Watch The System
- NR
- 1964
- 1 hr 33 min
-
6.5 (854)
The British film The System, released in 1964, is a poignant story of young love, betrayal, and the pleasures and pitfalls of sexual freedom. The film is directed by Michael Winner and stars Oliver Reed, Jane Merrow, and Barbara Ferris. The story revolves around a group of young adults who spend their summers holidaying in the scenic seaside resort of Brighton. The focal point of the story is Tony (Oliver Reed), a self-assured, free-spirited womanizer who lives life on his own terms. Tony is a playboy who believes in having no strings attached relationships with women, and he is loved and respected by all his male friends for his sexual exploits.
However, Tony's composure and confidence are shaken when he meets and falls for a beautiful, mysterious girl named Justine (Jane Merrow) at a party. Justine is different from the other girls Tony has been with before. She is smart, independent, and doesn't fall for Tony's usual charm. Tony tries to win her over, but Justine remains aloof and distant.
Meanwhile, Caroline (Barbara Ferris), a married woman, who is in an unhappy marriage with her rich, older husband, becomes infatuated with Tony. Caroline sees Tony as a free-spirited man who embodies everything her husband is not; he is young, carefree, and exciting. Caroline starts to pursue Tony relentlessly, but Tony is not interested in her advances and is solely focused on winning over Justine.
The film explores themes of love, sexuality, and morality in an open and honest way. The System was made in the early sixties, a time when sexual freedom was gaining popularity, and society was becoming more permissive towards relationships outside of marriage. The film reflects those social changes and shows a generation of young people experimenting with love, sex, and relationships.
The System is visually stunning, and the cinematography is breathtaking. The film was shot on location in Brighton, and the beach scenes are particularly beautiful. The film's soundtrack, which includes popular hits of the time, adds to the film's overall appeal.
Oliver Reed delivers a captivating performance as Tony, the charismatic and confident leading man. Reed's raw masculinity and charm are on full display in this film. Jane Merrow is equally impressive as Justine, the enigmatic leading lady. Merrow's performance is quiet and subtle, and she brings a sense of mystery to her character. Barbara Ferris, as Caroline, also gives a notable performance as a lonely, desperate woman trapped in a loveless marriage.
In conclusion, The System is a compelling drama that explores themes of love, sex, and morality. The film's stunning visuals, brilliant performances, and an engaging storyline make it a must-see for fans of British cinema. The System is a film that captures the zeitgeist of the early sixties and is still relevant today.
The System is a 1964 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.