

Dirty Hands
The story is set in Illyria, fictional central European country, towards the end of World War II. A young man infiltrates into the house of a left-wing politician as his secretary. By order of the Communist party, the young man has to kill the politician, who is suspected of a strategy of compromise with other parties.
Insights
Plot Summary
Based on the true story of an anarchist group in Geneva during the early 20th century, the film follows the complex and ultimately tragic events surrounding their planned assassination of a wealthy industrialist. The narrative delves into the ideological clashes, personal relationships, and mounting paranoia within the group as their mission draws nearer. It explores the motivations behind their radical actions and the profound consequences that ensue.
Critical Reception
Dirty Hands received a mixed-to-positive reception from critics, who often praised its historical scope and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Depardieu and Deneuve. Some reviews noted the film's deliberate pacing and philosophical undertones, while others found it occasionally heavy-handed in its portrayal of political extremism. Audiences were generally divided, with some appreciating the historical drama and others finding the subject matter bleak.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its ambitious portrayal of anarchist history and strong lead performances.
- Some critics found the pacing slow and the political themes somewhat didactic.
- The film's tragic exploration of idealism and its consequences resonated with a portion of the audience.
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Fun Fact
The film is an adaptation of 'Les Mains sales' (Dirty Hands), a 1948 play by Jean-Paul Sartre, which itself was inspired by real anarchist events in Geneva.
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