifth Republic and its consequences for the next 60 years. It is a constitutional debate that planted the seeds for a complete upheaval of the French political landscape, on the left in particular, and set the country in motion toward what would be called the Union of the Left.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the pivotal moments of May 1958 in Algeria, exploring the crisis that led to the end of the Fourth Republic in France. It examines the complex political landscape, the actions of key figures, and the differing perspectives surrounding the events that brought Charles de Gaulle back to power. The film questions the motivations and decisions made during this tumultuous period.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed to positive reception, with critics generally praising its historical exploration and the insights provided by the featured intellectuals and archival footage. Some found the narrative to be dense, while others appreciated its thoroughness in dissecting a critical juncture in French history.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its detailed examination of the Algerian crisis and its impact on French politics.
Appreciated for the participation of prominent intellectuals offering varied viewpoints.
Some viewers found the documentary's pacing and intellectual depth challenging.
Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not widely available for this documentary, making it difficult to summarize specific likes or dislikes.
Fun Fact
The documentary features interviews with prominent French intellectuals and historians, providing a multi-faceted perspective on the events of May 1958.
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