"Socialist Realism" (original title: "El Realismo Socialista") is a 2023 Chilean film directed by Raúl Ruiz and Valeria Sarmiento. Initially shot between 1972 and 1973 by Raúl Ruiz, the project was left unfinished due to the 1973 Chilean coup d'état. In 2023, Valeria Sarmiento, Ruiz's widow and long-time collaborator, completed the film, which offers a satirical portrayal of President Salvador Allende's Popular Unity process leading up to the coup.
San Sebastián Festival
About the Movie:
"Socialist Realism" presents a series of interconnected stories that juxtapose the lives of workers, intellectuals, and the petite bourgeoisie during a tumultuous period in Chile's history. The film critically examines the ideological fervor and internal conflicts within the leftist movements of the time, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of revolutionary aspirations.
Themes:
Political Satire: The film employs satire to critique the political dynamics and ideological zeal of Chile's leftist movements prior to the 1973 coup.
Class Struggle: It explores the tensions between different social classes, including workers, intellectuals, and the bourgeoisie, during a period of political upheaval.
Revolutionary Idealism vs. Reality: The narrative delves into the disparities between revolutionary ideals and the practical challenges of implementing social change.
Critical Reception:
The film has been noted for its sardonic portrayal of political doctrine and its reflection on Chilean society during a pivotal historical moment. Critics have highlighted its relevance in understanding the complexities of the leftist movements and the societal dynamics leading up to the 1973 coup.
Reviews on Cinema Sites:
MUBI: The film holds an 8.5/10 rating based on 312 ratings, indicating strong appreciation among viewers.
Letterboxd: Users have given the film an average rating of 3.6 out of 5, reflecting generally positive reception.
Production Company:
Poetastros
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070596/
Link Review: https://variety.com/2023/film/global/raul-ruiz-socialist-realism-san-sebastian-1235733363/
About movie: https://poetastros.com/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/br/filme/o-realismo-socialista (Brazil), https://www.justwatch.com/mx/pelicula/el-realismo-socialista (Mexico), https://www.justwatch.com/co/pelicula/el-realismo-socialista (Columbia), https://www.justwatch.com/ar/pelicula/el-realismo-socialista (Argentina)