J'Accuse

Interestingly, this film's version of the ending is quite different - less sanguine - than another existing version that is available in South America. The cleaning process and editing of this version is outstanding (contrary to the SA one). The main character is played to perfection by the great Belgian actor Victor Francen who litterally falls into a trance in the final sequence. Unforgettable.

I haven't viewed the movie in quite a while, but for people who HATE WAR, this is a "must have movie". As I recall, this movie was made in 1939 just before the beginning of WWII. If people had only taken the warning in this film seriously---there might never have been a WWII! At least Mr. Gance made a valiant effort to warn everybody! But, for us, maybe he's still warning us...about the NEXT war! The scene that sticks with you indelibly in your mind is when....(don't read this if you already intend to buy a copy....).........is when the dead soldiers from the previous war, WWI, arise from their graves en mass....marching, marching by the hundreds and thousands----30,40, 50 abreast----- onward and onward to "give a warning" to try to "give a warning" to mankind now living to stop another carnage...to stop another useless slaughter.....to stop another war. That scene of the "dead soldiers coming out of their graves and marching to give warning to mankind" will stay indelibly in your mind forever! Try to see this movie if you can. I have seen it for rent at online mailorder movie rental places which specialize in older films. (Another anti-war "messenger" was the songwriter and folk singer, Phil Ochs..and his wonderful song "I ain't a marchin' anymore"---get that on CD if you can find it.) Email:boland7214@aol.

A film by Gance before Napoleon and La Roue. Anti-war film made just after World War I ended, which was shocking at the time. Long but rewarding. Not as good as his next 2 films but worth a look. Mostly a love triangle that goes to places no Hollywood film would have dared back then or for a long time after.

Warning: This is Abel Gance’s remake of his own silent classic, “J’accuse,” from 1919, which I unreservedly award 5 stars. This one, thought up in a feverish,zealous, reverie Or Nightmare was .—todd gold