Cast
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Julian Glover
as Alexander Dubcek
Paul Chapman
as Zdenek Mlynar
Paul Hardwick
as Leonid Brezhnev
John Woodnutt
as Kosygin
Ray McAnally
as Smrkovsky
Ewan Hooper
as Cernik
Jeffrey Segal
as Kriegel
Hugh Morton
as Svoboda
Alan Tilvern
as Bilak
Anthony Langdon
as Sadovsky
Peter Schofield
as Kolder
Barrie Cookson
as Simon
Michael Cronin
as Spacek
Crew
Director
- Leslie Woodhead
Writer
- David Boulton
Producer
- Leslie Woodhead
- Eva Kolouchova
- David Boulton
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Invasion examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Leslie Woodhead brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1980, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Invasion took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1592 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Invasion shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Lives of Others, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Invasion offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Solaris and Sokolovo explore similar territory, Invasion stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 19, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 51m
