Watch Vladimir et Rosa

Vladimir et Rosa is a French film directed by Jean-Luc Godard, which was released in 1971. The movie is a political satire that takes on the polarizing ideologies and rhetoric of the left and right during the turbulent times of the Cold War. The film is a loose adaptation of the play Armageddon, written by Rene Kalisky, which follows the story of a political activist couple who are both named after revolutionary figures - Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and Rosa Luxemburg. The movie centers around a series of conversations and debates between the characters, with topics ranging from Marxist theory to sexual liberation.

Yves Afonso plays the role of Vladimir, a Marxist intellectual who works as a sanitation worker in Paris. Despite his day job, Vladimir is invested in the world of leftist revolutionary politics and spends his free time attending meetings and organizing protests. Juliet Berto plays the role of Rosa, Vladimir's partner, who is a free-spirited artist and feminist activist. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with in the political circles of Paris.

The film is shot in Godard's signature style, with long takes, jump cuts, and fragmented narratives. The dialogue is often philosophical and dense, with characters quoting famous writers and thinkers such as Mao Zedong and Karl Marx. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with bold colors and stark black-and-white shots that add to the film's overall sense of political urgency.

Despite its heavy political themes, Vladimir et Rosa also features moments of humor and playfulness. At one point, the characters perform a musical number, and there are several scenes that break the fourth wall, with characters addressing the audience directly.

Overall, Vladimir et Rosa is a challenging and thought-provoking film that tackles complex philosophical ideas while also staying grounded in the real-world political struggles of its time. Its unapologetic approach to leftist politics may turn off some viewers, but those willing to engage with its ideas will find much to admire in its boldness and creativity.

Vladimir et Rosa is a 1971 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.