The Great Terror (1941) Review in 2025
The Great Terror is a 1941 British drama film directed by John Baxter, based on the novel of the same name by Arthur Koestler. The film tells the story of a group of intellectuals who are persecuted by the Soviet government during the Great Purge.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes and graphic content.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is worth watching for fans of drama and thriller genres, but it may not be suitable for all audiences due to mature themes and graphic content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows the story of a group of intellectuals who are accused of being enemies of the state and are subsequently arrested, tortured, and executed by the Soviet government. The film's protagonist, a young intellectual named Viktor, is forced to confess to crimes he did not commit and is eventually executed. The film ends with a sense of hopelessness and despair, as the Soviet government continues to persecute its citizens.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, but it feels a bit rushed and lacks depth. The film's themes of persecution and oppression are timely and relevant, but the execution could have been better.
acting7.00/10
The acting is generally good, but it feels a bit inconsistent at times. The supporting cast is particularly strong, but the lead actors feel a bit miscast.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-acted, but they feel a bit one-dimensional. The protagonist, Viktor, is particularly underdeveloped and lacks a clear motivation for his actions.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, but it feels a bit uninspired at times. The film's pacing is well-handled, but the camera work is a bit dull and lacks creativity.
cinematography6.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but it feels a bit dated. The black-and-white visuals are effective in conveying the film's themes, but they lack a bit of polish and finesse.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's themes of persecution and oppression are timely and relevant, and the acting is generally good.
Cons
The story feels a bit rushed and lacks depth, and the cinematography is a bit dated.
Notable Quotes
"The greatest terror is not the one that comes from outside, but the one that comes from within."
"We are not enemies of the state, we are its victims."
